Toyota Land Cruiser Prado VS Isuzu MU-X
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Likes
- Revamped design is refreshing
- Smooth on-road handling
- Upgraded tech is welcome
Dislikes
- Price tag is hard to swallow
- Frequent service intervals
- Heavy use of plastics
Isuzu MU-X
Likes
- On-road improvements
- Off-road capability
- Tractable engine
Dislikes
- Expensive
- Road-biased tyres
- Needs more running ground clearance
Summary
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
This is one of the most important models to come from Toyota in ages. You guessed it. It's the new LandCruiser Prado.
Why is it important? The Prado is now in its fifth generation and aside from some minor facelifts, it hasn't seen a proper update since 2009!
Toyota loves the 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' design ethos, and it usually works as their SUVs remain some of the most popular in Australia. But after 15 years, we deserved a new one and we're testing the base GX grade to find out if it's been worth the wait.
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- Toyota's most expensive model! 2025 Toyota Tundra Platinum added to 4WD pick-up range, but what's the price for this new Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado rival?
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.8L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Fuel Efficiency | 7.9L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Isuzu MU-X
The new Isuzu MU-X X-Terrain is the top-shelf variant in the recently facelifted MU-X line-up.
The X-Terrain is a seven-seat 4WD wagon and – as part of this new MU-X range – it has an updated chassis, a tweaked suspension set-up, some new safety tech and a recalibrated rough terrain mode (Isuzu’s off-road traction control system on steroids).
So, is this new MU-X grade worth your attention?
Read more about
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- Tough new 4WD hero for refreshed Isuzu MU-X that will take on the twin challenges of Ford Everest and Toyota Prado
- Isuzu D-Max 2025 review: Blade - Off-road test
Read on.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.0L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Fuel Efficiency | 8.3L/100km |
| Seating | 7 seats |
Verdict
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado8/10
The Toyota LandCruiser Prado GX showcases a massive improvement to the handling and styling of this popular 4WD. The base grade doesn't pretend it's anything other than entry-level but there is still enough charm and character here to satisfy a family long term. I also like the new technology.
So, has it been worth the wait? Yeah, I reckon it has but I hope we don’t have to wait another 15 years until we see something new!
Isuzu MU-X7.8/10
The MU-X has always had plenty of appeal as a daily driver – dependable, not dynamic – and it’s a proven 4WD wagon.
Some people don't like the noisy, sluggish engine, but I don't mind it because it delivers off-road.
There was already a lot to like about the seven-seater wagon in terms of its off-road capability, driver-assist tech, standard features, and simple all-round driveability, and the X-Terrain – which encompasses all of that AND adds some polish to the mix – is an impressive top-shelf addition to the MU-X line-up. Even if it's so pricey...
Design
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
When you compare the new Prado to its predecessor in terms of design it's chalk and cheese.
'Blocky' feels like an appropriate descriptor for its new shape but the retro elements help it avoid looking boxy. The car's LandCruiser roots are proudly showcased in the old-school style grille, triple LED headlights and narrowed body panelling. Gone are its softly curving wheel arches and rear-mounted spare wheel. It's a good looking 4WD.
If the outgoing model was considered the smaller child of the full-size LandCruiser 300 this is more like a teenage offspring.
Heading inside is a reminder that you're in a Toyota base grade as there are a lot of plasticky surfaces, including the steering wheel.
However, everything looks well built and there are no rattles. It helps that all the places you regularly lean on, like the middle console and armrests are soft to touch.
There is a military vibe going on with the design aesthetic and again, the word blocky comes to mind when you look at the almost vertical dashboard and chunky accent panels housing the climate control and air vents.
It looks a smidge basic at times but it's a pleasing cabin to spend any length of time in and that's commendable.
Isuzu MU-X
As I’ve said before, the MU-X has never been particularly exciting or boring in terms of design, just comfortably adopting a low-key, middle-of-the-road type design – sales gold, in other words.
But the X-Terrain has distinctive ‘X’ branding here and there – inside and out – and that adds a subtle class to this variant.
The X-Terrain is 4860mm long (with a 2855mm wheelbase), 1870mm wide (excluding mirrors), 1825mm high and has a listed kerb weight of 2195kg.
It has a wheel track of 1570mm and an 11.6m turning circle.Â
Our test vehicle has the exclusive X-Terrain paint – slate grey metallic – which matches well with the X badging, bigger grille design, new headlights, three-tier LED tail-lights, and redesigned wheels.
