Toyota C-HR 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.
Price Breakdown
The Toyota C-HR starts from $38,990 before on-road costs, while the Isuzu MU-X opens at $43,900. That makes the Toyota C-HR the more affordable entry point by $4,910.
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 $42,889 and $48,290 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota C-HR by roughly $2,420 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota C-HR and Isuzu MU-X hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Toyota C-HR and 86% for the Isuzu MU-X.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Toyota C-HR and 8 in the Isuzu MU-X.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota C-HR features a 10.5-inch touchscreen, while the Isuzu MU-X gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Toyota C-HR uses a Petrol producing 112kW and 188Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The Isuzu MU-X responds with a Diesel making 120kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11 seconds.
The Isuzu MU-X has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 112kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota C-HR is 2.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota C-HR measures 4,360mm long on a 2,640mm wheelbase, 500mm 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.
Boot space is 318L in the Toyota C-HR and 311L in the Isuzu MU-X, giving the Toyota C-HR a 7L advantage. The Isuzu MU-X seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Isuzu MU-X leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 2,300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.6m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m 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 $1,340/year for the Toyota C-HR and $1,824/year for the Isuzu MU-X. That is a $484 annual difference in favour of the Toyota C-HR.
Estimated annual total: $1,340 (Toyota C-HR) vs $1,824 (Isuzu MU-X). The Toyota C-HR saves you roughly $484 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota C-HR) vs 6 years / 150,000km (Isuzu MU-X). The Isuzu MU-X has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota C-HR if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Isuzu MU-X if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota C-HR takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota C-HR will save you roughly $484 a year in fuel. 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, Toyota C-HR and Isuzu MU-X?
The Toyota C-HR is the cheapest at $38,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Isuzu MU-X by $4,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota C-HR uses the least fuel at 4.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota C-HR and 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 Toyota C-HR has the largest boot at 318L.
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 Toyota C-HR is quickest to 100km/h in 8.2s.
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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