Isuzu MU-X VS BMW X1
Isuzu MU-X
Likes
- Packed with standard features
- Solid touring platform
- 4WD capability
Dislikes
- Firm suspension
- Some may not like the noise
- Need all-terrain tyres
BMW X1
Likes
- Spacious
- Great cabin storage
- Easy to drive
Dislikes
- Pricey
- Servicing on the expensive side
- Small fuel tank
Summary
Isuzu MU-X
It’s an age-old debate: Which is the best vehicle for 4WDing, a wagon or a ute?
In order to draw closer to a definitive answer, we’ve pitted two of Isuzu’s well-equipped and very popular top-shelf 3.0-litre 4WDs – the seven-seat MU-X in LS-T spec and the five-seat D-Max X-Terrain – against each other to find out.
On paper, this seems like it should be a close contest.Â
Read more about
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The D-Max has recently been given a mid-life facelift, replete with revised exterior styling as well as useful upgrades to its multimedia system, while the MU-X has received a more modest model-year update.
While the MU-X now has an entry-level 1.9-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine option, this test is focussed on the 3.0-litre version.
They are both well-equipped and have plenty to like, but which is the right one for you?
Read on.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.0L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Fuel Efficiency | 8L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
BMW X1
BMW’s X1 has changed. In a good way. Especially if you’re thinking about buying one as a family car.
Yep, last year the third-generation X1 arrived and after 13 years and three different attempts on a design, BMW has nailed it. And by ‘it’ I mean built a super practical and spacious small SUV that’s great to drive.Â
See, as a dad of two kids, when it comes to cars and my family ‘it’ means something totally different to what ‘it’ meant 10 years ago.
And that’s what this review is about: does the BMW X1, and specifically this xDrive20i M Sport variant we’ve tested here, make a good family car?
If you're thinking of buying it for your family then you need to read this and also consider the likes of Audi’s Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLB.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.0L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 7.2L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Verdict
Isuzu MU-X/10
The D-Max and the MU-X are two impressive 4WDs and both of them have plenty of appeal as daily drivers and touring platforms, but for slightly different reasons.
Both are evenly matched in terms of 4WD capability and have plenty to like in terms of driver-assist tech, standard features, and all-round driveability, but each has definite advantages and some minor trade-offs.
Which one is best for you? Well, that really depends on your lifestyle and your needs.
I like the seven-seat MU-X. It has plenty of appeal, but, for my money, I’d go for the D-Max. I use my vehicle for carrying loads – kayaks, surfboards, camping gear, and sometimes even building materials, furniture, rocks and rubbish – and a ute gives me extra versatility in terms of carrying onboard loads.
| Â | Isuzu D-Max | Isuzu MU-X |
| Price and features | 8 | 8 |
| Design | 7 | 7 |
| Practicality | 8 | 7 |
| Under the bonnet | 8 | 8 |
| Driving | 8 | 8 |
| Efficiency | 8 | 8 |
| Safety | 8 | 8 |
| Ownership | 8 | 8 |
| Score | 7.9 | 7.8 |
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BMW X17.8/10
This new BMW X1 feels like it's been built by a team of parents because it’s one of the most practical and easy to use small SUVs my family and I have ever lived with and, trust me, they’ve seen a lot of test cars come through the Berry garage.
We loved the roomy interior with high ceilings, the clever storage everywhere from the giant door pockets to the floating centre armrest up front and big boot for our pram.
Entry and exit is easy through the tall and wide doors, something my back was thankful for every time I had to put our baby into her car seat.
Driving is easy, with great visibility and the engine that comes in the xDrive20i M Sport makes this X1 sporty and fun to pilot, too. Â
The only drawback is the price, it's a bit expensive but at the same time you are getting a high-quality feeling SUV.
Design
Isuzu MU-X
The D-Max and MU-X have never been particularly boring or indeed exciting in the looks department, which is a bonus in an age where inoffensive is sales gold.
But after its latest refresh treatment, the D-Max now has a bigger grille, new headlights, three-tier LED tail-lights, and redesigned wheels over the previous version.
Distinctive ‘X’ branding is included here and there – inside and out – and that adds a low-key class to the X-Terrain.
The MU-X is, well, the MU-X. Which is to say it doesn’t drum up any strong feelings – love or hate – either way.
