Isuzu MU-X vs Volkswagen Tiguan

The Isuzu MU-X starts from $43,900 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Tiguan 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 favour the Isuzu MU-X by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.

Both the Isuzu MU-X and Volkswagen Tiguan hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Isuzu MU-X and 83% for the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Volkswagen Tiguan, against 6 on the Isuzu MU-X.

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 9 in the Volkswagen Tiguan.

The Isuzu MU-X features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Tiguan gets a 12.9-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Volkswagen Tiguan counters with wireless charging and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Isuzu MU-X uses a Diesel producing 120kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout.

The Volkswagen Tiguan responds with a 1.4 litre TSI making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a 7-speed dsg driving the front wheels.

The Isuzu MU-X has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Isuzu MU-X measures 4,860mm long on a 2,855mm wheelbase, 321mm longer than the Volkswagen Tiguan at 4,539mm (2,681mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Isuzu MU-X generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 311L in the Isuzu MU-X and 652L in the Volkswagen Tiguan, giving the Volkswagen Tiguan a 341L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 2138L vs 1650L. 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.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,824/year for the Isuzu MU-X and $2,166/year for the Volkswagen Tiguan. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Isuzu MU-X.

Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (Isuzu MU-X) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tiguan). The Isuzu MU-X has longer coverage.