Buying the Isuzu MU-X: Should I pay 3.4 lakh more & get the 4x4?

I have driven my FWD Duster in tricky roads less travelled, but never got stuck, except for once in a sandy beach.

NHPian JoaTMoN recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello BHPians!

After having enjoyed driving my FWD Renault Duster for 6 years, I decided to upgrade it with a 7 seater diesel SUV. I tried out the XUV700, Fortuner, Gloster and MU-X. XUV was fantastic to drive, Fortuner’s ride quality wasn’t great, Gloster’s was second best, and MU-X’s felt perfect, like an all-rounder. The MU-X was also more spacious (especially the 3rd row seats) than the rest, barring the Gloster. I have short-listed MU-X and Gloster in that order, but I am more inclined towards the MU-X.

Now comes the problem:

• Since it’s the year-end, there’s only one colour and only 2 vehicles left in the 4×4 MU-X model. Do I force myself into buying one with limited options?
• 4×4 is 3.4 Lakhs pricier than 4X2. Is the price difference justifiable?
• I have driven my FWD Duster in tricky roads less travelled, but never got stuck, except for once in a sandy beach. I might never need it, but what if, and when I need it? Will a RWD with AT be as good as MT?
• However, the gradeability of 4×2 is 25°, whereas that of 4×4 is 30° Is this a good enough difference to base my decision on?

When I started looking for cars, 4wd was my first priority, but now I’m wondering if I should really go for the 4wd, or get the 2wd instead, considering the fact that MU-X 2wd is RWD, with good ground clearance, so it should be better than the Duster(?). Would that be sufficient, or should I go ahead and get the 4wd for an additional 3.4 lakhs?

Help me decide, I am really confused! Do I get it because I “might” NEED it someday, or do I get it because I just WANT it?

Here’ what GTO had to say on the matter:

Going by past history, you’ve needed the 4×4 just once on that sandy beach. And it’s really not the end of the world if you get stuck. A tractor or Jeep can always pull you out.

Although I personally believe proper SUVs must have 4×4, it’s clearly not applicable to your use case. Save the 3.4 lakhs and use it toward fuel, maintenance & modifications / accessories.

Here is a must-read thread.

Here’s what BHPian shankar.balan had to say on the matter:

Most 4WD vehicles never really go off road. Most Landrover and Range Rover owners cars for example never see anything rougher than a mall parking lot and are never engaged in any bigger adventure than a school drop. From your post, you like driving to places less travelled, even occasionally. You have experienced a front wheel drive high ground clearance SUV in the form of the Duster.Now you are being terribly tempted by the tantalising capabilities of a multi utility RWD 4WD truck based SUV.
My view is that if you can afford it and if you want it, you should buy it.

If it helps you here is an anecdote;

I have a Thar and a Gypsy. The maximum adventures I get up to are;

• Driving in Bangalore traffic.
• Driving to golf courses and back.
• Visiting friends on their estates in Coorg or Ooty or similar.

Once in a while just to give the Thar and Gypsy’s 4WD systems a workout, I find myself hunting up some small muddy trails to traverse.

Point is, if you want something, can afford it and it makes you happy, then you must go for it. Don’t live a life with regrets in it.

All the very best!

Here’s what BHPian condor had to say on the matter:

A proper off-roader, being used off-road, is also a regular family car. This is an oxymoron.

Like Shankar said, most 4×4 rarely go off-roading. If you really want to get a 4×4 suggest you first ride shotgun in a 4×4 event, in a proper off-road vehicle. See what happens, what is involved, and the damage like wear & tear that happens to the vehicles.

For most folks, a high GC vehicle with traction control, and may be a LSD at rear, will be enough for most adventures they will go on with family.

Here’s what BHPian dhanushs had to say on the  matter:

4WD is required if you decide to go on expeditions, or hiking mountains etc.. Like explore unknown roads in the monsoons, or go for a long drives through unknown country terrain. It is a life saver.

However, if you are sticking to regular stuff, 2WD is on the MUX should be more than enough.

Here’s what BHPian Comrade had to say on the matter:

I have a 4×4 MU-X and my next vehicle is going to be a 4×2. In last 3.5 years, I have used 4×4 on very few occasions, and that too because I pushed the vehicle into tricky situations (mostly parking in slush or wet grass etc) knowing I had 4×4. In those situations too, I could have “parked” the car elsewhere if I didn’t have 4×4. If you not an off-roader, and have managed with FWD, then I don’t see a need for 4×4. Save the cash (upfront, fuel and also maintenance and repairs).

I have zero experience with Gloster but I will pick the MU-X any day over the Fortuner. My extended family hates the Fortuner for its second row comfort. It sucks in headroom as well as ride quality.

Keyword: Buying the Isuzu MU-X: Should I pay 3.4 lakh more & get the 4x4?