For specs nerds, of which I’m one, the D-Max X-Terrain is 5310mm long (with a 3125mm wheelbase), 1880mm wide, 1810mm high and has a listed kerb weight of 2170kg. It has a wheel track of 1570mm and a 12.5m turning circle.Â
The MU-X LS-T is 4850mm long (with a 2855mm wheelbase), 1880mm wide, 1825mm high and has a listed kerb weight of 2180kg. It has a wheel track of 1570mm and an 11.4m turning circle.Â
| Â | Isuzu D-Max | Isuzu MU-X |
| Score | 7 | 7 |
BMW X1
This current generation of X1 arrived in late 2022 and finally looked more like part of the BMW SUV family with tall and boxy styling rather than the sleek, but raised hatchback it seemed to be before.
My test car had 'M Portimao Blue' metallic paint - a flattering hue that showed off the X1’s lines as you can see in the images.
I like the X1’s oversized grille which suits the angry looking front bumper that comes with the M Sport inclusions, but balanced by pretty headlights.
Inside, the X1 xDrive20i M Sport is modern and minimalist in design. I like the floating centre armrest in between the driver and front passenger and the way it creates a feeling of more space and adds more storage.
The double screens are nice, but we’re seeing this same design and tech now in budget cars such as the Chery Omoda 5 and Haval H6. BMW needs to be even slicker and more stylish if it wants to maintain its edge. Â
If you like your SUVs sporty looking then check out the BMW X2, X4 and X6. These are coupe style SUVs (but with four doors).
Practicality
Isuzu MU-X
Not a lot separates these two vehicles in terms of functionality or comfort because they share essentially the same interior with only a few differences.
The X-Terrain does, however, pip the LS-T overall with a slightly more premium look and feel to the cabin. Subtle touches such as red stitching in the cabin trim enhance the interior’s quiet charm.
Both cabins have a pleasant, familiar feel about them and are easy spaces in which to swiftly get comfortable and to quickly figure out where all controls are. And it’s easy to use those controls.
The X-Terrain has a black leather-accented trim, but there are plenty of durable plastic surfaces to cope with the messiness of real life.
The MU-X also has a leather-accented trim, but the same, practical plastic surfaces are present.
Charging options are numerous throughout the cabins of both vehicles – a mix of USB-A, USB-C and 12V up front, and USB-A for the second row.
Storage places (in both vehicles) include recesses for your everyday carry gear, a suitably deep centre console , as well as dual cupholders up front, cupholders in the rear fold-down centre armrest and bottle holders in the doors.
There are also cupholders either side of the third row in the MU-X for passengers riding back there.
There’s one seemingly minor but noticeable difference between the operation of the 9.0-inch multimedia touchscreen systems.
The MU-X has physical button options to activate some functions (including to switch on the audio system, to adjust volume, access sat nav etc), while those functions and others are activated/adjusted via on-screen buttons in the D-Max. No big deal, but you may prefer one of those approaches.
The load spaces on offer are obviously also a big point of difference in these vehicles.
The D-Max has a tub and it is shielded by a manually-operated roller-shutter cover that can be partially or fully opened or closed.
The tub is 1495mm long, 1530mm wide (1122mm between the wheel arches) and 490mm deep.
It is a double-walled tub, with an under-rail tub liner, two cargo tie-down points and it has tailgate assist.
The roller cover offers at least some degree of security from thieves, and protection from the elements (rain, mud, snow etc), but the drum (in which the cover is stored when it is rolled open) does impact the packability of the load space.Â
Another option for D-Max owners is to get an Isuzu or aftermarket canopy, although that impacts the versatility of the load space because once it’s an enclosed area it makes it a bit more difficult to carry long and/or large loads in the tub.
The MU-X has the advantage here in terms of security and protection from the elements because its load space is fully enclosed from the factory.
The MU-X’s cargo area is 311 litres with all three rows in use; 1119 litres with the third row flat; and it’s 2138 litres with the second and third rows folded.
The rear cargo area has a cargo cover (so any potential crooks who look through your windows are unable to see your valuables), tie-down points and a 12V power outlet. There is a storage space under the rear cargo area floor and a tool storage space inside the driver’s side rear cargo wall.
| Â | Isuzu D-Max | Isuzu MU-X |
| Score | 8 | 8 |
BMW X1
My family found the X1 xDrive20i to be one of the most practical small SUVs we’ve lived with thanks to its spacious interior, clever cabin storage and plenty of convenient features.
