Face-lifted 2024 Isuzu MU-X 4x4 SUV Debuts In Thailand

Debuting in neighbouring Thailand earlier this week is the face-lifted 2024 Isuzu MU-X 4x4 SUV.

Unveiled earlier this week in the kingdom north of our border is the face-lifted 2024 Isuzu MU-X 4x4 SUV. Essentially, this is the full-bodied SUV twin to the D-Max pick-up truck, and this latest refresh mirrors much of what’s seen in said pick-up truck that was just launched locally not too long ago.

The front-end of the MU-X has been revised significantly, but the rear remains largely unchanged apart from its new trim connecting the taillights and smaller badge.

This mid-life refresh arrives four-years after the current second-generation (chassis code: RJ) MU-X model first debuted. Key design changes are evident with the new MU-X’s front fascia led by all-new headlights, grille, fog light surrounds, lower intake, and bumper.

The rear end remains largely unchanged, though the taillights are now connected by a new full-width trim running across the tailgate. Tweaked here too is the Isuzu badge – it’s now smaller than before. Altogether, these exterior changes are welcoming ones indeed.

On board, the face-lifted MU-X gains and upgraded 9-inch infotainment touchscreen whilst higher-end guises benefit with a larger new 7-inch digital instrument panel too. Cabin upholstery colour schemes have also been revised.

Changes continue on board with an updated 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, marking an upgrade from the 7-inch unit laced in its predecessor. Said upgrade even includes wireless Android Auto connectivity on top of the existing wireless Apple CarPlay function.

Drivers, on the other hand, are treated further with a new 7-inch digital instrument panel in higher-end variants, which replaces the previous version’s 4.2-inch central digital display scheme. Analogue clocks are still present, and flanks the larger new screen.

Other changes on board include updated cabin upholstery colourways. Crucially, what’s new here too are several active driver assistance (ADAS) features like rear cross-traffic assist with enhanced detection, surround-view camera, as well as lane-keep and lane-centering assist, amongst many.

Mechanically though, it’s business as usual here with Isuzu retaining both its tried and tested 1.9-litre and 3.0-litre turbo-diesel lump in this enhanced MU-X – the same as primed in its D-Max pick-up truck twin.

Notably, all variants sold in Thailand now come exclusively primed with 6-speed automatic transmission with no manual option in sight. What remains though is the choice between 4x2 and full-blown 4x4 driveline options, though this is also depends on which variant chosen.

There's also a sporty new RS range-topper featuring sporty black-out exterior and interior motifs.

Notable here too is a new RS trimline guise dressed with sporty black alloy wheels, black wheel arch extensions, black roof, black side-mirror caps, and a variant-specific grille mesh insert. This perhaps the full-bodied MU-X’s equivalent to the D-Max X-Terrain range-topper.

For now, the face-lifted 2024 Isuzu MU-X is confirmed for sale in the Thai market first. Australia is tipped to be next, whilst entry into other neighbouring markets in the region remains to be seen. As for Malaysia, the chances of this tasty new SUV making landfall is next to none.

Locally, Isuzu enjoys better success marketing the D-Max pick-up truck. Isuzu Malaysia last offered the MU-X in face-lifted first-generation form back in 2017 before quietly removing it from its line-up. The firm hasn’t offered a full-bodied SUV alternative to the D-Max locally since.