2018 Isuzu MU-X: Competition Check

Isuzu updated the MU-X SUV in India barely a year after introducing it in the country. The facelifted MU-X comes with a redesigned headlamps and bumpers, larger 18-inch wheels and added interior features as standard. The MU-X is Isuzu’s take on the full-size SUV segment which is already dominated by the likes of Fortuner and Endeavour. Here is a competition check to see how the updated MU-X fares against its adversaries on paper.

Toyota Fortuner

The biggest challenge for the MU-X in India comes from the segment leader, Toyota Fortuner. The flagship Toyota has been in the Indian market for ages now and has made a significant impact amongst the Indian SUV enthusiasts. The current model of the Fortuner is modern, efficient and better looking. The MU-X looks rather discreet, compared to the flamboyant looking Fortuner. The 3.0-litre in the MU-X produces firepower equal to the 2.8-litre of the Fortuner but offers five-speed AT instead of six-speed in the latter. The MU-X scores brownie points for the attractive pricing which undercuts the Fortuner’s price tag. Moreover, the Fortuner is in a need of an update since it has been in the market for two years already. 

Ford Endeavour

Ford introduced the all-new Endeavour back in 2016 with a brawny exterior paired with an upmarket and stylish cabin to keep up with the competition. It’s based on a new ladder frame chassis which adds to its decent off-road credentials as well. The Endeavour is powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder and 3.2-litre five-cylinder mill with six-speed AT. The MU-X does offer performance similar to the 2.2-litre variant, but it is no match to the full-blown 197bhp 3.2-litre variant of the Endeavour. The Endeavour garners a lot of road presence with its in-your-face styling, whereas even after the update, the Isuzu might be too understated for some people.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Mitsubishi has maintained their presence in the Indian market with the Pajero Sport. It is offered with a 2.5-litre power plant, and it also matches the MU-X in terms of power. The Mitsubishi seems like the most aged vehicle in this segment and given the shoddy after sales service, the Pajero Sport isn’t the first preference in this segment. Moreover, the Mitsubishi is also slightly more expensive than the updated MU-X. 

Honda CR-V

Honda has resurrected the CR-V in India with a new diesel heart and a seven-seater configuration. It looks more stylish compared to the older model and is also more upmarket compared to the MU-X. It offers a petrol engine option as well. However, compared to the 174bhp 3.0-litre oil burner in the Isuzu, the CR-V has a modest 1.6-litre producing 118bhp.  And the CR-V’s AWD variant is a lot more expensive as well. 

Skoda Kodiaq

Similar to the CR-V, the Kodiaq is an upmarket SUV. Available in a single trim, the Skoda is around Rs 5 lakhs more expensive than the MU-X. It also has lesser power output, but the Kodiaq offers plenty of modern luxury features such as nine airbags compared to six in the Isuzu. Nevertheless, the MU-X is dimensionally bigger than Kodiaq.