Isuzu MU-X vs Toyota Fortuner
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Editor Garipoint
Isuzu MU-X and Toyota Fortuner compared

The D-segment SUV market will get a new contender in the form of the Isuzu MU-X. It replaces the MU-7 SUV and will take on the likes of the Toyota Fortuner which is currently the leader in the D-segment in terms of volumes.

The MU-X will be made available for the Indian market in one top-of-the-line trim level. This means it goes up against the top-of-the-line 2.8-litre 4X4 AT Fortuner. Both get multi-zone climate control, touch screen infotainment system, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, split folding second and third rows, multiple cup holders, button start and keyless entry.

The MU-X holds an ace up its sleeve in this part of the fray as it has more speakers than the Fortuner and at the same time also offers a 10-inch roof mounted rear screen for passengers in the second and third row.

Talking of the exteriors, both are large SUVs with a good presence. Both have chrome loaded faces and slab-sided SUV silhouettes with forward sloping rooflines and of course, tall rear-ends which allow people to identify the vehicle as an SUV from afar. This then, is down to design language of both the vehicles and the Fortuner whose sharper lines manages to stand out as compared to the MU-X’s softer lines.

The Fortuner in this top spec trim is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 174bhp/430Nm with 4X4 and a six-speed AT. The 4X4 option gets selectable terrain options with a low range gearbox.

Similarly, with the MU-X which is offered with a 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel that produces 175bhp/380Nm of torque. The gearbox is a five-speed AT with a low range gearbox with several terrain management options.

However, the biggest challenge that Isuzu will face is Toyota’s and more importantly the Fortuner’s established brand name.  

Tags