Isuzu mu-X - Manual or automatic

Arguably one of the most iconic utility-oriented vehicles in the local midsize SUV segment, the Isuzu mu-X offers unparalleled reliability and dependability any Filipino family could ask from a vehicle of this size and price. 

What else would you expect from an SUV named “Mysterious Utility eXtreme?” 

The Isuzu mu-X offers comfortable seats, wide doors, and a competent engine to match. The perfect recipe for a daily driver and a capable weekender making it an ideal vehicle to own and drive in the Philippines through roads lined with potholes, soaring speed bumps, and unpaved roadways lining the outskirts of the Metro. The Isuzu mu-X easily glides through any thoroughfare even with a cabin full of passengers. It’s good to note that the first mu-X was designed and developed in partnership with Chevrolet so the Japanese thoroughbred has some American blood in its DNA giving it the best of both worlds. 

At the time of writing, the Isuzu mu-X is sold locally in four variants with different color options that change not only this five-door seven-seater midsize SUV’s appearance but also its price tag. Here’s a quick look at the Isuzu mu-X price list. 

Isuzu mu-X 3.0 LS-A 4x2 AT	Php 1,795,000
Isuzu mu-X 3.0 LS-A 4x4 AT	Php 2,145,000
Pearl White Isuzu mu-X 3.0 LS-A 4x2 AT	Php 1,805,000
Pearl White Isuzu mu-X 3.0 LS-A 4x4 AT	Php 2,155,000
Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS-A 4x2 MT	Php 1,570,000
Pearl White Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS-A 4x2 MT	Php 1,580,000
Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS-A 4x2 AT	Php 1,300,000

For the sake of comparison, we’ll be pitting down both the Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS-A 4x2 MT and the Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS-A 4x2 AT since they are the closest in terms of specs and price point. Let’s see how both vehicles stack up against each other and let’s find out whether the Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS-A 4x2 equipped with the automatic or manual transmission is best suited for your needs. 

Engine

Specs	RZ4E LS-A 4x2 MT	RZ4E LS-A 4x2 AT
Engine	RZ4E-TC	RZ4E-TC
Displacement	1,898 cc	1,898 cc
Max Power	148 hp / 3,600 rpm	148 hp / 3,600 rpm
Max Torque	350 Nm / 1,800-2,600 rpm	350 Nm / 1,800-2,600 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity	65L	65L
Transmission	6-speed MT	6-speed AT

Both the Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS-A 4x2 MT and the Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS-A 4x2 AT are neck and neck in terms of their engine specs. That’s because they’re both outfitted with the same RZ4E-TC engine (a 4-cylinder in-line Blue Power Diesel mill with Turbo-Intercooler) with the only difference is the transmission they’re mated to. That being said, both the manual and automatic variants of the Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS-A 4x2 offers the same Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) fuel system as well as the same Water-Cooled Variable Geometry System (VGS), and you guessed it, the same Euro 4 emission rating.

Mileage

Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS-A 4x2 MT	Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS-A 4x2 AT
37.27 km/l	35.80 km/l

In terms of mileage, the automatic variant of the Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS-A 4x2 boasts better fuel consumption making Isuzu’s fleet of midsize SUVs smarter having the capability to perform at a higher capacity with little fuel consumption.

Safety

Specs	RZ4E LS-A 4x2 MT	RZ4E LS-A 4x2 AT
Anti-Theft Alarm	Yes	No
Immobilizer	Yes	No
Reverse Camera	Yes	No
Reverse Sensing System	Yes	No

In terms of safety features, the Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS-A 4x2 MT offers better amenities right off the bat. You can see that it’s outfitted with a slew of utilities centered around the safety of the driver and the passengers including an engine immobilizer as well as a reverse camera so you won’t always have to rely on your God-given back parking skills.

To further emphasize the gap in safety, the manual variant comes with all the bells and whistles including an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, as well as a brake override system. 

Verdict

Isuzu’s mu-X is definitely a perennial choice for many Filipino prospective car buyers. However, deciding between the manual or the automatic variant may be harder than it seems. Price will definitely be a deciding factor since the Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS-A 4x2 AT is significantly cheaper than the Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS-A 4x2 MT. However, it offers meager safety features amidst its automatic transmission. On the other hand, the Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS-A 4x2 MT is chock-full of amenities for its price making it the more value-laden SUV between the two.

Also read: Isuzu mu-X: Changes we expect