Isuzu MU-X Vs Toyota Landcruiser Prado comparison

2014 Isuzu MU-X
VS
2014_prado_1
2014 Toyota Landcruiser Prado

Here’s a comparison between the all new Isuzu MU-X vs Toyota Landcruiser Prado. The Isuzu MU-X is a derivative of the Isuzu D-Max light commercial vehicle or Ute! Essentially it is the hardtop wagon version much like the Toyota Hilux Forerunner. The MU-X badge is derived from a hardtop version of the Isuzu many decades ago and funny enough was short for Mysterious Utility. Since it is directly based on the D-Max commercial vehicle do not expect too much. Afterall Isuzu market point is that it’s a truck manufacturer and you can expect truck like qualities as part of the MU-X ownership.

There are very few SUVs by other manufacturers that can be compared directly to the Landcruiser Prado in terms of specifications and capability in this category thus this is an aspirational comparison in regard to the Isuzu MU-X anyway. Incidentally the Holden Colorado is the same car with a different and lessor package. Only the Mitsubishi Challenger is comparable in this country but the car is a very old model in 2014 but at least it looks good.

2014 Isuzu MU-X Vs Toyota Prado exterior: Lets be honest, the Isuzu MU-X is not an attractive car or SUV. It does not look professionally designed and stands out for all the wrong reasons. That said the D-Max is the basis for a variety of models from other manufacturers probably license the basics. As a result you can be sure that there will be a number of updates over the life of this series we think will last for at least another 10 years or so but will it get better? It is also unfortunate that the D-Max looks better. The Toyota Prado has just been updated with under the skim improvements and a new front end. The updated 2014 seriesPrado does look better proportioned that the original release in our eyes and it definitely looks better than the MU-X from any angle. 

Isuzu MU-X Vs Toyota Prado interior: The interior of the Isuzu MU-X is the same as the commercial version hence not impressive to look at or touch but it should be hard wearing. There is plenty of space inside and comfort features in the top range version and quite practical for carrying more than the usual 4. The 150 series Prado’s interior is definitely an improvement by at least 10 years although it too could do with a more luxurious materials as indicated by the price. 

Isuzu MU-X Vs Toyota Prado engines and technology: The MU-X uses the latest diesel engine technology but it is an existing engine so quite reliable. No petrol version is available but the diesel engine is a good one with Toyota like power and torque. The off road hardware and tech will take you places other SUVs could never do. On the other hand the Prado engine is quite modern but old and needs an updated urgently. Sure its pretty good relative to the MU-X but for the price you should demand much more. Likewise the petrol engine in the Prado is one of the best but it too needs an upgrade with the latest fuel saving tech. 

Isuzu MU-X Vs Toyota Prado road test : See prior posts on what we think about the 150 series Toyota Landcruiser Prado on the road.

In the end it depends what your priorities are. If you have limited budget for a truck like family SUV the Isuzu MU-X is the choice or perhaps its clone the Holden Colorado. As an SUV it works very well but honestly you will need to be hard of eyesight and hearing to contemplate this one. Even a base model Prado although slightly more expensive – but it’s worth the price difference. 

2014 Isuzu MU-X 2014 Toyota Landcruiser Prado
2014_dmax_2
Isuzu Mu-X Interior
2014_prado_2
Toyota Landcruiser Prado Interior
Engines  
4JJ1-TC IL4 Diesel
Turbo-charged – Intercooler
Direct Injection – Common Rail
3 Litre (2999cc)
Claimed 130Kw @ 3600 RPM
Claimed 380Nm @ 1800 RPM

1GR-FE – V6 Petrol (modified) 
Quad Cam with Dual VVTi EFI
4 Litre (3956cc)
Claimed 202Kw @ 5600RPM
Claimed 380Nm @ 4400RPM

1KD-FTV – IL4 Diesel (modified)
Turbo-charged – Inter-cooler 
Direct Injection – Common Rail
3 Litre (2982cc)
Claimed 128Kw @ 3400RPM
Claimed 410Nm @ 1600-2800RPM

Weight  

FROM 1920Kg
Towing capacity up to 3000kg

Kerb weight 2190 – 2435 Kg
Towing capacity up to 2500Kg 5Dr and 3000Kg for 3Dr
Fuel capacity & consumption  
Up to 76 litres
IL4 Diesel 8.2 lts per 100km (Auto)
Up to 150 litres 95 Octane
IL6 Petrol 11.5 litres per 100km (Auto)
IL4 Diesel 8.5 litres per 100km (Auto)
Other specifications  
5 speed Auto or 5 speed manual
Overall height/width 1860/1860
Overall length/wheelbase 4825/2845
Tray Lxxx x Wxxx x Dxxx mm
Total payload capability 1000kg (Approx)
NCAP safety rating 4/5

5 speed Auto or 6 speed manual
Overall height/width 1845/1890
Overall length/wheelbase 4930/2790
Track (front/rear) 1585/1585
Tyre size: 265-65-17
NCAP safety rating 5/5

Capability  
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach 30.1 Departure 25.1 Breakover ??
Minimum ground clearance 230mm
4WD system: 2WD or 4WD with low range

Angle of: (degrees) 
Approach 32 Departure 24-25 Breakover 22
Min ground clearance 220mm
Water Fording depth 700mm Max
4WD system: AWD with selectable modes 

Performance  
   150 Series LandCruiser Prado performance
Pricing  
2013 $40,500 – 53,500 AUD 
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing and specials accessories etc…
2014 $55,990 – 92,990 AUD
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!