2022 Isuzu MU-X price and specs: Drive-away prices rise by between $9000 and $15,000

Drive-away prices for the 2022 Isuzu MU-X are poised to rise by between $9000 and $15,000, marking the single biggest round of price increases in the 10-year history of the brand in Australia.

While recommended retail prices have risen by between $3700 and $10,800 from a year ago – and by between $2700 and $9800 in the lead-up to the new model arriving – these prices are before on-road costs are calculated, which typically add at least $3000 in stamp duty, registration, and dealer delivery fees.

Isuzu has capped the price rise on the dearest model in the range at $9000, with an introductory offer of $63,990 drive-away on the flagship Isuzu MU-X LS-T four-wheel-drive.

While the launch offer drive-away price is $2000 less than the RRP, executives for Isuzu Ute Australia – as well as dealers representing the brand who were contacted by CarAdvice – said they have been advised the same calculation will not be applied to the rest of the range.

Isuzu Ute Australia has advertised transparent drive-away prices across most of its model range for the better part of three years, but those deals are gone for time being.

It means Isuzu MU-X buyers will be obliged to rely on their negotiation skills when it comes to working out a price with the dealer.

Several Isuzu dealers contacted by CarAdvice said, to their knowledge, there are no drive-away deals on the rest of the 2022 Isuzu MU-X range – and they expect most examples will be sold at full retail prices due to ongoing supply restrictions and limited stock availability.

CarAdvice has compiled a table that lists the price changes when comparing new and old RRPs – and new and old drive-away prices.

With the exception of the $63,990 drive-away launch offer for the top of the range model, the drive-away prices in the table below have been calculated by adding $3000 to the RRP – a conservative estimate provided by numerous dealers.

Drive-away prices quoted to customers could be slightly higher or lower than these figures due to different stamp duty charges in each state, and varying dealer delivery fees, Isuzu dealer sources said.

“There won’t be any discounts, every one of these will go out at full freight,” one Isuzu dealer told CarAdvice on condition of anonymity because dealers are not permitted to comment on behalf of Isuzu. His comment was echoed by other dealers who were contacted to verify likely drive-away prices.

The head of sales for Isuzu Ute Australia, Ben Jaeger, told a media briefing: “We’re very mindful the vehicle has gone up in price, but we’re also quite confident that we’ve priced it very competitively against (rivals). The feedback from the (dealer) network and customers is very positive.”

When asked if the company expected most buyers of the new model would be “repeat customers” who have owned an Isuzu before, Mr Jaeger said: “We expect a high level of repeat ownership. The reputation and the ownership enjoyment the customers have with our vehicles is very strong, so we don’t see why that wouldn't translate to them going into the new model.”

As previously reported, the 2022 Isuzu MU-X is the most advanced vehicle from the company to date, armed with safety and technology features that were previously unavailable on Isuzu’s four-wheel-drive wagon.

While the previous model was popular with rural customers, holidaymakers, and off-road enthusiasts, Isuzu is hoping the new model will appeal to more city-slickers – particularly in metropolitan Sydney and Melbourne, where Isuzu has been under-represented versus other parts of the country.

“We haven't been as successful in larger urban areas,” said Mr Jaeger. “We feel as though this vehicle will have appeal to people in those areas, especially as safety and comfort levels have improved.” 

Headline changes include a full suite of advanced safety tech – and speed sign recognition cameras – and the flagship model has an oversized wheel-and-tyre combination better suited to city driving than rough off-road tracks.

However, Isuzu hasn’t turned its back on its roots, delivering a comparitively under-powered but under-stressed 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine (140kW/450Nm) that, combined with suspension changes, is now able to deliver class-leading 3500kg towing capacity in the MU-X. 

When towing at full capacity, the 2022 Isuzu MU-X’s payload is greatly diminished and can barely accomodate a couple and their luggage for a weekend getaway – let alone a whole family. 

However, when towing at the limit of most rivals – 3000kg – the Isuzu MU-X has the highest payload among its peers. CarAdvice has published a table in a separate story here.

Key highlights:

All three model grades come with bi-LED headlights (low and high beam) – and all 4WD variants now come standard with a rear differential lock – however the top two model grades gain more comfort and convenience items.

For example, the 2022 Isuzu MU-X in the LS-M model grade comes with a 7-inch infotainment system and single zone air-conditioning, with while the LS-U and LS-T model grades gain a 9-inch screen, embedded navigation, dual zone air-conditioning, a sensor key with push button start, and a power tailgate.

The wheel and tyre packages vary across all three models, stepping up from 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain rubber on the base model, to 18-inch and 20-inch wheels wrapped in highway terrain tyres on dearer models.

The flagship LS-T comes with leather accented upholstery, with power adjustment and heating for the front seats.

The model walk: All variants in the 2022 Isuzu MU-X range – starting with the LS-M – come with the following equipment.

The Isuzu MU-X LS-U gains:

The Isuzu MU-X LS-T gains:

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