By Malusi Msomi

We recently headed down to Cape Town — not just for the views and good coffee, but to sample the facelifted Isuzu MU-X, the brand’s premium, adventure-ready SUV. Now with sharper styling, upgraded tech, and enhanced safety across the range, it’s clear that Isuzu isn’t just aiming for off-road credibility anymore — it wants to look good doing it too.

Sharper outside, smarter inside

Leading the lineup is the new 3.0-litre ONYX XT 4×4, which adds a layer of exclusivity to the range. Think gloss black detailing, bold 20-inch wheels, red interior lighting, and the kind of curb presence that says: “Yes, I do know how to tow a boat and parallel park.”

But even if you skip the flagship, the rest of the range benefits from the nip-tuck. The refreshed face, slimmer headlights, and more sculpted bodywork give the MU-X a modern, muscular look — and dare we say, it’s closing the style gap on rivals like the Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner.

Inside the LSE: Smart, spacious, and subtly upgraded

We spent our drive time in the MU-X LSE 4×4, the mid-range trim that quietly does everything well. Inside, you’ll find a revamped dashboard, upgraded leather trim, and a cleaner, more tech-forward layout. A 9-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, and higher trims gain a new 360-degree camera system with underfloor view — perfect for avoiding those hidden rocks (or rogue mall curbs).

The cabin is roomy and practical, with seating for seven and boot space ranging from 311 litres with all seats up, to 1,850 litres when folded flat — ideal for everything from surfboards to weekend camping sprees.

Under the hood: Familiar but finessed

Engine options remain the same:

A 1.9-litre turbodiesel (110 kW)

A 3.0-litre turbodiesel (140 kW)

Both are paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, sending power to either the rear or all four wheels depending on spec.

What has changed is the ride. Suspension tweaks have paid off — the MU-X now feels more composed and comfortable over uneven surfaces. It’s still a tough, body-on-frame SUV, but it’s less jittery and more refined on tar. Highway cruising is impressively smooth for a vehicle this size, and off the beaten track, its 4×4 capability remains confident and robust.

Pricing:

1.9 Ddi MU-X LS 4×2 A/T – R752,300

3.0 Ddi MU-X LS 4×2 A/T – R852,600

3.0 Ddi MU-X LS 4×4 A/T – R939,500

3.0 Ddi MU-X LSE 4×2 A/T – R886,700

3.0 Ddi MU-X LSE 4×4 A/T – R973,700

3.0 Ddi MU-X ONYX XT 4×4 A/T – R1,026,800

First impressions

The updated MU-X still feels built to last, but now it’s more polished, better equipped, and easier to live with. Whether you’re tackling the school run or a mountain trail, it brings serious versatility to the table. It’s still the rugged Isuzu we know — just one that wears better shoes and talks tech at the dinner table.