If you thought Isuzu’s go-anywhere, do-anything MU-X couldn’t get any better, you might want to sit down. For 2025, Isuzu Motors South Africa has given its adventure-ready SUV a comprehensive makeover that blends rugged practicality with a healthy dose of luxury, and just enough attitude to make a few rivals sweat.
Already well-regarded for its reliability, family-friendly comfort and workhorse diesel powertrains, the MY25 MU-X builds on that solid foundation with fresh styling, smarter tech, added safety and a brand-new flagship in the form of the Onyx XT. In a market where SUV buyers expect everything from cross-country capability to coffee-shop chic, this latest offering proves you don’t have to pick just one.
Tough never looked this good
Let’s start with the looks because, let’s be honest, first impressions matter. The MU-X has always had road presence, but the 2025 refresh turns up the volume.
There’s a completely redesigned front end with a more sculpted bumper, an all-new grille, a sharper headlight cluster with LED bi-beam tech, and a restyled Isuzu badge that means business. Fog lamps have shifted to a more prominent location, while daytime running lights add a modern edge. At the back, there’s a restyled bumper, tailgate tweaks, and new taillights linked by a tasteful trim garnish for a sportier vibe.
Wheel lovers rejoice – LS and LSE models now sit on freshly designed 18-inch alloys, while the Onyx XT rolls in like a VIP on 20-inch gloss black stunners. Two new colours – Biarritz Blue and Eiger Grey Metallic – bring the total palette to eight.
In other words, there’s now a shade to match every campsite, conference centre, or Karoo landscape.
If you’re the type who believes form should follow function, there’s plenty to appreciate here. The LED headlights and taillights don’t just look fancy – they improve visibility dramatically, especially during off-road night drives or misty Midlands mornings. The higher spec models also boast auto-levelling headlights and integrated LED turn signals that bring a subtle touch of modernity to this muscular machine.
Premium with purpose
Step inside, and it’s clear the MU-X wants to be more than just a workhorse. The dashboard has been reworked, the leather seat patterns refined, and there are new trim colours for the doors and armrests. The result? A cabin that feels more executive lounge than bush taxi.
Front and centre is a new nine-inch infotainment system with piano black accents and a simplified interface that’s both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-friendly. It goes without saying that Bluetooth, USB and wireless connectivity are baked in.
LS models still offer a trusty reverse camera, but the LSE and Onyx XT step it up with a new 360-degree camera system. Four high-def cameras deliver multiple views, including a slick underfloor angle perfect for dodging rocks or shopping trolleys. Dynamic guidelines and low-light enhancements round out the techy goodness.
Other comfort touches include improved seat cushioning, dual-zone climate control, and a whisper-quiet cabin thanks to additional sound-deadening around the firewall and wheel arches. For families with little ones, Isofix mounts remain standard in the second row, while third-row passengers now benefit from better ventilation and rear USB ports – because a flat tablet battery in the backseat is a recipe for mayhem.
Modern meets analogue
Behind the wheel, the MY25 MU-X welcomes you with a snazzy new seven-inch multi-info display (MID)… think electroluminescent colours, gold graphics, and a modernised binnacle. Analogue fans will be happy to see traditional dials for the rev counter and fuel, paired with a digital temperature gauge for clarity. The Onyx XT goes one step further with exclusive, red-accented graphics and a piano black-trimmed steering wheel.
The ride quality also gets a thumbs-up thanks to larger shock absorbers – smoothing out both potholes and gravel corrugations with equal ease.
The MU-X has always been about substance, and the 2025 model doesn’t stray from that. A hands-free power tailgate, follow-me-home headlights, and welcome lighting make daily use a breeze. There’s even a customisable welcome function that lets you adjust how long your MU-X lights up when unlocking remotely – a small touch that adds big smiles in dimly lit driveways.
Meet the boss
Topping the range is the Onyx XT – a 3.0-litre 4×4 model that channels all of Isuzu’s SUV DNA into one head-turning package. Think black-on-black exterior elements, exclusive paint finishes, gloss black roof rails, and bold Light Magnetite bumper accents.
Inside, it’s all about the details: red ambient lighting, white overhead LEDs, red contrast stitching on the seats, and unique MID graphics. Additional USB-C ports keep all rows charged, making it the ultimate family explorer with attitude.
If you’re the adventurous type, the Onyx XT’s full 4×4 capability, rear diff-lock, and 800mm wading depth mean it’s no stranger to rugged trails. Thanks to trailer sway control and a tow rating of up to 3 500kg (braked), it’s just as capable hauling the boat as it is handling muddy inclines.
Diesel done right
Two engines are available: the familiar and very capable 3.0-litre turbodiesel with 140kW and 450Nm (available in LS, LSE, and Onyx XT trim, in 4×2 and 4×4), and the smaller yet efficient 1.9-litre unit pushing out 110kW and 350Nm, only offered in entry-level LS trim. Both motors are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission for smooth and steady progress.
Fuel consumption figures remain respectable for a large SUV – expect an average of 7.6 to 8.3 litres/100km depending on model and drive configuration – giving you real-world range to tackle long-haul road trips with fewer stops and less fuss.
Adventure-ready and family-approved
Whether you’re taking on dirt roads to a hidden fly-fishing spot, towing the caravan to the coast, or just surviving the daily traffic gauntlet, the updated MU-X brings the goods. With enhanced comfort, sharper styling, and more tech than ever before, it’s a vehicle as ready for the school run as it is for a detour through Lesotho.
In short? It’s not just an SUV. It’s your family’s next big adventure on wheels – now with a darker, bolder edge.
Model line-up & pricing
• 1.9 Ddi MU-X LS 4×2 A/T: R752 300
• 3.0 Ddi MU-X LS 4×2 A/T: R852 600
• 3.0 Ddi MU-X LS 4×4 A/T: R939 500
• 3.0 Ddi MU-X LSE 4×2 A/T: R886 700
• 3.0 Ddi MU-X LSE 4×4 A/T: R973 700
• 3.0 Ddi MU-X ONYX XT 4×4 A/T: R1 026 800
*The MU-X range is sold with Isuzu’s standard 5-year/90 000km service plan, 5-year/120 000km warranty and roadside assistance, and 5-year/unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000km or 12 months.
