The refreshed Isuzu mu-X arrives in PH, price starts at Php 1.725M

Isuzu Philippines (IPC) is going big for its first launch for 2025 with the introduction of the refreshed mu-X midsize SUV, a couple of months after its initial reveal in Thailand in June 2024.

Its biggest update since the current generation’s local introduction in 2022, the D-MAX-based SUV gets a heavily-restyled exterior, new interior appointments, and a handful of tech and safety upgrades which should keep it competitive in the very crowded midsize pickup-based SUV category.

Let’s talk about the lineup first. For 2025, the Isuzu mu-X variant lineup remains the same and are as follows, together with their new prices:

• mu-X LS 4×2 A/T – Php 1,725,000
• mu-X LS-A 4×2 A/T – Php 2,069,000
• mu-X LS-E 4×2 A/T – Php 2,320,000
• mu-X LS-E 4×4 A/T – Php 2,670,000

As we saw in the Thai market, the refreshed Isuzu mu-X sports a completely new front fascia which Isuzu says is inspired by fighter jets. 

More aggressive styling cues dominate the exterior with a more angular front bumper, larger front grille, and new Dynamic Blade headlights. The side profile is largely similar except for a new set of alloy wheel designs ranging from 17- to 20-inches depending on the variant, while towards the back are new LED taillights with an arrow-shaped lighting signature.

Interior changes are more subtle but still count and are centered mostly on trim and features.

As before, LS 4×2 and LS-A 4×2 variants get fabric seats as standard, along with a locally-sourced 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android Auto. Meanwhile, the LS-E 4×2 and 4×4 variants gets leather seats, and new seven-inch digital instrument cluster. All variants still get a full black interior.

Under the hood, most of the lineup gets a 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. Output remains the same as before at 190 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque, still mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The entry-level LS also still gets the same 1.9-liter RZ4E four-cylinder turbodiesel that makes 150 horsepower and 350 Nm, also mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, IPC has decided to forego introducing the new 2.2-liter turbodiesel from the Thai market.

For those who want to take it off the beaten path, different Rough Terrain Modes are now included on the LS-E 4×4.

Just like the D-MAX, its advanced driver-assist system (ADAS) of the LS-E variants has been updated with a new stereoscopic camera which now allows it to have pedestrian detection. Reverse automatic braking and a built-in drive recorder has also been added to the list of safety features. These are on top of adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, turn assist, and blindspot monitoring.

With the refreshed Isuzu mu-X now on our shores, the midsize SUV competition will definitely become more interesting. If you’re curious to see it in the flesh, it’ll make its public debut at the upcoming 20th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) this coming April 10-13 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City.