The Isuzu Thread

Review: 2026 Isuzu MU-X 1.9TD 4×4 LS

Verdict

The 2026 Isuzu MU-X 1.9TD 4×4 LS hits a sweet spot for budget-conscious buyers in the market for a seven-seater adventure SUV. While it won’t win any highway drag races, it offers genuine off-road capability, essential tech, and impressive efficiency at a R150 000 saving over the 3.0-litre 4×4. Overall, the new 1.9TD 4×4 LS offers a practical, capable entry point into the 4×4 MU-X range. While the proven 1.9-litre turbodiesel delivers commendable overall performance, open-road overtaking requires extra patience.

Isuzu MU-X 1.9TD 4×4 LS specifications
Price: R789 700
Powertrain: 1.9-litre, four-cylinder, turbodiesel
Transmission: six-speed automatic
Driven wheels: all
Power: 110 kW @ 3 600 r/min
Torque: 350 N.m @ 1 800-2 600 r/min
Claimed fuel consumption: 7.5 L/100 km
Fuel tank: 80 litres

www.carmag.co.za

Review: 2026 Isuzu MU-X 1.9TD 4x4 LS

Included with key upgrades, Isuzu SA has introduced a new entry-level 4x4 derivative to its MU-X range. First impressions here...
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za

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Isuzu mu-X 1.9 LS (2026) Review

FAST FACTS
Model:
Isuzu mu-X 1.9TD LS 4WD
Price:
R789 700
Engine:
1.9-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission:
6-speed automatic transmission
Power/Torque:
110 kW/350 Nm
0-100 kph:
11.94 seconds (tested)
Fuel consumption:
7.5 L/100 km (claimed)
Range:
1 067 km (claimed)
Luggage capacity:
311–1 119 litres (claimed)

Price & After-sales support

The Isuzu mu-X is sold with a 5-year/120 000 km warranty, 5-year/unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty, and a 6-year/90 000 km service plan.

mu-X 1.9TD LS R752 400
mu-X 1.9TD LS 4WD R789 700
mu-X 3.0TD LS R852 700
mu-X 3.0TD LSE R886 800
mu-X 3.0TD LS 4WD R939 700
mu-X 3.0TD LSE 4WD R973 800
mu-X 3.0TD Onyx XT 4WD R1 032 190

All pricing correct in October 2026.

Verdict

Pricing comfortably under R800 000 positions the Isuzu mu-X 1.9TD LS as an impressive value proposition for those wanting to venture far off the beaten track. It significantly undercuts its competition from Ford and, despite its popularity, the Toyota Fortuner is really starting to show its age. There’s no sign of a reveal date for the latter’s replacement, either.

Given the current price trajectory of diesel heading to stratospheric levels, we suspect that some may consider this newer 1.9-litre over its larger-capacity siblings purely for lower running costs. Time will tell, and while it may seem basic to some testers, there’s no denying the new mu-X derivative offers excellent value for money and the ruggedness for which Isuzu’s vehicles are so well known.


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Isuzu D-Max 1.9 vs 3.0: Which engine makes the most sense for your budget?

The Isuzu D-Max is a firm favourite on South African roads, but deciding between the punchy 1.9-litre and the muscular 3.0-litre turbodiesel models can be tricky. We weigh up purchase costs, real-world fuel consumption and performance to help you choose the right engine for your lifestyle.

The Isuzu D-Max is South Africa’s stealth success story. Built in the Eastern Cape, these bakkies are immensely popular and regularly rank among the bestselling model ranges in the local market.

While Toyota boasts a larger dealership network alongside the financial gravity-defying residuals of the Hilux, and Ford brings more technology and power to the table with the Ranger, Isuzu has become the default choice for buyers seeking a trusted alternative.

The local family vehicle market has evolved dramatically over the last decade, with double cabs now firmly established as the transport of choice for many middle-class households. However, with record-high diesel prices placing pressure on household budgets, buyers need to scrutinise their running costs more carefully than ever.

If you are eyeing a D-Max for family duty but worry about the fuel bill, we have compared Isuzu‘s two diesel engines to see how they stack up in the real world – and how your choice will impact your wallet.

 
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