The interior strikes a stylish note as well with red stitching on the dash, centre console and leather-accented seat trim.
Practicality
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
The cabin of the new Prado delivers simple practicality. As it's a base grade, you don't get luxurious features like heated seats but you do get a functional space which will work for lots of families. Whether it's the all-weather floor mats, ample head- and legroom or easy-to-use technology.
Each row enjoys lots of space and despite it appearing narrow inside, you don't jostle your neighbour's elbow. The tightly woven and speckled fabric upholstery looks more durable than the predecessors velour-like trim.
Seat comfort is excellent in both rows due to the thick padding and side bolsters. The manual front seats are easy to set to a comfy position and while they lack adjustable lumbar support you won't be fatigued on a long journey.
Amenities are decent for a base grade with each row enjoying a couple of cupholders, drink holders, USB-C ports and a single 12-volt socket.
The front gets a third USB-C port for media access and an HDMI port. There's a 220-volt domestic outlet in the boot for larger appliance charging. The front row gets dual-zone climate control.
Individual storage is what you'd expect with a glove box that can hold an owner's manual and some tissues, a large middle console and a dedicated phone cradle.
You miss out on any 'clever' storage, though, like a sunglasses holder, drivers' knee cubby or shelving in the dashboard.
In the rear the storage burden is shouldered by two seatback map pockets and small storage bins.
My eight-year old enjoyed the back seat and the low window sills afford him a great view. Access is easy due to the side steps and multiple grab handles. You might still be helping in young children, though.
The boot is the biggest change as the side-hinged door has been replaced by a top-hinged tailgate. This is far more practical for car parks and small garages but you now notice the lack of powered assistance. The rear lid isn't particularly heavy but can be cumbersome to open when you have your hands full.
The boot offers a large 954L storage capacity behind the second row, expanding to a generous 1895 litres with all seats folded. But the level loading space has been raised to accommodate the 48-volt battery. This just means you'll need more lifting power to get bigger items in and out.
The updated 12.3-inch multimedia display looks great and the touchscreen is super responsive. Worth noting it runs the Lexus operating system which means menus are logically laid out and it's easy to use.
The 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster offers plenty of customisations and the information is easy to read. The wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are easy to connect to but you have built-in sat nav should you need it.
Isuzu MU-X
The interior has a pleasant, familiar and practical feel about it and this is an easy space in which to swiftly become comfortable.Â
Controls are easy to locate and operate and charging options are numerous – a mix of USB-A, USB-C and 12V up front, and USB-A for the second row.
Storage places 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 cupholders either side of the third row in the MU-X for passengers riding back there.
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).
Seats are adequately comfortable and supportive through all three rows – yes, even the third row is roomy enough to prevent whining from whoever is stuck back there.
The cargo area is 311 litres with all three rows in use, 1119L with the third row flat and 2138L with the second and third rows folded.
The rear cargo area has a cargo cover, tie-down points, a 12V power outlet, a storage space under the rear cargo area floor and a space for tools inside the driver’s side rear cargo wall.
Price and features
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
There are five grades available for the Toyota Prado and with the new design comes slightly higher price tags across the line-up. We're family testing the base GX grade which slides in at $72,500, before on-road costs.
This price tag positions it as the most expensive compared to its 4WD base-spec rivals, the Ford Everest Ambiente which sits at $59,240 (MSRP) and the Isuzu MU-X LS-M at $54,400 (MSRP).
The GX comes with a solid features list which includes much-needed updated technology by way of a 12.3-inch multimedia system (running the Lexus operating system), a 7.0-inch digital instrument panel, and five USB-C ports, two 12-volt sockets, a 220-volt domestic plug and, curiously, an HDMI port up front. Audio is a 10-speaker system.
Multimedia features built satellite navigation as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There's a 'Toyota Connected Services' app, where you can remotely access safety and security features as well as driving data. A one-year subscription to the app is included.
Practical items include fabric upholstery, all-weather floor mats, a full-size spare wheel, a towing kit, rain sensing wipers, dusk sensing LED headlights and keyless entry/start.
Isuzu MU-X
The MU-X X-Terrain 3.0L 4x4 is priced at $74,400 before on-road costs, or $73,990 drive-away for now.
