No price hike for revised Isuzu MU-X

ISUZU Ute Australia (IUA) has revealed its updated 2023 model year MU-X range and despite updated tech, trim and colours, the price remains unchanged from the 2022 range.

Opening at $48,900 before on-road costs for the LS-M 4x2 the MU-X line-up and tops out at $65,990 drive-away for the top-spec LS-T 4x4 under an introductory promotion (the usual price of a flagship MU-X is $67,400 before on-road costs).

Orders for an MY23 MU-X can be placed from December 1 this year and IUA says customers who have already placed an order for an MU-X that has not yet been delivered at that point will automatically be upgraded to the equivalent revised model at no extra cost.

Updates across all three trim grades – the LS-M, LS-U and LS-T across 4x2 and 4x4 models – include a “darker design aesthetic” offering a ‘magnetite’ finish covering front grille, LED rear combination lights and other exterior trim.

IUA says the latest MU-X is the highest specification vehicle it has ever produced, setting a new standard for the brand. 

A noteworthy tech upgrade is the addition of a tyre pressure monitoring system for LS-U and LS-T variants, both of which also receive a hands-free tailgate.

The automatic tailgate is activated by the key-holder simply walking towards it, or taking a step back. It is then shut via the hands-free tailgate sensor, or at the press of a button on the dash or keys. 

Updated wheel designs are applied across all three variants, the LS-M scoring new 17-inch silver alloys, the LS-U slightly larger 18-inch dark grey turbine alloys and the LS-T 20-inch machined two-tone alloys. 

Similarly new for MY23 is a Galaxy Blue Mica paint finish option available for all three variants, LS-U and LS-T models also getting the magnetite treatment inside the cab, across the dashboard and door trims.  

Another tech upgrade for this MU-X iteration is a system that automatically disables blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert when a trailer is hitched. Isuzu Ute Australia says that surveys have found close to half of Isuzu owners tow with their vehicle, prompting the updates.

However, the trailer-specific blind-spot monitoring calibrations that can be programmed into a Ford Everest make the Isuzu solution look rudimentary by comparison.

Power is still supplied by the venerable 3.0-litre 4JJ3, putting out 140kW/450Nm through a six-speed automatic, with either 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain options. 

Since its launch in August 2021, more than 12,000 units of the latest-generation MU-X have sold locally, and Isuzu Ute says the latest updates will further improve its appeal. 

“Since launch, the MU-X has received much adoration from customers as the versatile choice of families and travellers looking to tow and explore Australia. These updates will only broaden its appeal and cement its place as one of the top-choices in the segment,” said Isuzu Ute Australia managing director, Hiroyasu Sato.

“Similar to the 2023 D-Max stablemate – which it shares much of its DNA with – these updates have been  fuelled by customer feedback,  adding more value and features to an already value-packed vehicle, without the need of a price increase.

“In a market where some manufacturers have removed features to meet delivery time frames or increased pricing, we’ve worked closely with the factory to ensure we maintain the high-level of specification without compromise, which has been paramount in meeting customer expectations and delivering on our award-winning customer satisfaction.”

Metallic paint, as previously, incurs a $650 premium over the Mineral White standard colour, with seven options including the new Galaxy Blue Mica hue. 

Full 2023 MU-X specifications will be released in the coming months. 

2023 Isuzu MU-X pricing:

*excludes on-road costs

**introductory promotion (usual price is $67,400 + ORC)