I need to point out the door pockets - they’re the biggest I’ve ever seen. They’re more door buckets than pockets and super helpful over the week not just for bottles but for everything else that I needed to dump out of my own pockets and into them.
The floating centre armrest up front looks like an ironing board and has a tonne of storage underneath.
The wireless charging is handy but the holster is a bit un-user friendly in terms of access, but it held the phone tight and stopped it becoming a projectile when driving, which is what you want.
There are power outlets galore, too, proximity unlocking, and a gesture tailgate.
Legroom in the back is excellent and there’s so much headroom throughout.Â
The X1’s 540-litre boot capacity is excellent for the class and meant we could fit our baby’s big pram and the seven-year old’s scooter and still have room for the grocery shopping.
Price and features
Isuzu MU-X
Both of these vehicles – the 2024 D-Max X-Terrain dual-cab 4x4 and the 2024 MU-X LS-T 4x4 – have a drive-away price of $67,990, excluding on-road costs. However, each has an extensive list of accessories fitted.
This X-Terrain has an electronic brake controller ($896.05), premium paint ($695), a 12-pin plug ($393.25), rubber mats ($215.56) and a tow bar tongue ($215.05).
Accessories fitted at time of sale attract an accessory stamp duty of $86. With those extras onboard this D-Max has a price as tested of $70,490.91.
This MU-X has a tow bar kit ($1182.25), electronic brake controller ($896.05), premium paint ($695), a 12-pin plug ($393.25) and rubber mats ($249.65). With those accessories onboard and accessory stamp duty of $136.06 this MU-X has a price as tested of $71,542.26.
Standard features onboard both vehicles include a 9.0-inch multimedia touchscreen system with sat-nav, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, an eight-speaker sound system, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, remote engine start, smart entry and start and 20-inch machined-alloy wheels on 265/60R20 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres. This D-Max has 18-inch tyres.
Exterior paint choices on the X-Terrain include 'Basalt Black Mica', 'Mercury Silver Metallic', 'Mineral White', 'Neptune Blue', 'Obsidian Grey Mica', 'Magnetic Red Mica', 'Granite Grey Mica', 'Moonstone White Pearl' and 'Sunstone Orange Mica'.
Exterior paint jobs on the MU-X LS-T include 'Galaxy Blue Mica', 'Cobalt Blue Mica', 'Magnetic Red Mica', Basalt Black Mica, Obsidian Grey Mica, Mercury Silver Metallic, Moonstone White Pearl and Mineral White.
| Â | Isuzu D-Max | Isuzu MU-X |
| Score | 8 | 7 |
BMW X1
In the space of driving this SUV and writing this review the list price of the X1 xDrive20i M Sport has risen from $68,900 to $73,400.Â
That price hike was part of an increase across the model range and all grades now cost more, even the entry-level sDrive18i which is now 13K less than the xDrive20i M Sport.
But you’re paying for the more powerful, athletic and only all-wheel drive one in the X1 range.Â
You’re also getting loads of standard features in the xDrive20i M Sport.Â
There’s the 10.25-inch instrument display with three different styles for your speedo and other gauges, while flowing into that is the 10.7-inch media screen with sat nav, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and digital radio.Â
There are LED headlights, plus proximity unlocking, a head-up display, dual-zone climate control, a power tailgate, sports seats (the front ones are heated and power adjustable) and adaptive cruise control.
As the name suggests the xDrive20i M Sport is fitted with BMW M Sport goodies as standard. These include adaptive M Suspension, M leather steering wheel, M roof rails, M headliner and M interior trim.Â
My test car also had $8900 worth of options fitted including the sunroof, Harman Kardon stereo, the ‘Vernasca Black’ leather seats and 20-inch M light alloy multi-spoke wheels.
Is it good value? Well, you do get a lot of nice things here but at a $13,000 premium over the entry grade, plus the $3500 price jump in the past few weeks, I’d say the value isn’t great.
