HomeCar NewsNew Isuzu MUX vs Toyota Fortuner - Which SUV should you buy?

New Isuzu MUX vs Toyota Fortuner – Which SUV should you buy?

2018 Isuzu MU-X was recently launched in India and it comes with several new features and upgrades. Facelifted Isuzu MUX is available in two trims, 4×2 and 4×4 variant, which are priced at Rs 26.27 lakh and Rs 28.23 lakh, respectively.

Isuzu is hopeful that the upgraded MU-X will win more hearts in India and successfully take on competitors such as Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavor and the upcoming XUV700 (Indianized SsangYong Rexton). Here’s a quick comparison between new 2018 Isuzu MU-X and Toyota Fortuner to understand which SUV would be a better option.

Design and styling – New Isuzu MU-X features a striking, eagle-inspired exterior that looks classy and domineering. It has flared wheel arches and 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, which give it a muscular profile. Other key features include Bi-LED Auto-levelling Projector Headlights with LED DRL, shark fin antenna, LED tail lights, and rear roof spoiler. Toyota Fortuner is designed to be a head-turner and it features an imposing grille, sharp Bi-Beam LED headlamps, surrounding chrome beltline, LED light guides with aero fins, and rugged, urban-cool alloy wheels.

Interiors – New Isuzu MU-X has dual-tone colour theme and features faux wood inserts. It has a twin-cockpit layout, which is designed in a way that allows both driver and front passenger to easily access all controls. 2018 MU-X has plenty of space on the inside and features soft leather seats and plush upholstery for superior comfort. Toyota Fortuner also has dual-tone colour theme and it has spacious and comfortable interiors. Cabin features dark brown leather seats, soft upholstery, woodgrain-patterned ornamentation and metallic accents.

Comfort and convenience – New Isuzu MU-X has 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 3D Electro-luminescent meters with Multi-Information Display (MID) & chrome rings. Other key features include climate control, dedicated cooling vents for all 3 rows, central locking with keyless entry, cruise control system, “Live Surround Sound” roof-mounted sound system with 8 speakers, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, and steering mounted controls. Toyota Fortuner has 7-inch infotainment system with SAT NAV, large TFT multi-information display, Optitron cool-blue combimeter with chrome accents and illumination control, automatic climate control, cruise control, tilt and telescopic steering column, and steering mounted controls.

Engine and transmission – Facelifted Isuzu MU-X has the same engine as earlier – the 2999cc, 3.0 litre turbo diesel, in-line 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve unit that delivers max power of 177 PS @ 3600 RPM and max torque of 380 Nm @ 1800 – 2800 RPM. Engine is mated to 5-speed automatic transmission. Isuzu MU-X comes in 4×2 and 4×4 variants and both are diesel powered. It does not have a petrol variant. Toyota Fortuner has both diesel and petrol variants and offers both manual and automatic transmission option. Petrol variant is powered by a 2694cc, 4-cylinder, DOHC, dual VVTi, 16 valve engine that delivers 166 PS @ 5200 RPM and 245 Nm @ 4000 RPM. Diesel variant has a 2755cc, 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve engine that delivers 177 PS @ 3400 RPM. Max torque for manual variant is 420 Nm whereas the automatic variant delivers 450 Nm.

Safety & Security – Both SUVs are designed to offer the most advanced safety and security features. New Isuzu MU-X has 6 airbags, emergency brake assist (EBA), electronic stability control (ESC), traction control system (TCS), hill start assist (HSA) hill descent control (HDC), ISOFIX child anchorages, high-tensile steel body construction, engine immobilizer, rear parking assist camera, anti-theft alarm system, and collapsible steering column. Toyota Fortuner comes with 7 airbags and it has most of the safety and security features as can be seen on the new MU-X.

Colour options – 2018 Isuzu MU-X is available in Cosmic Black Mica, Titanium Silver Metallic, Orchid Brown Mica, Silky White Pearl, Obsidian Gray Mica and Ruby Red Mica. Toyota Fortuner is available in Phantom Brown, Superwhite, Attitude Black, Avant-Garde Bronze, Grey Metallic, and Silver Metallic.

Mileage – New Isuzu MU-X gives a mileage of 13.8 kmpl. In comparison, Fortuner diesel manual and automatic variants give 14.24 kmpl and 12.9 kmpl, respectively. Fortuner petrol manual and automatic variants give 10.01 kmpl and 10.26 kmpl, respectively.

Pricing – Isuzu MU-X 4×2 variant is priced at Rs 26.27 lakh whereas the 4×4 variant is priced at Rs 28.23 lakh. Toyota Fortuner petrol manual variant is priced at Rs 27.23 lakh whereas the petrol automatic variant is priced at Rs 28.83 lakh. Diesel variants are priced in the range of Rs 29.22 lakh and Rs 32.93 lakh.

Verdict – Which one should you buy? – New Isuzu MU-X matches Toyota Fortuner in terms of design & styling, comfort & convenience and safety & security features. Facelifted Isuzu MU-X also has a powerful engine with a higher displacement rating than Fortuner. However, Fortuner delivers more torque than MU-X, even though both engines (diesel) have the same power output of 177 PS. Except the fact that new Isuzu MU-X is cheaper and does not offer petrol variant and manual transmission, both SUVs appear to be equally matched.

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