The Isuzu mu-X and Ford Everest are two of the most formidable seven-seaters in the market today. Both are great alternatives to the traditional family sedan or wagon, but how do they stack up against each other? We find out in this Carmudi Car Comparison of the 2019 Isuzu mu-X and 2020 Ford Everest.
The 2020 Ford Everest is powered by two engine choices. The first is a 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel engine producing 210 horsepower (hp) and 500 Nm torque, while the other is a 2.0-liter turbo diesel that yields 178 hp and 420 Nm. A 10-speed automatic transmission with Select Shift is the only gearbox option. Off-road specifications include 225mm of ground clearance and 800mm water wading depth. Rolling on 20-inch alloy wheels and suspension system made up of a double wishbone with coil spring and anti-roll bar up front and coil spring with Watt’s Link and anti-roll bar at rear, the Everest’s wheelbase measures 2,850mm.
The 2019 Isuzu mu-X comes in two engines as well: the 1.9-liter RZ4E-TC that’s good for 148 hp and 350 Nm, and the more powerful 3.0-liter 4JJ1-TCX that gives off 175 hp and 380 Nm. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual with Gear Shift Indicator and a 6-Speed auto with Sequential Shift. Ground clearance is a tall 230mm, but wading depth is a surprisingly low 600mm, mainly due to 18-inch wheels. Suspension system consists of an independent double wishbone with coil spring and stabilizer at the front and a five-link coil spring stabilizer bar at the rear. Wheelbase is shorter than the Everest by five inches: 2,845mm.
Winner: Ford Everest
The Everest has two trim choices—the 2.0L Bi-Turbo Titanium+ 4x4 AT and 2.0L Turbo Titanium 4x2 AT. It’s got six available colors: Arctic White, Absolute Black, Meteor Grey, Sunset Red, Diffused Silver, and Aluminum Metallic. Pricing are as follows:
| Ford Everest 2.0 Titanium 4X2 AT | PHP 1.995 million |
| Ford Everest 2.0 Biturbo Titanium 4X4 AT | PHP 2.299 million |
Variety is one of the Isuzu mu-X’s strongest suits, and its five different trim options prove it. The lineup includes one 4x2 manual (RZ4E 4x2 LS-A MT), three 4x2 automatics (RZ4E 4x2 LS AT, RZ4E 4x2 LS-A AT, and 3.0L 4x2 LS-A AT), and a lone 4x4 (3.0L 4x4 LS-A AT). Pricing for the different trims are as follows:
| RZ4E LS 4x2 | PHP 1.3 million |
| RZ4E LS-A 4x2 MT | PHP 1.57 million – PHP 1.58 million |
| RZ4E LS-A 4x2 AT | PHP 1.595 million – PHP 1.605 million |
| LS-A 4x2 AT Blue Power | PHP 1.795 million – PHP 1.805 million |
| LS-A 4x2 AT Luxe | PHP 1.845 million |
| LS-A 4x4 AT Blue Power | PHP 2.145 million – PHP 2.155 million |
The different price ranges within the same trims can be attributed to the added cost of certain paint finishes. These include Obsidian Gray, Havana Pearl, Splash White, Silky Pearl White, Cosmic Black (for RZ4E only), Titanium Silver for (3.0L only), and a special color, Red Spinel, which is available only to the 3.0 LS-A 4x2 AT Luxe trim
Winner: Isuzu mu-X
Inside the 2020 Everest, buyers can enjoy a barrage of comfort features dual-zone automatic climate control, rear AC with control switch, ambient lighting, auto-dimming rearview mirror, active noise cancellation, and 12-volt and 230-volt power outlets. Seats are standard all-leather for both trims, as is an 8-way power adjust driver and front passenger seat with manual lumber. With regards to the infotainment system, the eight-inch multi-touch screen runs on Ford’s Sync 3 with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support and links to nine speakers with subwoofer and amplifier.
Standard safety equipment on both the Everest’s trims include blind spot information with cross traffic alert, electronic stability control, traction control, rollover mitigation, front and rear parking sensors and rearview camera. The Titanium+ variant adds autonomous emergency braking system with pedestrian detection, auto high beam control, and hands-free liftgate system.
The latest Isuzu mu-X boasts an interior made up mostly of soft pads, with piano black accent and blue ambient light thrown in for good measure. The dash has multiple USB charging ports with 12-volt accessory socket. An 8-inch touchscreen covers infotainment functions while doubling as a navigation system. The unit is Wi-Fi and USB link compatible, and links to a 10-inch roof mounted DVD monitor so you can keep kids preoccupied with their fave animated movies during long trips. An automatic climate control system ensures temperatures are always comfortable in-cabin. Unfortunately, the on-board infotainment app doesn’t have the functionality of Ford’s SYNC 3 system, but it’s easy to pair your phone or USB device.
Safety features abound in the mu-X, starting with the standards: dual SRS airbags, ELR seatbelts, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist and brake override system. The top two LS-A trims get additional goodies with driver assistance features such as electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, and hill descent control. The four top trims also come with anti-theft alarm system, engine immobilizer, reverse sensing system and reverse camera.
Winner: Ford Everest
Spacious comfort is practically a Ford staple, and it shows in the front and second row seats, which boast soft yet supportive cushioning. The third row is a different matter – they’re mainly suited to children. Fortunately, the third row occupants can stay comfortable despite the cramped space, as all three rows have ventilation outlets, with separate climate controls for the middle row. Luggage capacity is an impressive 450 liters with the third row up, and a cavernous 1,050 liters when down.
There’s plenty of headroom and legroom for all occupants of the mu-X, although access into the third row is just as difficult as in the Everest. Seat comfort is a sore point of contention, however. Especially when compared to the Everest’s all-leather seating, the mu-X chairs are hard, despite the quilted leather material, and occupants will tend to sit on them rather than in them, meaning they don’t provide the comfortable support necessary for longer trips. Nevertheless, all three rows have cup holders and air con outlets. The boot space of the Isuzu mu-X is 235 liters when the third row is up, expanding to 878 liters when down.
Winner: Ford Everest
The Isuzu mu-X is clearly the more affordable of the two, and it can be said that the phrase ‘you get what you pay for’ applies to both cars. While mid-size SUVs are always going to have compromises, each of these is an ideal choice for hauling either family or cargo. Granted, the Ford Everest wins in three out of the four categories listed here, but if you’re going for utility, there’s no reason to exclude the Isuzu mu-X from your short list.
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