Every ride an adventure on the Isuzu Mu-X

Behind the wheel of the Isuzu Mu-X I feel like I can take on any road, or even conquer any vehicle that comes too close. It’s not that the Mu-X is a real big SUV, but it is definitely one that has lots of muscle on it.

This is the third time I have gotten behind the wheel of the Mu-X, an SUV I truly enjoy driving.

The power, the power.

There’s no out-of-town trip for me to test the Mu-X, but perhaps that’s even better because city driving requires so much more patience, skill, and a vehicle that is no pushover against the bully buses and trucks on EDSA.

I also like that the Mu-X has no problem climbing hills, pulling away quickly, or even overtaking on a full load of five adults.

A Looker, Too

If you think that the Mu-X is just one heavy clunker, think again.  One of the first things that got my attention with the Mu-X is how it looks strikingly balanced, deceptively large and, like a man with muscles in all the right places, it is quite appealing in a friendly sort of way.

The subtle curves running alongside the Mu-X, its chromed grille, side mirror LED turn signals are contrasted with the rugged two-tone bumpers and flared wheel arches to give the MU-X a blend of go-anywhere confidence with about-town class.

Overall, I would say that the Mu-X looks like a smart, well-rounded SUV.

Of course there are other things that I admire such as its decent amount of ground clearance, which helps small drivers like me get over obstacles like big rocks or large humps.

The rest of the Mu-X’s body gets plenty of stylistic cues. A long accent line runs from the front fender through the door handles and intersects the rear taillight. Large fender flares above each wheel look like ripped biceps on a body builder, making it wide yet defined. The rear end has just as much design work as the front.

The large taillights dominate the quarter panels with a chrome piece connecting them above the license plate. The bumper has additional lights housed down low, along with the parking sensors. The two bulges in the bumper look like a guard found on the back of a New York City taxi and lend a tough-guy appearance.

Sit Inside

As I buckle up in the pilot’s seat of the Mu-X I am greeted by leather interiors, which are comfortable — and of course, there is that very airy cabin.

I like the three-spoke steering wheel, which is a perfect size for me: not too big so as to give me problems when gripping; and the multifunction buttons on the wheel are a much-appreciated touch of convenience. There aren’t many things for our fingers to press on the MU-X’s interior, and it’s a surprisingly minimalistic dashboard, but the buttons that are found are tactile and have good travel and padding. Dig a little deeper and the functions for the controls as well as infotainment are all there and intuitively placed.

Drive Smoothly

 The ride is really quite comfortable and doesn’t jiggle about too much. It handles bumps much like a pickup would, which is a good thing. And, since the ride is not jarring — I could even consider it relaxing.

Heading back after a day of work, the MU-X makes for an unusual but capable candidate for a calming drive back. The engine, despite its vibrations making you fully aware of it being a diesel, is relatively quiet if you keep the revs sedate, the ride is quite good, and there’s a good amount of sound insulation.

It is as relaxing as one can be behind the wheel of a large SUV that is built tough, yet does not feel heavy inside.

Although I have to admit that driving the MU-X did take a little getting used to (coming from a normal-size sedan), once I got in to it, it was such a pleasure to drive.

I also like just how well the Mu-X fit right into my almost daily drive to The STAR office in Port Area. Those 10-wheeler trucks had nothing on me, since the Mu-X has a commanding presence and yet is nimble to drive and can overtake quite easily.

The MU-X definitely would appeal to a driver who wants a reliable vehicle that gets him or her through tough roads and succeeds in being comfy, too. I must add, the Mu-X is an SUV that easily fits in into one’s daily life, without calling too much attention to itself.

If you like a solid, likeable, practical, comfortable, tough-as-nails SUV, then the Isuzu Mu-X is just perfect.

It’s a great week behind the wheel of the Mu-X. I particularly enjoy the ride to work, no matter the traffic.  Being in control and getting to work with a smile on my face are two of the things that allow me to get the best of my work done.

That’s a good thing.