Isuzu is about to unveil the facelifted 2025 MU-X, which is set to pave the way for plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology for the first time. Isuzu is one of the last mainstream carmakers to offer electrification in its lineup, so this will be a long-time coming for the brand usually known for offering robust, traditional, no-nonsense workhorses and rugged SUVs.
A teaser video has been let loose, giving us a preview of the facelifted exterior design. As you can kind of see, it’ll be an evolution of the current model and not a revolution, with lots of tweaks to enhance aero and to provide a pinched and more sweeping, modern theme.
In the teaser video above we get a sneak peak with a typical poorly-lit shot, with a mysterious light beam line rolled over the front end of the vehicle. Philippine-based auto website, Visor, has craftily freeze-framed as the beam of light rolls over the MU-X, and then pieced together every frame to reveal a pretty good idea of the new-look design.
What’s under the bonnet is the big question. Will Isuzu finally offer a hybrid, fully electric, or plug-in hybrid (PHEV)? Yes, but the question is, when?
Isuzu, like all carmakers, will have to navigate through tricky emissions laws hitting Australia, called the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which will start to roll out from January, 2025. They basically mean car brands have to reduce their overall showroom emissions or pay hefty penalties, which will no doubt be passed onto consumers; higher prices are expected for traditionally-powered models in the future.
According to our sources, Isuzu is working on a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain for the MU-X but it is not yet known if it will make it for the current generation, expected to last until about 2026-27, or enter with the next-gen model beyond that. Australia is behind with emissions standards, but the NVES setup will be fully in place by 2029. That’s not much time left for companies like Isuzu, that don’t already offer extremely low-emissions vehicles (EVs and PHEVs).
Ford is going to launch a plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger in 2025, which will offer an electric range of 45km. Our suspicions tell us to expect a similar range for the MU-X PHEV. The size of the battery for the Ranger is not yet known.
Also an unknown, the combustion engine. Will Isuzu use a diesel or petrol for the hybrid? Isuzu doesn’t currently offer a petrol engine in any of its vehicles (it only has the D-Max and MU-X), including overseas. This could mean a diesel PHEV.
Volvo was one of the first carmakers to offer a diesel plug-in hybrid back with the old V60 D6 from around 2012. It paired a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel with a 50kW electric motor for the rear axle. One option for Isuzu could be to pair its relatively new 1.9-litre turbo-diesel with an e-motor. The 1.9L does meet Euro 6 emissions standards as well, unlike the 3.0L unit which passes only Euro 5.
The 1.9L unit produces 110kW and 350Nm. An electric motor for a modern PHEV typically produces around 70-90kW and 160-180Nm, which could translate to an overall output of around 190-210kW and 510-530Nm. This should be enough to help maintain a maximum towing capacity of 3500kg.
Another option is of course a fully electric MU-X. Isuzu is expected to launch that as well, but likely with the next-generation model beyond 2026-ish. Isuzu announced last year that it is going to introduce a fully electric D-Max in Norway in 2025.
No specifications have been released on the EV ute just yet, but we’d expect a similar package for the MU-X. Isuzu isn’t a big producer of EVs and doesn’t have the luxury of being able to pick from a variety of existing EV packages, so sharing is likely to be the main option.
Alternatively, Isuzu could pair up and share with/from another company. We’ve seen this before obviously, with the current D-Max sharing much of its hardware with the Mazda BT-50 to help spread development costs. And before that, Isuzu shared platforms with GM and Holden products.
Getting back to the 2025 facelift, the interior is likely to welcome a new circa-12-inch touch-screen system to meet the current segment standards, offering remote connectivity like Hyundai’s Bluelink and Ford’s FordPass, while offering the all-important shift to a volume knob like on the updated D-Max.
At the moment the D-Max, which shares underpinnings with the MU-X, uses a 9.0-inch screen. It was updated for the 2024 model, however, we think Isuzu will do better for the MU-X as it is a more family-focused SUV rather than an outright workhorse.
Lastly, the 2025 MU-X is set to continue to offer rugged off-road performance. Extending on the Rough Terrain Mode traction control system, Isuzu could introduce a system to increase suspension flexibility, a bit like Jeep’s detaching front sway bar system and Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS).
This could be part of a more rugged variant offering. Isuzu has, so far, only offered three main trim lines and all are pretty similar in terms of hardware. A sporty RS variant is on the way though, at least for some markets, as depicted by the teaser video. This so-called RS could be the one to feature extra-rugged off-road gear.
According to Carscoops, a full debut is set to take place on June 12. An Australian launch is not likely until much later in the year or next year. Stay tuned for more details.
