Isuzu India has finally launched the BS6 compliant MU-X in the Indian market. The updated MU-X gets a smaller 1.9-litre diesel engine, which is the same as the one in the BS6 D-Max V-Cross. Let's find how, how does it compare against the SUVs that have been dominating the segment for some time now.
After being off the showroom floors for over a year, the Isuzu MU-X SUV has made a comeback in the BS6 avatar. While Isuzu has launched its flagship SUV in one variant, there are two drivetrains to choose from – 4x4 and 4x2. The 2021 MU-X will compete against the Toyota Fortuner – which was updated recently – and the Ford Endeavour. The aforementioned two SUVs have been dominating the segment. Other contenders in the segment include MG’s and Mahindra's flagship SUVs – the Gloster and Alturas G4, respectively.
Variants and Pricing
The Isuzu MU-X is offered in only one variant with two drivetrain options. The 4x2 model retails for Rs 33.23 lakh and the 4x4 MU-X costs 35.19 lakh. The Ford Endeavour, on the other hand, gets two variants – Titanium and Titanium Plus – and a Sport edition, which sits at the top of the variant list. The Ford Endeavour starts at Rs 29.99 lakh for the Titanium 4x2 variant and goes all the way up to Rs 36.25 lakh for the Sport 4x4 variant.
The Toyota Fortuner is the only full-size SUV in the segment to be offered with a petrol engine in two variants, which are priced at Rs 30.34 lakh (MT) and Rs 31.93 lakh (AT). However, we shall consider the prices of the diesel variants to keep the comparison fair, as the other SUVs here are exclusively offered with a diesel powertrain. The Toyota Fortuner diesel 4x2 manual transmission starts at Rs 32.84 lakh, while the highest 4x4 automatic variant is priced at Rs 37.79 lakh. The higher Legender model has been positioned above the Fortuner and costs Rs 38.30 lakh.
All the prices are ex-showroom.
Engine and Drivetrain
The Fortuner has the largest engine, while the Endeavour gets a slightly larger engine than the MU-X. As mentioned above, all the vehicles get an option of a 4x4 system and automatic transmission. The Toyota Fortuner gets different torque outputs for its manual and automatic variants. The Toyota Fortuner comes equipped with an electronic differential lock, which is quite effective in off-road situations. And an Auto-LSD (Limited Slip Differential) is standard in the 4x2 models of Fortuner.
| Isuzu MU-X | Toyota Fortuner | Ford Endeavour | |
| Engine displacement | 1898cc in-line four-cylinder | 2,755cc in-line four-cylinder | 1996cc in-line four-cylinder |
| Power | 160bhp at 3,600rpm | 201bhp between 3,000 and 3,400rpm | 172bhp at 3,500rpm |
| Torque | 320Nm between 2,000-2,500rpm | MT – 420Nm | 420Nm between 2,000 and 2,500rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed AT | 6-speed MT | 10-speed AT |
| Drivetrain | Optional 4x4 (with open diff) | Optional 4x4 with diff lock, Auto-LSD standard
| Optional 4x4 (with open diff) |
Safety and Features
The Isuzu MU-X gets six airbags, while the Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Endevaour get seven each. Hill-hold system, traction control, electronic stability control, and ABS with EBD are some common features amongst the three SUVs. ISO FIX child seat mounts are common as well. Ford and Toyota provide smartphone applications for car-connected features; however, the Isuzu Mu-X misses out on car-connected features as well as Android Auto and Apple Carplay.
Isuzu India has also launched the BS6 updated D-Max V-Cross in India, and the company has also introduced a new model, the Hi-Lander, which is essentially the more affordable version of the V-Cross.
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