Isuzu Believes Drivers Still Prefer Sturdy 4WDs Despite the Dominance of Soft SUVs | Carscoops

      The Tour Mate special edition of the truck-based SUV includes a variety of optional accessories.

      **8 hours ago**

      **by Thanos Pappas**

      The Isuzu MU-X Tour Mate is a robust new SUV designed for Australia.

      It features a steel bull bar, a tow kit, and equipment suited for outback adventures.

      Powering all four wheels is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine that delivers 188 hp.

      While the Isuzu MU-X may not garner as much attention as some competitors, it has established itself as a reliable and practical alternative to the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest.

      Built on the same ladder-frame platform as the D-Max pickup, this three-row SUV has recently undergone a facelift. Isuzu Australia has now added a tougher variant called the Tour Mate.

      This model is based on the top-tier LS-T 4×4 trim and includes several popular accessories straight from the factory. A notable feature is its steel bull bar, available in either satin black or polished alloy. This bar is designed to protect the front from animal collisions and includes LED fog lights and parking sensors.

      The Tour Mate also shares the 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels with the LS-T 4×4, but comes with weathershields for the front and rear windows, as well as unique badging on the tailgate.

      Another appealing aspect is the tow kit, which includes a 50mm (2-inch) tow ball, a 12-pin flat wiring harness, and an electronic brake controller, enabling drivers to make the most of the MU-X's 3.5-ton (7,716 lbs) maximum towing capacity.

      Inside, the special edition boasts rubber floor mats, a cargo liner, and a wireless charger. Standard features include a 9-inch infotainment system, leather seats, electric and heated front seats, an 8-speaker audio system, and a power tailgate.

      Under the hood is the well-known 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, which produces 188 hp (140 kW / 190 PS) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. A newer 2.2-liter diesel engine with 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) has been introduced, but it is reserved for lower-tier MU-X and D-Max models.

      Power is distributed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, complemented by a rear differential lock and a Rough Terrain Mode for challenging conditions.

      **What is the Price?**

      The MU-X Tour Mate is now available for order in Australia, starting at AU$ 79,990 (US$ 52,100) drive-away. Isuzu states that this package offers over AU$ 7,600 (US$ 5,000) in savings compared to a standard LS-T 4×4 equipped with the same accessories.

      In addition to the Ford Everest, other competitors in the Australian market include the Toyota Fortuner, the Land Cruiser Prado, and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.