2025 Isuzu MU-X facelift revealed, expected in Australia next year
The Isuzu MU-X has followed its D-Max ute sibling with a new look, updated interior – including a volume dial – and improved safety features.
The facelifted 2025 Isuzu MU-X has been unveiled in Thailand – with a new look and technology from its Isuzu D-Max ute relative – ahead of an Australian arrival expected early next year.
The Isuzu MU-X seven-seat 4WD has inherited the updates applied to its D-Max sibling in Thailand last year – and in Australia earlier this year – to help keep it fresh against newer competitors including the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado.
Information and images released by Isuzu in Thailand show the MU-X wears restyled front and rear fascias with new headlights, tail-lights and front grille, an updated interior with volume and tuning dials for the infotainment screen, and new safety features.
Australian showroom arrivals for the facelifted MU-X are expected to begin in early 2025, given the updated D-Max went on sale locally seven months after it was introduced in Thailand.
Prices are expected to cover any new features or increases in standard equipment. The current MU-X is priced from $47,400 plus on-road costs.
The top-of-the-range MU-X LS-T 4x4 continues to be $67,990 drive-away, subsidised by Isuzu Ute Australia head office which slashes thousands off the regular price.
Isuzu Thailand has not announced any changes to the 1.9-litre and 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engines, as with the most recent update for the D-Max.
New on the outside of the MU-X is a restyled front fascia with new headlights, a larger grille with chrome bars on some models, and more angular air intakes.
There are new arrow-shaped tail-lights connected across the tailgate by a strip of black trim, and – although it may not look like it – subtly revised wheel designs.
Thai customers are offered a sportier RS model, with black trim, wheel-arch flares, roof and bumper inserts, plus, a mesh grille, unique 20-inch black wheels, and green-accented RS badging. It remains to be seen if this comes to Australia.
Inside, the MU-X has mirrored the D-Max in adopting an updated 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with dials for volume and radio tuning – rather than the current model's fiddly buttons.
However, Isuzu has replaced the physical switches for home, phone controls, back and other functions with touch-sensitive controls.
Wireless Android Auto is now supported – alongside carry-over wireless Apple CarPlay – and the screen is expected to come with updated graphics and menus. RS models in Thailand also have red ambient lighting in the doors.
There is a new 7.0-inch instrument display – with downsized analogue dials – ahead of the driver on top-of-the-range models, compared to a 4.2-inch screen in the current MU-X.
Other interior changes include USB-C ports replacing USB-A, and "new design" seat cushions now available in an ivory leather material named 'Truffle Brown'.
Safety has seen improvements with an updated rear cross-traffic alert system that can now brake for obstacles – rather than simply detect, and warn the driver of them – as well as a new 360-degree camera with a 'transparent bonnet' view.
New in Thai models is electric power steering, as well as lane-keep assist and lane-centring assist driver aids – but these were already all fitted to Australian examples.
The 1.9-litre (110kW/350Nm) and 3.0-litre (140kW/450Nm) single-turbo diesel engines are unchanged with the facelift, expected to remain matched with a six-speed automatic transmission, and choice of rear- or four-wheel drive in Australia.
The Isuzu MU-X is now at the midpoint of what is expected to be a seven or eight-year model cycle – based on the timing of this update, and the current generation's Thai launch in 2020.
The update will need to keep it fresh against the Ford Everest – which entered a new generation two years ago – and the Toyota Prado, the new version of which is due imminently.
A new-generation Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is due in Australia in 2025 or 2026, while a new Toyota Fortuner is likely to follow the next-generation HiLux ute expected at a similar time.
"The facelifted MU-X recently unveiled in Thailand on 12th June is a specification limited to vehicles produced for that market and subsequently we are not in a position to comment on that vehicle or market," an Isuzu Ute Australia spokesperson told Drive.
"We are also unable to share comment on future model plans, timings or specifications for future Australian spec vehicles. As soon as we have confirmed information, we will share this with the market."
