Isuzu mu-X vs Toyota Fortuner- Engines, Features, Prices, Specs, Safety Comparison!

Isuzu has recently launched its line of pick-up trucks along with the 7-seat premium SUV in India. This includes the long-awaited V-Cross and mu-X. Whereas the V-Cross is a lifestyle off-roading pick-up truck, the mu-X is the 7-seat traditional SUV with ladder frame chassis and off-roading capabilities. Now, the mu-X belongs to the premium SUV segment in our market which begs the comparison to the segment leader in Toyota Fortuner. After the updated Fortuner was launched earlier this year, it has garnered a ton of attention from the customers and that has translated into large volumes for Toyota. Therefore, it only makes sense to compare the re-introduced mu-X with the popular premium SUV to see if it can challenge the leader. Before doing that, however, make sure to check out the comparison of the Isuzu mu-X and Ford Endeavour as well.

Isuzu mu-X vs Toyota Fortuner- Exteriors and Dimensions

The Isuzu mu-X, being the latest launch in the country, comes with an imposing design and exteriors. The front of the SUV is dominated by a ton of chrome in the form of the chunky front radiator grille, Bi-LED projector headlamps with auto-levelling, Sharp & sleek headlamp & taillamp design, Recessed front fog lamps with chrome garnish, LED DRLs & light guide integrated into headlamps, Two-tone metallic grey-body coloured front bumper and much more. The sides are accentuated by Multi-spoke Diamond Cut 18-inch alloy wheels, Chrome Door Handles, Aluminium Side Steps, Wrap-around rear glass – quarter glass & rear windshield and Roof Rials. The rear features LED Taillamps, Dual-tone rear spoiler, Dual-tone metallic grey rear bumpers, Shark Fin Antenna and a chunky Chrome Bar on the boot lid. The overall appearance is very modern and aggressive.

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The updated Toyota Fortuner has been made more desirable with some new features and appearance changes keeping it in line with the modern design language. This includes Split Quad-LED Headlamps with Waterfall LED Line Guide Signature, Sleek & Cool Design Theme Grille with Piano Black Highlights, Dual Tone Black Roof, Illuminated Entry System – Puddle Lamps Under Outside Mirror, Chrome Plated Door Handles and Window Beltline, Multi-Layer Machine Cut Finish 18-inch Alloy Wheels, LED Front Fog Lamp, New Design Split LED Rear Combination Lamps, Sequential Turn Indicators (Fr & Rr.) and much more. The overall stance of the Fortuner lets the size of the humungous SUV known. There are a few differences between the regular Fortuner and the top-trim Legender variant to give them both a distinct appearance.

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The exterior dimensions indicate that the Isuzu mu-X is a bit larger than the Toyota Fortuner in every aspect. This also translates into a 100 mm advantage in the wheelbase. This means that the rear passengers will have a better space in terms of legroom as well as headroom because of being higher.

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Isuzu mu-X vs Toyota Fortuner- Interiors and Features

The Isuzu mu-X comes with a ton of modern comfort and convenience features. This includes a 7-inch Digital Infotainment Touchscreen Display with USB, AUX and Bluetooth Connectivity, 3D Electro-luminescent meters with Multi-Information Display (MID) & chrome rings, Live Surround Sound roof-mounted sound system with 8 speakers, Steering wheel with easy-select cruise and audio controls, Climate control air-conditioning with integrated heater & demister, Soft pad on all side door armrests, door trims & front floor console armrest, Premium finish dashboard with soft-touch panels, 6 -way power-adjustable driver seat and much more.

The features list has been massively updated with the new Fortuner which was much needed. Now the feature list includes an 8-inch Digital Infotainment Touchscreen Display with all the modern connectivity features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth Connectivity, Connected Car Tech, Wireless Smartphone Charging, Automatic Dual-Zone Climate Control with Auto Rear Cooler, 6-speaker Audio System with Steering Mounted Controls, Kick Sensor for Back Door Opening, Driving Modes: ECO / NORMAL / SPORT Mode, Power Adjust Driver and Front Passenger Seats, 2nd Row: 60:40 Split Fold, Slide, Recline & One-Touch Tumble, Park Assist: Back Monitor, Front and Rear Sensors with MID Indication and much more.

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Isuzu mu-X vs Toyota Fortuner- Safety

The Isuzu mu-X comes with all the modern safety features including 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD and Emergency Brake Assist, Traction Control System, ESP, Shift-on-the-fly 4×4 system, All-four disc brakes, Hill Ascent and Descent Control, Cruise Control, Pre-tensioners with load limiters for front seat belts, ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts, Rear Parking Sensors with Camera to name a few.

On the safety front, the Fortuner comes equipped with 7 Airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Assist Control, Traction Control System, ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors for the second row, Anti Theft Alarm with Ultrasonic Sensor and Glass Break Sensor Front Row Seatbelts with Pre-Tensioner and Force Limiter, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist.

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Isuzu mu-X vs Toyota Fortuner- Engines, Transmissions and Prices

The Isuzu mu-X comes with a 1.9-litre BS6 compliant diesel engine with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger making 163 hp of peak power and 360 Nm of peak torque. The transmission options include a 6-speed Automatic transmission with Sequential Shift which holds the gear in high RPMs if it detects ascent or descent. The prices for the Isuzu mu-X range between Rs 33.23 lakh and Rs 35.19 lakh, ex-showroom.

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The new Fortuner does include a change under the bonnet as well. The 2.7-litre petrol engine will continue, which makes 166hp and 245Nm. It comes with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. While this engine remains unchanged, the 2.8-litre diesel engine makes more power than before. It makes 204hp in comparison to 177hp previously. In the manual version, this engine produces 420Nm of torque, but with the automatic, it will produce a mammoth 500Nm. The prices of the Toyota Fortuner range between Rs 30.34 lakh to Rs 38.30 lakh, ex-showroom.

Also read: VW Taigun vs Hyundai Creta – Features, Engines, Specs, Safety Comparison!

Isuzu mu-X vs Toyota Fortuner- Verdict

It can’t be argued that both these premium SUVs are extremely capable, whether you want to enjoy a ride down the highway or go off-roading. Both of these have tried to strike a balance between the two. Whereas the Toyota Fortuner is an all-rounder in terms of utility and practicality, the Isuzu mu-X leans just a bit away from the all-out comfort features and cabin appearance and towards hardcore utility. Buying an Isuzu mu-X will mean that you own something that is built to last. It is rugged, tough and practical but may not be the best in terms of in-cabin features and feel. Fortuner is not only a capable off-roader but also has that cabin feel and features to pamper the passengers. But then again, the difference in prices between the top-trims of both these SUVs is over Rs 3 lakh, which is quite substantial. So, if you are looking primarily for a tough and capable off-roader, you can opt for the mu-X. However, if you can shell out some more money for added comfort and features, the Fortuner is the one for you.

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