Standard features include a 9.0-inch multimedia touchscreen system with sat-nav, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-speaker sound system, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat (four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat), remote engine start, smart entry and start, and 20-inch machined-alloy gloss-black wheels on 265/60R20 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres.
As part of the X-Terrain package, it has XT badging in the grille mesh, on fender and tailgate, leather-accented seats with red stitching, gloss-black fender flares and fender garnish.
It also has 265/50R20 highway terrain tyres, red ambient interior lighting with footwell lamp 360-degree, surround-view monitor, and a red-themed 7.0-inch multi-information-display.
Exterior paint jobs on the MU-X X-Terrain include four achromatic finishes: Moonstone White pearl, Mercury Silver metallic, Basalt Black mica and the new X-Terrain exclusive colour, Slate Grey metallic.Â
All premium paints (pearl, metallic and mica) cost an extra $695.Â
Under the bonnet
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
All new Prado grades share the same four-wheel drive set-up as the previous model but features a more efficient version of its 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The efficiency gain comes courtesy of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that assists with acceleration.
The engine produces up to 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque and that now supports a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity!
The new Prado has high- and low-range gearing, a rear diff lock and three different drive modes to suit most off-road occasions. All in all, it still has all of the capability you love and expect from a Prado.
Isuzu MU-X
The MU-X has a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, producing 140kW and 450Nm and it’s matched to a six-speed auto.
These form part of a proven powertrain and while the MU-X may not be the most dynamic vehicle to drive – it’s acceleration is sluggish rather than punchy – it has a real tractability that nullifies any other niggles.
It has part-time 4WD, with high- and low-range as well as various drive modes, rough terrain mode, and a rear diff lock.
Efficiency
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
For such a large SUV, the Prado has a low combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel consumption figure of 7.6L/100km and based on its 110-litre tank, theoretical driving range is around 1450km. Which is great for a family car, especially one you can take off-road and do big trips in.
After doing one longer road trip and lots of urban diving my average popped out at 8.5L/100km. Which is pretty darn good for a big SUV and equates to real-world range of close to 1300km.
Isuzu MU-X
Official fuel consumption for this MU-X is 8.3L/100km and that's on a combined cycle.Â
On this test I recorded 10.2L/100km. I did a lot of high and low-range four-wheel driving, so that fuel consumption is not too shabby.
The MU-X has an 80-litre fuel tank, so going by my on-test fuel consumption figures you could reasonably expect a driving range of about 784km from a full tank.Â
Driving
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
I was just in the Prado’s luxury Lexus GX 550 cousin, which takes the crown for the smoothest 4WD I’ve driven lately but the GX is managing to nip at its coat tails because it has lost the truckiness of its predecessor.
The turbo-diesel engine manages to rumble nicely without any shudders to the frame. Power is delivered without fuss and there is a deep well of performance to dip into when you need it.
The steering is far more responsive than the predecessor's but doesn’t feel heavy or stiff, which I like. Coupled with its narrow frame and 12m turning circle, it’s an easy SUV to drive in the city.
The transmission feels more willing and shifts through its gears smoothly. The suspension is not as soft as it used to be but I like road feedback as a driver and you never wince when you go over a bump. So I wouldn't call it too stiff, either.
There is a bit of cabin noise from the engine and road at higher speeds but it’s very quiet around town. Even when seated in the back, you’re not jostled in corners and I’m surprised by how well it corners as there's not much roll.
Visibility is excellent with the wide windows and high seating position. None of the pillars get in the way from my driving position, either.
The Prado is stupidly easy to park with a very clear 360-degree view camera system, as well as front and rear parking sensors. It’s pretty easy to get a sense of where the car starts and ends which is handy in a small car park.
Isuzu MU-X
In previous tests, the MU-X has been fine on road and more than adequate on gravel, dirt tracks, and during low-range 4WDing. But it’s been a jarring, skippy ride on irregular surfaces rather than as composed as it could – and should – have been. The culprit? Firm suspension, over-inflated tyres, too-tight trousers, who knows?
The good news is it seems like Isuzu has ironed out any issues in the suspension, minor or otherwise, because the MU-X is now is a lot better in terms of ride and handling than ever before.Â
Off-road, the MU-X has always been a proven combination of its 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, clever six-speed automatic transmission, and an off-road traction control system that's been increasingly well recalibrated through a number of generations.Â
The engine is tractable and gruff, it has plenty of grunt and, as long as you're not driving like a complete hoon, you can usually get through most obstacles without a lot of fuss.
