Last Updated on 10/10/2025 by Team anadiorb

2026 Isuzu MU-X 2.2L: Australia’s Indestructible Family Adventurer Revived

The 2026 Isuzu MU-X 2.2L redefines what Aussies demand from a diesel SUV — smarter, smoother, and more resilient than ever. Read our complete review of its new engine, styling, interior, performance, off-road ability, safety, and real-world personality.

A New Era in an Old Legend

There is something romantic in the Australian SUV tale. It is dirty, rough, and likely has a trailer attached to the rear. Between outback camping spots and highway road stops, the Isuzu MU-X transcended mere vehicle status — it became part of the Australian terrain.

For decades, it’s been the no-frills workhorse of families who wanted something that would drive over corrugated roads, pull a boat to the river, or handle a soggy paddock without complaint. It didn’t sport posh badges and hint at luxury — it groaned reliability.

Now, in 2026, Isuzu has turned over a new leaf. The MU-X 2.2L comes not to usurp that spirit, but to polish it. Smaller engine, larger brains, sharper suit — but beneath, it’s still the same hard-nosed mate you can rely on when the road ends in dust.

The Evolution of Grit

Before we climb inside, let’s rewind. Isuzu’s SUV lineage stretches back decades — from troop carriers in the tropics to the bulletproof Trooper of the ’80s. The MU-X name itself landed in Australia over a decade ago, born from the D-Max ute’s bones. And it quickly earned its place as the SUV that doesn’t pretend — one that would rather get muddy than manicured.

The 2026 model is part of the third-generation refresh, and there’s more to it than a new face. It’s Isuzu’s response to the world’s constricting efficiency requirements and customers inquiring, “Can tough remain clever?”

Spoiler alert: yes, it can.

Design: Familiar Form, Sharper Focus

First impressions are that the MU-X continues to proudly sport its muscular posture. The bodywork seems to have been sculpted by work boots and wind tunnels — functional, clean, and self-assured.

The fresh grille sports a heavier chrome over-molding and the headlights now cut more aggressively into the fenders, presenting a bolder face without surrendering that utilitarian candor. Wheel openings continue to be bulging, suggesting off-road purpose, and the underbody skid plates still appear prepared for red-dirt work.

Isuzu has succeeded in making it appear more refined without making it a fashion accessory — like a tradie who traded steel-caps for suede shoes but still commutes to work in a ute.

Interior: Built to Last, Polished to Impress

Crawl in, and you’ll find something that seasoned MU-X owners may be astonished by — refinement. Not the sort that gives you a fear of scratching the dash, but the type that makes long distances actually relaxing.

The driving position still feels commanding, the view out exceptional, and all of it feels uncomfortably tight. You can sense that this cabin will endure years of dust, children, pets, and the odd coffee spill.

But it’s not spartan anymore. The new 9-inch infotainment system is smooth and easy to use, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now wireless on most trims. The climate controls are actual knobs (thank goodness), and higher trims include dual-zone climate, ambient lighting, and leather-accented seats that are comfortable yet resilient.

Storage room?Spacious. The second row folds, the third folds flat, and the boot is big enough to take a family holiday’s worth of luggage. In a market where SUVs are becoming soft suburban cruisers, the MU-X remains utilitarian and purpose-designed — just with a nicer soundtrack and finer materials.

Under the Bonnet: The New 2.2-Litre Diesel

The headlining act is the completely new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, a clever piece of kit set to close the gap between oomph and green credentials.

Producing around 120 kilowatts and 400 newton-metres of torque, it may not sound like headline material, but in the real world it delivers steady, confident pull through every gear. That’s because Isuzu paired it with a new Aisin 8-speed automatic gearbox — a gem that shifts seamlessly whether you’re crawling through traffic or overtaking on a country road.

It’s also quiet — nearly inappropriately so. Gone is that old diesel clatter, replaced by a low, purposeful thrum. And as a result of the inclusion of stop-start tech, the MU-X now drinks fuel at a rate of approximately 6.7 litres every 100 km, demonstrating you can still travel far without drinking like a V8.

This engine does not pursue thrills; it pursues horizons. It’s calibrated for endurance — whether that’s pulling 3.5 tonnes up the Bruce Highway or plodding through soft sand in the vicinity of Fraser Island.

On the Road: Composed and Confident

On bitumen, the MU-X feels planted and secure. The steering is reassuringly weighted, the suspension tuned for comfort without the float of older SUVs. It corners with more discipline than you’d expect from something this tall, and the 8-speed auto always seems to find the right ratio without fuss.

Around town, the smaller engine makes the big Isuzu surprisingly agile. You can zip through roundabouts and parking lots without the lumbering sensation of some big SUVs. And out on the highway, it settles into an easy cruise — 1,800 rpm at 100 km/h, engine scarcely whispering.

It’s not a performance SUV, but it never feels undercooked. The MU-X doesn’t pursue thrill; it provides confidence.

Off-Road: Designed for Real Terrain

Naturally, an Isuzu without grime between its tyres is like swag without a campfire. The 2026 MU-X still has stern off-road credentials:

Shift-on-the-fly 4WD system

Rear differential lock

800 mm wading depth

High approach and departure angles

Engage low range, and the MU-X becomes suburban hauler by day, outback hero by night. The lower engine’s torque band performs perfectly for controlled creeping, and the transmission’s low-gear calibration is just right.

This is not a “soft roader.” It’s the type of SUV that you can rely upon in the middle of nowhere, where phone reception ceases and character takes over.

Safety: Smarter, Sharper, Safer

Isuzu hasn’t cut corners when it comes to safeguarding. The IDAS suite (Isuzu Intelligent Driver Assistance System) adds an entire suite of active safety technology, including:

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)

Adaptive Cruise Control

Lane Keep Assist and Departure Warning

Blind Spot and Rear Cross-Traffic Alerts

Traffic Sign Recognition

Coupled with a sturdy ladder-frame body and seven airbags, it is no wonder the MU-X holds onto its 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

What is most impressive, though, is the ease with which these systems combine. They don’t intrude — they support. The adaptive cruise is smooth, not abrupt. The lane keep doesn’t jerk you around. It’s as if the MU-X understands that its driver appreciates confidence, not coddling.

Ownership and Reliability

If there’s one thing Isuzu is known for, it’s longevity. The MU-X is still supported by a 6-year / 150,000 km warranty, 7 years roadside assist, and capped-price servicing that ensures long-term expenses remain predictable.

And since the new 2.2 engine is derived from the company’s commercial diesel heritage, it’s been tested in hard conditions — heat, dust, towing, and abandonment. This isn’t new technology for technology’s sake; it’s an evolution of something tried and true.

What It Costs

Pricing in Australia begins from about $49,900 for the entry LS-M 4×2 and rises to just over $71,000 for the top-of-the-line LS-T 4×4. That’s not chicken feed, but when you factor in build quality, towing capacity, and seven-seat usability, it’s good value in a class dominated by badge inflation and soft-road hype.

The Verdict: Built for the Real Australia

After seven days at the wheel, it’s evident that the 2026 Isuzu MU-X 2.2L doesn’t scream for attention — it deserves it.

It’s the type of SUV that simply gets along and becomes part of your family’s narrative: the one that hauls bikes, trailers, pets, surfboards, and memories without hesitation. It’s not trying to outdo the competition; it’s outlasting it.

Isuzu has not simply constructed another SUV — they’ve perfected a blue-collar bruiser for a wiser, greener era. The MU-X 2.2L shows that evolution is better than revolution any day.