2022 Isuzu MU-X: Our wish list of extra features for the first update, or sooner

The 2022 Isuzu MU-X is due in showrooms next month and the first all-new model in eight years has had a major makeover.

However as with all new cars, there is always room for improvement to keep pace with the competition.

Here is our wish list for the first update, or as running changes.

Favourites button

As with the new Isuzu D-Max, the new Isuzu MU-X has a full suite of advanced safety aids. 

However, if the Isuzu D-Max is any indication, some of the technology is a little over-zealous.

We’d like a favourites button on the steering wheel or dash so drivers can select their preferred settings in one touch.

Tyre pressure monitors

The top of the range Isuzu MU-X LST has tyre pressure monitors but this technology should be standard on all grades. 

It’s important for towing, off-roading, and cruising around the city and suburbs.

Volume and tuning dials

The large touchscreen for infotainment has buttons and a slider, plus there are buttons on the steering wheel.

But nothing is faster to respond or easier to find that a volume dial. The Toyota HiLux brought it back, which is especially helpful on bumpy roads.

Now it’s Isuzu’s turn to bring back more user-friendly volume and tuning dials.

Sensor key for the base model

The top two of the three model grades have a sensor key with push button start.

The base model has push button start, but you still have to press a button on the remote to lock and unlock the doors.

Surely the cost difference is negligible. You’ve come this far, Isuzu. Time to finish the job.

Front parking sensors

The top two of the three model grades have front and rear parking sensors.

The base has rear sensors but front sensors are not available.

Given that approximately one-third of driveway deaths are from SUVs and utes driving forward, front sensors would complete the otherwise impressive safety package.

Front sensors also help when parking in tight spots.

Nicer grille for the base model

Not everyone can afford (or wants) all the fancy features of the dearer models.

However, buyers still deserve to feel proud about their new car – even if their budget doesn't stretch as far as others.

So why make it obvious some buyers couldn't afford one of the dearer models by shaming them with a grille that appears purposely designed to look cheap alongside the others?

Wouldn't it be nice if the base model LS-M could adopt the grille from the mid-grade LS-U and flagship LS-T as a running change?

Extendable sun visors

This simple and relatively cheap feature appears on most Toyota four-wheel-drive wagons and Kia and Hyundai SUVs.

Extendable sun visors are especially handy at blocking side glare.

Given the massive price rises across the new Isuzu MU-X range, you reckon Isuzu might have enough spare change to spend a few bucks on better sun visors.

One-touch auto-up windows for all

Okay this is a personal preference and hardly a deal-breaker, but increasingly new cars are equipped with one-touch auto-up power windows for all four doors.

Only the driver gets this luxury in the new Isuzu MU-X. Again, given the price rises, Isuzu could have invested a few extra cents in pressure switches for all four door windows.

More power … in the cabin

Time for Isuzu to add 220V or 240V household power to the cabin, perhaps in the centre console (as per Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger).

It would be handy to charge a lap top or other small devices.

Cool seats

The top of the range Isuzu MU-X has heated leather seats but, in Australia at least, we need cooling more than our seats need heating.

Cooled seats please and thank you.

Chilled centre console

Top versions of the Toyota LandCruiser have a chilled centre console that’s so cold a drink of water with hurt your teeth.

The Toyota Hilux has a sort of okay chilled compartment above the glovebox. But we’d love it if Isuzu could find a way to deliver genuine centre console cooling in the ute-derived 4WD wagon category.

Drive-away prices

We’ve saved the easiest and the most important until last. And Isuzu could fix this at the stroke of a pen.

Isuzu has launched the new generation MU-X with a price of $63,990 drive-away, which is $2000 lower than the RRP before on-roads. In effect it’s a $5000 saving off full tilt.

However, Isuzu has put customers in the perverse situation where the mid-grade model could cost more than the flagship if the dealer charges full price, full dealer delivery and full on-road costs. Check our new versus old price comparison table here.

We reckon it’s unfair because it punishes the most loyal Isuzu customers who are among the first to line up to buy one.

Come on, Isuzu, if you can afford to sell the top model at $2000 less than RRP – but as a drive-away price – how about giving customers some certainty on the more affordable variants?

Why financially punish those who are most loyal to the brand?

MORE: Everything Isuzu