Toyota Kluger 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 Kluger starts from $62,410 before on-road costs, while the Isuzu MU-X opens at $43,900. 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 $68,651 and $48,290 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Kluger by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota Kluger and Isuzu MU-X hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Toyota Kluger and 86% for the Isuzu MU-X.
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 7 in the Toyota Kluger and 8 in the Isuzu MU-X.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota Kluger features a 8-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.
The Toyota Kluger stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Isuzu MU-X. The Isuzu MU-X counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota Kluger uses a 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid producing 184kW and 242Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 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 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 Toyota Kluger measures 4,966mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 106mm longer 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 241L in the Toyota Kluger and 311L in the Isuzu MU-X, giving the Isuzu MU-X a 70L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1150L vs 2138L.
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 11.4m 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 $1,596/year for the Toyota Kluger and $1,824/year for the Isuzu MU-X. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Kluger.
Estimated annual total: $1,596 (Toyota Kluger) vs $1,824 (Isuzu MU-X). 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: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Kluger) vs 6 years / 150,000km (Isuzu MU-X). The Isuzu MU-X has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota Kluger if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
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.
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, Toyota Kluger and Isuzu MU-X?
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 — Toyota Kluger 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 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.
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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