Forthing Taikon 5 vs Isuzu MU-X
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Forthing Taikon 5
Price TBC
SUV
Petrol
1.5L Range Extender (generator only)
120kW
—
ANCAP: no data
—
Isuzu MU-X
From $43,900
SUV
Diesel
Diesel
120kW
6.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
311L
Forthing Taikon 5: we're still completing price, 0-100km/h, transmission, ground clearance and turning circle, plus 3 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
Track the Forthing Taikon 5 & Isuzu MU-X
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Forthing Taikon 5 features a 14.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 8.8-inch digital dash, while the Isuzu MU-X gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Forthing Taikon 5 stands out with heated front seats, V2L and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Isuzu MU-X. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Forthing Taikon 5 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Isuzu MU-X offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Forthing Taikon 5 uses a 1.5L Range Extender (generator only) producing 120kW and 240Nm of torque, sent through its transmission to a RWD layout.
The Isuzu MU-X responds with a Diesel making 120kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Forthing Taikon 5 measures 4,600mm long on a 2,715mm wheelbase, 260mm shorter than the Isuzu MU-X at 4,860mm (2,855mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Isuzu MU-X generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m diameter
Average
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.1 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 7 years / 200,000km (Forthing Taikon 5) vs 6 years / 150,000km (Isuzu MU-X). The Forthing Taikon 5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Forthing Taikon 5 if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer Forthing's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Isuzu MU-X if: You or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Forthing Taikon 5 takes 2 of 2 key spec categories. The Forthing Taikon 5 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Forthing Taikon 5 and Isuzu MU-X?
The Isuzu MU-X is the cheapest at $43,900 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Isuzu MU-X uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Isuzu MU-X holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Forthing Taikon 5, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which can tow the most?
The Isuzu MU-X has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Forthing Taikon 5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 200k km.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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