Subaru Crosstrek 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 Subaru Crosstrek starts from $36,490 before on-road costs, while the Isuzu MU-X opens at $43,900. That makes the Subaru Crosstrek the more affordable entry point by $7,410.
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 $40,139 and $48,290 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Isuzu MU-X by roughly $1,855 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Crosstrek and Isuzu MU-X hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Crosstrek 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 Subaru Crosstrek.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Subaru Crosstrek and 8 in the Isuzu MU-X.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Crosstrek features a 11.6-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 Subaru Crosstrek stands out with wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats 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 Subaru Crosstrek uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 196Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 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 Isuzu MU-X has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Crosstrek is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Crosstrek measures 4,495mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 365mm 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 559L in the Subaru Crosstrek and 311L in the Isuzu MU-X, giving the Subaru Crosstrek a 248L 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.
10.8m to 11.6m
Based on 10.8m 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 $2,195/year for the Subaru Crosstrek and $1,824/year for the Isuzu MU-X. That is a $371 annual difference in favour of the Isuzu MU-X.
Estimated annual total: $2,195 (Subaru Crosstrek) vs $1,824 (Isuzu MU-X). The Isuzu MU-X saves you roughly $371 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Crosstrek) vs 6 years / 150,000km (Isuzu MU-X). The Isuzu MU-X has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Crosstrek if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Isuzu MU-X if: You 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 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Isuzu MU-X will save you roughly $371 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Crosstrek 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, Subaru Crosstrek and Isuzu MU-X?
The Subaru Crosstrek is the cheapest at $36,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Isuzu MU-X by $7,410.
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 — Subaru Crosstrek 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 Subaru Crosstrek has the largest boot at 559L.
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 Subaru Crosstrek is quickest to 100km/h in 10.9s.
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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