Isuzu MU-X vs Toyota Prado
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 Toyota Prado opens at $73,200. That makes the Isuzu MU-X the more affordable entry point by $29,300.
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 $80,520 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Isuzu MU-X by roughly $5,985 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Isuzu MU-X and Toyota Prado hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Isuzu MU-X and 85% for the Toyota Prado.
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 Prado.
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 Toyota Prado.
Feature Showdown
The Isuzu MU-X features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Toyota Prado gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
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 Toyota Prado responds with a 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel 48V V-Active making 150kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds.
The Toyota Prado has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota Prado is 1.4s 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, 130mm shorter than the Toyota Prado at 4,990mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Isuzu MU-X generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 311L in the Isuzu MU-X and 390L in the Toyota Prado, giving the Toyota Prado a 79L advantage. The Isuzu MU-X seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Toyota Prado leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg 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 11.8m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m 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 $3,021/year for the Toyota Prado. That is a $1,197 annual difference in favour of the Isuzu MU-X.
Estimated annual total: $1,824 (Isuzu MU-X) vs $3,021 (Toyota Prado). The Isuzu MU-X saves you roughly $1,197 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 (Toyota Prado). The Isuzu MU-X has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Isuzu MU-X if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Prado if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Isuzu MU-X and Toyota Prado trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Isuzu MU-X will save you roughly $1,197 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota Prado 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 Toyota Prado?
The Isuzu MU-X is the cheapest at $43,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota Prado by $29,300.
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 — Isuzu MU-X and Toyota Prado all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota Prado has the largest boot at 390L.
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 Prado makes the most power at 150kW. The Toyota Prado is quickest to 100km/h in 9.6s.
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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