Volkswagen Tayron 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Volkswagen Tayron starts from $48,290 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 $4,390.
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 $53,119 and $48,290 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Isuzu MU-X by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Volkswagen Tayron and Isuzu MU-X hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Volkswagen Tayron 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 9 in the Volkswagen Tayron and 8 in the Isuzu MU-X. The Volkswagen Tayron adds a 360-degree camera that the Isuzu MU-X misses.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen Tayron features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, 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 Volkswagen Tayron stands out with wireless charging and power tailgate that you will not find on the Isuzu MU-X. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Tayron uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout.
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 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Tayron measures 4,792mm long on a 2,790mm wheelbase, 68mm 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 345L in the Volkswagen Tayron and 311L in the Isuzu MU-X, giving the Volkswagen Tayron a 34L advantage.
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.
11.6m to 12.1m
Based on 12.1m 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 $2,166/year for the Volkswagen Tayron and $1,824/year for the Isuzu MU-X. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Isuzu MU-X.
Estimated annual total: $2,166 (Volkswagen Tayron) vs $1,824 (Isuzu MU-X). The Isuzu MU-X saves you roughly $342 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tayron) vs 6 years / 150,000km (Isuzu MU-X). The Isuzu MU-X has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Tayron if: You need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Isuzu MU-X if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Isuzu MU-X takes 5 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Isuzu MU-X will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Tayron 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, Volkswagen Tayron and Isuzu MU-X?
The Isuzu MU-X is the cheapest at $43,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Tayron by $4,390.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Isuzu MU-X uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Volkswagen Tayron 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 Volkswagen Tayron has the largest boot at 345L.
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.
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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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