After a year-long gap, Isuzu Motors has recently introduced its BS6 product line-up in the Indian market that includes D-Max V-Cross lifestyle pickup truck and mu-X full-sized SUV. While the V-Cross is enjoying its solitary in its segment, the mu-X has to face a tough fight with Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, MG Gloster, and Mahindra Alturas G4. So, the updated mu-X is proficient enough to take on these stalwarts? Let's find out.
Dimensions
| Isuzu mu-X | MG Gloster | Ford Endeavour | Mahindra Alturas G4 | Toyota Fortuner |
Length | 4825mm | 4985mm | 4903mm | 4850mm | 4795mm |
Width | 1860mm | 1926mm | 1869mm | 1960mm | 1855mm |
Height | 1860mm | 1867mm | 1837mm | 1845mm | 1835mm |
Wheelbase | 2845mm | 2950mm | 2850mm | 2865mm | 2745mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55-litres | 75-litres | 80-litres | 70-litres | 80-litres |
Tyre Size | 255/60 R18 Alloy | 255/55 R19 Alloy | 265/60 R18 Alloy | 255/60 R18 Alloy | 265/60 R18 Alloy |
Seating Layout | 7 seater | 6/7 seater | 7 seater | 7 seater | 7 seater |
The 2021 Isuzu mu-X doesn't get any design updates, so its proportions are similar to its previous model. That said, it is the second smallest car in its segment after Toyota Fortuner. However, its wheelbase is quite a par with the Ford Endeavour. On the other hand, the MG Gloster has the advantage in most of the dimensional paraments, except for the width where Mahindra Alturas G4 has an edge.
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Engine Specifications
Specifications | Isuzu mu-X | MG Gloster | Toyota Fortuner | Ford Endeavour | Mahindra Alturas G4 | |
Turbo | Bi-Turbo | |||||
Engine Displacement (cc) | 1898cc | 1996cc | 1996cc | 2755cc | 1996cc | 2157cc |
Gearbox Options | 6-speed AT | 8-speed AT | 8-speed AT | 6-speed MT/AT | 10-speed AT | 7-speed AT |
Max Power | 163PS | 163PS | 218PS | 204PS | 170PS | 180PS |
Max Torque | 360Nm | 375Nm | 480Nm | 420Nm (MT) / 450Nm (AT) | 420Nm | 420Nm |
Drivetrain Options | 4×2, 4×4 | 4×2, 4×4 | 4×2, 4×4 | 4×2, 4×4 | 4×2, 4×4 | 4×2, 4×4 |
*AT:- Automatic Transmission, MT:- Manual Transmission.
- All the SUVs in the segment are only available with diesel engine save for the Toyota Fortuner, which also gets a petrol engine option. However, we have only compared the diesel powertrains here.
- The Isuzu mu-X and MG Gloster's single-turbo engine are the least powerful among all whereas Gloster's bi-turbo motor is the most powerful & torquiest of the lot, followed by the Fortuner automatic.
- The Fortuner is the only SUV in the segment to offer a manual gearbox option. Interestingly, it also gets a rev matcher (Toyota calls iMT) that helps to meet the engine speed with the transmission speed so that gear change can be done smoothly and with minimal disruption. It also helps in heel-and-toe.
Off-roading Characteristics
Isuzu mu-X | MG Gloster | Toyota Fortuner | Ford Endeavour | Mahindra Alturas G4 | |
Approach Angle | 30.1° | 28° | 29.22° | 30° | – |
Departure Angle | 25.1° | 25° | 25.21° | 25° | – |
Break Over Angle | 22.6° | 20° | – | 21° | – |
Max Gradeability | 4×2 mode – 25°, 4×4 mode – 30° | – | – | – | – |
Off-Road Features |
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We don't have enough data to compare the off-roading characteristics of these SUVs. However, with the multiple terrain modes, the Gloster & Endeavour seems to have an upper hand over their rivals. But it's the Isuzu mu-X that has the highest approach & departure angle. Also, it is important to note that an accurate assessment of the off-roading capability of any vehicle can only be done through a practical analysis.
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Features
All these full-size SUVs are well loaded with notable features like a touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, rear AC vents, powered driver’s seat, leather upholstery, engine start/stop button, ABS with EBD, hill-start assist, traction control, electronic stability control, hill-descent control, multiple airbags, etc. But the mu-X once again lacks in terms of convenience & feel-good features, and the MG Gloster leads the chart.
Here's a quick look at the key features of all these SUVs: –
| Isuzu mu-X |
MG Gloster | Ford Endeavour | Toyota Fortuner | Mahindra Alturas G4 |
Headlamps | Bi-LED with auto-levelling | LED with auto-levelling | Bi-LED | Split Quad-LED headlamps | HID |
Infotainment | 7–inches | 12.3-inches | 8-inches | 8-inches | 8-inch |
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay | X | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Connected Car Tech | X | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X |
Auto park assist | X | ✓ | ✓ | X | X |
Ambient lighting | X | 64 colour options | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Climate control | Single | Tri-zone | Dual-zone | Dual-zone | Dual-zone |
Electric parking brakes | X | ✓ | X | X | X |
Wireless charging | X | ✓ | X | ✓ | X |
Sunroof | X | Panoramic | Panoramic | X | Standard |
Cruise Control | ✓ | Adaptive | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Power adjustable driver seat | 6-way | 12-way | 8-way | 8-way | 8-way |
Powered front passenger seat | X | 8-way adjustable | 8-way | 8-way | X |
Memory function for driver seat | X | ✓ (2 set) | X | X | ✓ (3 set) |
Ventilated seats | X | ✓ | X | ✓ | ✓ |
Seat Massage Function | X | ✓ | X | X | X |
Powered tailgate | X | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Hands-Free Tailgate | X | ✓ | X | ✓ | X |
No of airbags | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 |
Auto emergency braking | X | ✓ | X | X | X |
Blind Spot Detection | X | ✓ | X | X | X |
360-degree camera | X | ✓ | X | X | X |
Forward Collision Warning | X | ✓ | X | X | X |
Price Range
Model | Price (ex-showroom) |
Mahindra Alturas G4 | Rs 28.73 lakh – 31.73 lakh |
Ford Endeavour | Rs 29.99 lakh – 36.25 lakh |
MG Gloster | Rs 29.98 lakh – 36.08 lakh |
Toyota Fortuner | Rs 30.34 lakh – 38.30 lakh |
Isuzu mu-X | Rs 33.23 lakh – Rs 35.19 lakh |
Verdict
The sparse features list and underpowered engine of the Isuzu mu-X clearly not justify its high price tag. However, its 4×4 trim is more affordable than all the other offerings, except for the Mahindra SUV. In our opinion, buying Alturas G4 over mu-X will be more beneficial. However, if budget is not a bar for you, then MG Gloster and Ford Endeavour will be the most desirable options.