Isuzu MU-X vs Toyota Kluger
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.
Price Breakdown
The Isuzu MU-X starts from $43,900 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Kluger opens at $62,410. That makes the Isuzu MU-X the more affordable entry point by $18,510.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $48,290 and $68,651 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Kluger by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Isuzu MU-X and Toyota Kluger hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Isuzu MU-X and 96% for the Toyota Kluger.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Isuzu MU-X packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Toyota Kluger.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Isuzu MU-X and 7 in the Toyota Kluger.
Feature Showdown
The Isuzu MU-X features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Toyota Kluger gets a 8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Isuzu MU-X stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Toyota Kluger. The Toyota Kluger counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Isuzu MU-X uses a Diesel producing 120kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11 seconds.
The Toyota Kluger responds with a 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid making 184kW and 242Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The Toyota Kluger has the clear power advantage at 184kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota Kluger is 3.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Isuzu MU-X measures 4,860mm long on a 2,855mm wheelbase, 106mm shorter than the Toyota Kluger at 4,966mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Isuzu MU-X generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 311L in the Isuzu MU-X and 241L in the Toyota Kluger, giving the Isuzu MU-X a 70L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 2138L vs 1150L.
For towing, the Isuzu MU-X leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,824/year for the Isuzu MU-X and $1,596/year for the Toyota Kluger. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Kluger.
Estimated annual total: $1,824 (Isuzu MU-X) vs $1,596 (Toyota Kluger). The Toyota Kluger saves you roughly $228 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (Isuzu MU-X) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Kluger). The Isuzu MU-X has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Isuzu MU-X if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Kluger if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Isuzu MU-X takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota Kluger will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Isuzu MU-X has a clear edge. The Isuzu MU-X adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Isuzu MU-X and Toyota Kluger?
The Isuzu MU-X is the cheapest at $43,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota Kluger by $18,510.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Kluger uses the least fuel at 5.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Isuzu MU-X and Toyota Kluger all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Isuzu MU-X has the largest boot at 311L.
Which can tow the most?
The Isuzu MU-X has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Isuzu MU-X has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota Kluger makes the most power at 184kW. The Toyota Kluger is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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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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