If you’re trying to keep the cost down, the sDrive18i is the budget pick.Â
Under the bonnet
Isuzu MU-X
Both of these vehicles have a 3.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine, producing 140kW at 3600rpm and 450Nm from 1600 to 2600rpm, matched to a six-speed auto.
This engine and auto combination forms part of a proven powertrain and while these two vehicles may be a bit sluggish in acceleration terms and may not be the most dynamic vehicles to drive, the D-Max and the MU-X have a real tractability about them that negates any other flaws.Â
They both have part-time 4WD, with high- and low-range. Driver-assist tech such as 'Rough Terrain' mode has been tweaked with the aim of making Isuzu 4WDs perform off-road even better than before.
| Â | Isuzu D-Max | Isuzu MU-X |
| Score | 8 | 8 |
BMW X1
The X1 xDrive20i M Sport has a more powerful engine than the grades below it in the range - it’s a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol, four-cylinder making 150kW and 300Nm.
A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission does the shifting for you.  Â
This is also the only all-wheel drive X1 currently in the range.
Efficiency
Isuzu MU-X
Official fuel consumption for this D-Max is 8.0L/100km on a combined cycle which rises to 8.3L/100km for this MU-X is.Â
Actual fuel consumption on this test, from pump to pump, was 9.8L/100km for the D-Max and 10.2L/100km for the MU-X.Â
The D-Max has a 76-litre fuel tank. So, going by those fuel consumption figures, you should be able to get a driving range of about 775km from a full tank.
The MU-X has an 80-litre fuel tank and using our real-world consumption figure you should be able to get a driving range of about 784km.
| Â | Isuzu D-Max | Isuzu MU-X |
| Score | 8 | 8 |
BMW X1
BMW says that after a combination of open and urban roads the X1 xDrive20i M Sport will use 7.4L/100km.
In my own testing my driving was mainly city and suburban, which uses quite a lot of fuel. We did dashes to birthday parties, the grocery shopping, school drop offs and all of it in busy traffic. Â
I recorded 8.9L/100km, but that’s not overly thirsty considering I was carrying two car seats with children, and all the gear that goes with them.Â
A small 45 litre tank means the xDrive 20i M Sport has a range of about 608km, which is on the shorter side.
Driving
Isuzu MU-X
These two are evenly matched in terms of drivability and off-road capability.
We spent the lion’s share of our test time off-road but these two vehicles are fine on sealed surfaces; easy to drive (albeit a bit sluggish) and suitably refined (albeit a bit noisy).
Both can feel a tad agricultural to steer about at times but, as I said before, that’s okay and part of the Isuzu charm.
But beyond satisfying any daily-driving requirements these vehicles are impressive 4WDs.
From the engine-and-auto pairing, through to driver-assist tech, physical dimensions and simply general all-round suitability, these two are naturals in most off-road environments.
The D-Max and MU-X have plenty of low- and mid-range torque but both also have quite firm suspension over gravel and dirt tracks at speed, and are rather noisy. Although, if you’ve spent any time in a diesel 4WD the tractable engine’s subdued clatter won’t bother you at all.
But there are some differences between the two in terms of their overall performance off-road.
The D-Max has had, through recent development phases, a recalibrated off-road traction control system that's been improved to be more precise and effective through challenging terrain.
But the D-Max now benefits from the introduction of what Isuzu calls Rough Terrain mode, which operates like a boosted off-road traction control, claimed to kick into action at a point of less wheel-spin than a standard off-road traction control system, transferring torque to the wheels that have the most traction, sooner rather than later. Rough Terrain mode debuted in the MU-X in 2021.
This is not a magic pill by itself, but it’s another handy addition to the D-Max’s already-substantial off-road toolbox that also includes a rear diff-lock.
The D-Max has a greater listed ground clearance (240mm) than the MU-X (235mm) but both vehicles have the same wading depth (800mm).Â
The D-Max is somewhat hamstrung by its longer wheelbase (3125mm compared to the MU-X’s 2855mm wheelbase) and it has shallower approach and departure angles (27.3 and 19.0, respectively) than the MU-X (29.2 and 26.4), but its ramp-over angle is greater (not by much) at 23.8 degrees vs 23.1.
The MU-X is more nimble than the D-Max on technically challenging 4WD tracks, with its shorter wheelbase and shorter overall body length (4850mm vs the D-Max’s 5310mm). Its turning circle is 11.4m compared to the D-Max’s 12.5m.
