Isuzu MU-X vs Volkswagen T-Roc
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 Volkswagen T-Roc opens at $44,990. That makes the Isuzu MU-X the more affordable entry point by $1,090.
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 $49,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
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 Isuzu MU-X features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen T-Roc gets a 8-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen T-Roc counters with wireless charging that the Isuzu MU-X does not offer. 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 Volkswagen T-Roc responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
The Isuzu MU-X has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen T-Roc is 1.9s 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, 609mm longer than the Volkswagen T-Roc at 4,251mm (2,603mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Isuzu MU-X generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 311L in the Isuzu MU-X and 392L in the Volkswagen T-Roc, giving the Volkswagen T-Roc a 81L advantage. The Isuzu MU-X seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Isuzu MU-X leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 1,700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m 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 10.6m 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 $1,796/year for the Volkswagen T-Roc. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen T-Roc.
Estimated annual total: $1,824 (Isuzu MU-X) vs $1,796 (Volkswagen T-Roc). The Volkswagen T-Roc saves you roughly $28 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 (Volkswagen T-Roc). The Isuzu MU-X has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Isuzu MU-X if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen T-Roc if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen'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 Volkswagen T-Roc will save you roughly $28 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen T-Roc 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 Volkswagen T-Roc?
The Isuzu MU-X is the cheapest at $43,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen T-Roc by $1,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen T-Roc uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Isuzu MU-X all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen T-Roc has the largest boot at 392L.
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 Isuzu MU-X makes the most power at 120kW. The Volkswagen T-Roc is quickest to 100km/h in 9.1s.
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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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