Isuzu MU-X to receive cheaper, more efficient engine in 2024

The Isuzu MU-X body-on-frame SUV is set to receive a smaller and more efficient turbo-diesel engine in Australia during 2024.

The RZ4E-TC 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine already features in the related Isuzu D-Max in Australia, as well as the MU-X in other markets. It will supplement the existing 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine in the local MU-X range.

“IUA plans to introduce the Isuzu 1.9L engine available in some current D-Max variants to the MU-X range in 2024,” said a Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) spokesperson.

“Exact timings and model range at this stage is not confirmed, but we will provide more information when it becomes available.”

The 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine is currently only offered locally on the entry-level D-Max SX variant in 4×2 single cab-chassis and 4×4 dual-cab ute configurations.

It’s unclear if Isuzu Ute Australia will adopt a similar strategy with the MU-X and only offer the smaller engine on the entry-level LS-M variant, or if it could also potentially feature on the LS-U and LS-T variants.

The 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine produces 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque in the D-Max. This is down 30kW and 100Nm on the larger 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel.

This engine is mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission in the D-Max, with drive sent to the rear wheels only or through a part-time four-wheel drive system.

In the D-Max this engine has a claimed combined fuel economy of between 6.7 and 7.0 litres per 100km, depending on the configuration. This is slightly more efficient than D-Max variants with the 3.0-litre engine which consumes between 7.7 and 8.0 litres per 100km.

D-Max variants with the 1.9-litre engine have a 2800kg braked towing capacity with the manual, and 3000kg with the automatic. For reference, all D-Max and MU-X variants with the 3.0-litre engine have a 3500kg braked towing capacity.

In addition, D-Max variants with the 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine are $2000 more affordable in Australia than with the 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel.

It’s unclear if Isuzu Ute Australia will have a similar price difference for the 1.9-litre and 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engines in the MU-X.

If it does this will mean the entry price of the could fall closer to the $45,000 mark. The range currently starts at $48,900 before on-roads for the MU-X LS-M 4×2.

As noted above, more information on the exact timing and the MU-X variants set to receive the 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine will be announced during 2024.

MORE: Everything Isuzu MU-X
MORE: Isuzu MU-X review