The Tour Mate special edition of the truck-based SUV comes equipped with several optional accessories
The Isuzu MU-X might not grab headlines like some of its rivals, but it’s carved a niche as a capable, no-nonsense alternative to the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest.
Built on the same ladder-frame platform as the D-Max pickup, this three-row SUV recently received a facelift, and now Isuzu Australia has given it a tougher twist with a special edition called the Tour Mate.
More: Isuzu’s New Pickup Is Luxury In The Front, Business In The Back
Based on the flagship LS-T 4×4 trim, the MU-X Tour Mate bundles several of Isuzu’s most requested accessories straight from the factory. The standout addition is a steel bull bar, finished either in satin black or polished alloy. It’s designed to shield the front end from wildlife collisions, while incorporating LED fog lights and parking sensors.
The Tour Mate shares the 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels with the LS-T 4×4, but features weathershields on the front and rear windows, and special badging on the tailgate.
Another cool feature is the tow bar kit with a 50mm (2-inch) tow ball, a 12-pin flat wiring harness, and an electronic brake controller, helping drivers make the best out of the 3.5-ton (7,716 lbs) maximum towing capacity of the MU-X.
Inside, the special edition has rubber floor mats, a cargo liner, and a wireless charger. Equipment includes a 9-inch infotainment, leather upholstery, electric and variably heated front seats, an 8-speaker audio, and a power tailgate.
Under the hood lies the familiar 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, producing 188 hp (140 kW / 190 PS) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. A newer 2.2-liter diesel with 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) has joined the lineup, though it’s reserved for lower MU-X and D-Max variants.
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Drive is sent to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, supported by a rear differential lock and a Rough Terrain Mode for tougher surfaces.
How Much Does It Cost?
The MU-X Tour Mate is now available to order in Australia, priced from AU$ 79,990 (US$ 52,100) drive-away. Isuzu says the package delivers more than AU$7,600 (US$5,000) in savings compared with a standard LS-T 4×4 fitted with the same accessories.
Besides the Ford Everest, other ladder-frame SUV contenders in the Australian market include the Toyota Fortuner, the Land Cruiser Prado, and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
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Thanos Pappas, a product design engineer by trade, has been wading through automotive journalism for… Read full bio

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