4x4s we'd buy, and how we'd modify them: Isuzu MU-X

I’m a big fan of the Isuzu 4x4s. They’re well-priced, the 3.0-litre is one of the most over-engineered engines on the planet, and they’re comfy and capable enough to handle everything from daily duties to the odd spot of touring.

The MU-X is a fantastic mid-sized wagon and would be near the top of my list if I were chasing a family hauler slash occasional camping rig. Sure, they’re not as polished as some of the more high-end wagons on the market, but neither am I, so that suits me just fine.

However, I do think Isuzu have dropped the ball by only offering the 3.0L turbo-diesel (as a 4×4) at its cheapest in the second-from-top LS-T model at $69,400. At that price I’d be looking seriously at the $53,400 LS-M, saving sixteen grand, selling the 1.9L and swapping in a 4JJ3 in the shed. But that’s me and I digress.

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The LS-T is a nice vehicle, to be fair. It has all the bells and whistles like leather and heated seats, more electronic gadgetry than the ISS, and, more importantly for me, a rear locker. I’m not sure I’d want to take this thing down too many hardcore tracks, but I still reckon I could turn it into a hell of a tow rig for the camper with some coin spent in the right places.

Just a quick side-note: While there’s nothing stopping me from building my MU-X into a track-eating monster, I reckon that there are better vehicles for the same or less initial outlay that’ll do that job arguably better. The MU-X LS-T, to me at least, represents an excellent daily, a capable light to medium-duty tourer and a fantastic family car and it will fulfil those roles and more admirably – but it’s not going to be a hardcore tourer without a lot of mods and spending more money than I reckon it’s worth. That 3.0L coupled with the interior comfort, as a tow-rig for a small caravan or hybrid camper trailer, though? Tough to beat.

The engine would be given a kick in the pants with around $8000, which is a tough pill to swallow, but would net me a new G-Turbo, a front mount PWR intercooler, a custom dyno tune and a few ancillaries like a Process West catch can (make sure you use a good catch can, fam, cheap ones belong in the bin). It would result in a reliable 280hp at the treads and 650-ish Newtons of torque, which is really what they should be putting out from stock, but whatever.

After that it would be some sort of alloy frontal protection and a set of driving lights, call it $3K all up, then a set of helper Poly-Air airbags out back to deal with the trailer and a Redarc TowPro Elite for the brakes, both of which would sting me around $2000 fitted. 

Finally, a set of slightly larger 275/60R20 AT Plus Toyo Open Country tyres for around two grand, which would open up a lot of tracks and destinations to my MU-X and camper combo.