It's this mix of mechanicals and driver-assist tech that make the MU-X such an effective 4WD package. And there are a number of reasons for that.Â
For one, that engine delivers plenty of torque down low and in the mid-range torque and that's crucial for four-wheel driving.Â
And another thing, Rough Terrain Mode – like a beefed-up and fine-tuned off-road traction control – proves very effective because it punches torque to the wheel with the most traction – while wheel spin on tyres that aren't touching dirt is minimised – and that way it keeps the vehicle moving through obstacles with safe and controlled momentum.Â
As I’ve noted before though, Rough Terrain Mode is not a magic all-conquering solution, but it is another handy addition to the MU-X’s off-road toolbox.
And the MU-X also has a rear diff lock to back you up – and that's another valuable component.Â
The MU-X has approach, departure and ramp-over angles of 29.2, 26.4 and 23.1 respectively.
A listed 235mm of ground clearance is about standard for this kind of wagon but, as I’ve said before, it seems vulnerable in the underbody, side steps and its plastic mud guards. So the underbody may touch dirt, depending on how challenging the terrain is.Â
Wading depth is listed as 800mm.
But, as always, with focused driving, you’ll have lots of fun and you'll minimise any superficial damage or scuff marks to the MU-X.
The MU-X has plenty of potential as a touring platform, but, if you’re planning to do any off-roading beyond well-maintained tracks, then get rid of its road-biased tyres and replace them with all-terrain tyres.
The showroom-standard tyres on this MU-X – 265/50R20 Bridgestone Dueler HTs – are okay, but not really up to scratch if tough 4WDing is what you’re keen to do. I’d prefer an 18-inch wheel and tyre package with decent all-terrains.
The MU-X has a full-sized underslung spare and in terms of packability, the MU-X X-Terrain has a listed payload of 605kg, GVM is 2800kg and GCM is 5900kg.
If you are considering using your MUX as a tow vehicle, it's handy to know that it can legally tow 750kg (unbraked) and 3500kg (braked), which is the standard for large four-wheel-drive wagons.Â
Be aware though that, as with any other vehicles, once you're towing anywhere near the maximum weight, your payload is greatly reduced.
Safety
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
It looks good but is it safe? With a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing done in 2024 and nine airbags, it's looking positive!
It performed highly across its individual assessment scores achieving an 85 per cent for adult protection, 89 per cent for child protection, 84 per cent for vulnerable road users and 82 per cent for its safety assist systems.
Just because it's a base grade doesn't mean it misses out on the big-ticket items, either.
Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, emergency call functionality, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping aid, lane departure warning, occupant detection, driver monitoring, intelligent seatbelt reminders, a 360-degree view camera and front/rear parking sensors.
The new Prado has autonomous emergency braking with car, pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist and junction turning assist which is operational from 5.0 to 180km/h.
The rear row has two ISOFIX child seat mounts and three top tether anchor points.
Isuzu MU-X
The MU-X has the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing in July 2022.
Standard safety features include eight airbags (dual front, dual seat side, dual full-length curtain, front knee and centre, far-side), and a comprehensive suite of driver-assist tech including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a tyre-pressure monitoring system.
New gear onboard includes new hardware for the auto emergency braking ( AEB), like improved vehicle detection, periphery and depth perception, new digital reversing camera with a hydrophobic coating to prevent water and dirt build-up (better visibility off-road), new rear cross traffic brake (detects and reacts to approaching vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians when reversing), as well as updated lane-keep assist ( smoother steering correction).
Ownership
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Toyota offers the new Prado with a five-year unlimited km warranty which is pretty basic nowadays but you can extend it up to seven years if you schedule on time and through a Toyota service centre, which is more competitive.
There is a five-year capped price servicing program for $390 a pop which is great but service intervals are annoyingly spaced at every six months or 10,000km, whichever occurs first. This won't be the best selling point for some.
Isuzu MU-X
The MU-X has a six-year/150,000km warranty and seven years of roadside assistance. That warranty is okay in terms of years, but unlimited kilometres would be welcome.
Service intervals are scheduled for every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs soonest.Â
Capped-price servicing covers the first five scheduled services for 24MY and later vehicle models (up to five years/75,000km, whichever occurs first) – at a cost of $469 for each service.