Those factors don’t take anything away from the D-Max’s efficacy off-road, it simply means this ute needs to be driven with more careful consideration than the wagon.
Often, the size and type of standard tyres on a top-shelf 4WD straight out of a showroom are not ideal for 4WDing and should be replaced if off-roading is on the new owner’s agenda anytime soon.
However, the tyres on this D-Max and MU-X – 265/60R18 Bridgestone Dueler 684II HT (Highway-Terrain) tyres on the D-Max and 265/50R20 Bridgestone Dueler HTs on the MU-X – are okay, but not really up to scratch if tough 4WDing is what you’ll be doing.
The D-Max’s 18-inch wheel-and-tyre package is at least a more 4WDing-friendly sizing than the MU-X’s 20-inch combo.
Replace the HT tyres with a decent set of all-terrain tyres and maybe consider getting rid of the standard suspension while you’re at it and switch in an aftermarket lift kit, just for the hell of it.
Both vehicles have full-sized spares and in terms of packability, the D-Max has a listed payload of 930kg, while payload in the MU-X is 620kg.
Both vehicles can legally tow 750kg (unbraked trailer) and 3500kg (braked).
| Â | Isuzu D-Max | Isuzu MU-X |
| Score | 8 | 8 |
BMW X1
Only a week before testing the X1 xDrive20i M Sport I’d been reviewing a BMW 330e and going from the 3 Series to the SUV was like changing my seating position from being in a bathtub to sitting on a bar stool.Â
Actually, the X1’s seat is far more comfortable than a stool and the refined quality is what you’d expect from BMW.
But compared to the low slung 330e the visibility and the upright driving angle of the X1 is very different.
It’s something you want in an SUV that puts practicality before performance.
As much as I liked the sporty sedan, as a dad I preferred being able to see better when parking in the X1, and this made life a lot easier.
Easy is a good word to describe what the X1 xDrive20i M Sport is like to drive - from that visibility to the light steering, comfortable ride and that great engine with all-wheel drive.
That 2.0-litre four-cylinder has more than enough grunt to run up the steep hills in my neighbourhood without struggling, the transmission is smooth and the all-wheel drive system adds a bit more reassurance in the wet weather.
All of this makes for an easy, enjoyable drive.Â
Safety
Isuzu MU-X
The D-Max and the MU-X both have the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating.
As standard they have AEB, eight airbags - dual front, curtain, side, driver's knee and far side (front centre) - and a comprehensive suite of driver-assist tech including 'Forward Collision Warning', 'Adaptive Cruise Control', 'Lane Departure Warning', a tyre-pressure monitoring system and a raft of other driver-assist tech.
| Â | Isuzu D-Max | Isuzu MU-X |
| Score | 8 | 8 |
BMW X1
The X1xDrive20i M Sport like all X1s scored the maximum five-star ANCAP rating in 2022.
A score of 88 per cent was given to child protection and the ANCAP report found that a 10-year old and six-year old in the second row had adequate to good protection in a front offset collision and a side impact.Â
For child seats there are two ISOFIX points and three top tether anchor mounts across the second row.
As you would expect from a model that’s hasn’t even been around a year yet, the X1 xDrive20i M Sport has the very latest in advanced safety tech.
There’s AEB which is operational from 5.0km/h to 210km/h and also works at road junctions. There’s lane keeping assistance, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert.Â
There are curtain airbags for front and rear passengers, a centre airbag for the driver and co-pilot along with frontal airbags plus side chest and side pelvis airbags.
Ownership
Isuzu MU-X
The D-Max and the MU-X have a six-year/150,000km warranty and seven years of roadside assistance. That warranty is okay in terms of years, but unlimited km would be a welcome sweetener.
Service intervals are scheduled for every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs soonest.
Capped price servicing covers the first five scheduled services for 24MY and later models (up to five years/75,000km - whichever occurs first) at a flat price of $449 for each service.
| Â | Isuzu D-Max | Isuzu MU-X |
| Score | 8 | 8 |
BMW X1
The X1 xDrive20i M Sport is covered by BMW’s five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.
A five-year/80,000km service plan through BMW will cost $2150. You’ll be looking to pay an average of $430 per service every 12 months.Â