The 2025 Isuzu MU-X comes with a fresh facelift that includes exterior and interior revamp. The facelifted 2025 Isuzu MU-X has been unveiled in Thailand, showcasing a new look and technology borrowed 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.
New features and design changes are evident with the updated front and rear fascias, which include new headlights, tail-lights, and a front grille, along with an updated interior featuring volume and tuning dials for the infotainment screen. The MU-X also boasts new safety features. Australian showroom arrivals for the facelifted MU-X are expected to begin in early 2025, following the trend set by the updated D-Max, which went on sale locally seven months after its introduction 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 4×4 continues to be $67,990 drive-away, subsidised by Isuzu Ute Australia head office which slashes thousands off the regular price.
Engine and performance-wise, 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. The MU-X retains its 1.9-litre and 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engines, producing 110kW/350Nm and 140kW/450Nm respectively. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and come with the option of rear- or four-wheel drive.
The exterior changes include a restyled front fascia with new headlights, a larger grille with chrome bars on some models, and more angular air intakes. New arrow-shaped tail-lights connected across the tailgate by a strip of black trim and subtly revised wheel designs are also part of the facelift. Thai customers are offered a sportier RS model, with black trim, wheel-arch flares, roof and bumper inserts, a mesh grille, unique 20-inch black wheels, and green-accented RS badging. It remains to be seen if this comes to Australia.
Interior updates and features show that inside, the MU-X has mirrored the D-Max by 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’.
In terms of safety, 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-centering 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 a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive in Australia.
Looking ahead, 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.
To wrap up, Isuzu Ute Australia commented on the recent updates stating, “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. 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.”