If you want a large ladder frame SUV then the choices are less but the Isuzu MUX offers something different in standing out from the crowd- quite literally. The MUX has been available for a long time and we recently spent a month with it to see how it fits into the role of a family SUV. What strikes immediately at first glance is the huge size and the handsome styling. It is butch and the huge grille is a perfect fit with massive wheel arches too. It is a classic example of an old school huge SUV and it does have a lot of presence with being a clear highlight.
The size is similar to a Fortuner but lines are sharp and the front especially gets angular headlamps along with that grille which can swallow a small hatchback. Even the alloys are attractive. Needless to say it did turn a lot of heads during our drive. Inside too things were a little dissapointing in terms of the slightly old school design.
Getting in requires some serious climbing in even for tall persons and once inside, it feels tough and well built-even if being a bit old. There are piano black and soft touch bits across the cabin and the round air con controller is cool too. We like the leather lined bits for some important areas like the armrest and the door pads which adds a sense of being premium.
The touchscreen looks and feels old though with its very noughties layout along with missing out on a few gadgets including a panoramic sunroof that you would want in a SUV of this size. You do get a good rear view camera display, leather seats including a powered drivers seat and more though.
What is impressive is the space with a huge rear seat offering good cushioning and ample support for long drives plus good practicality while even the third row seats are better than others at this segment. The driving position is commanding and it seems you are piloting a battle ship plus the drivers seat is ample in terms of comfort as evident on a long 1000km drive, there was no fatigue.
The 3.0l diesel unit has long gone and stricter emissions has made a smaller 1.9l turbodiesel come with. the numbers are 163bhp and 360Nm with a 6-speed automatic on our test car. At low speeds, the MUX is noisy with a lot of diesel clatter and you will notice an old school steering which is heavy. Hence, driving it at slow speeds needs some effort along with parking this huge beast or taking U-turns. But, the engine gets better as the speeds increase and the automatic gearbox does a good enough job.
For city use, despite its large size, the excellent suspension and the way it towers over potholes is one key element which we enjoyed. For a body on frame SUV, the ride is excellent and it does not bounce so much plus it's composure is commendable. In the city, we got a mileage of about 12kmpl which is decent.
That said, the MUX is a beast that you enjoy on a long drive along with taking a different route with some off-roading. That's where the toughness shines through. On the highway, the engine has the grunt and it feels more stable than some other massive SUVs of its segment. The steering too gets much better as the speeds increase. Hence, you can effortlessly much miles and go over everywhere without a fuss. Offroad is another area that we liked as its suspension and it's toughness is shown here.
The MUX can take a beating and climb over anything that you throw at it. Wading depth is excellent and so are the approach/departure angles along with the engine having the pulling power. Slotting it in 4L, the MUX climbed over rocks pretty well and it's ground clearance posed no problems.
So, who is the MUX for? It isn't massively cheaper than a Fortuner but that isn't the point. After a month, I started to like the car a lot and that is due to its charm along with old-school appeal. It lacks the gadgets and the modern design elements while the diesel engine is noisy but the ride comfort and it's suspension is the best in its class and offroad it is great too. It's a comfortable big SUV for those who do loads of road trips and don't mind not getting all of the gadgets.
