Isuzu mu-X LS-A 4×4 3.0 AT (2018) vs Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5 GL 8AT 2WD (2024)
A full spec-by-spec comparison of Isuzu mu-X LS-A 4×4 3.0 AT (2018) vs Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5 GL 8AT 2WD (2024) — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.
| Specification | Isuzu mu-X LS-A 4×4 3.0 AT (2018) Isuzu ₱2,145,000 | Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5 GL 8AT 2WD (2024) Hyundai ₱1,998,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Model Year | 2018 | 2024 |
| Warranty | 100,000 km/3-years | 5 years or 200,000 kms |
| Availability | Current | Current |
| Engine & Drivetrain | ||
| Engine Type | Inline-4 | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 2999cc | 2497cc |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 16-valve | 16-valve |
| Aspiration | Turbo Intercooler | Naturally Aspirated |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Max Power | 177 PS @ 3550 - 3650 rpm | 194 PS |
| Max Torque | 380 Nm @ 1800-2800 rpm | 246 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed A/T | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | FWD |
| Body & Dimensions | ||
| Body Type | SUV | Midsize Crossover SUV |
| Segment | J | SUV |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seating Capacity | 2+3+2 | 7 |
| Length (mm) | 4825 | 4830 |
| Width (mm) | 1860 | 1900 |
| Height (mm) | 1840 | 1770 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2845 | 2815 |
| Fuel Tank (L) | 65 | 67 |
| Construction | — | Unibody |
| Exterior Colors | — | Creamy White, Magnetic Silver, Abyss Black, Earthy Brass Matte |
| Curb Weight (kg) | — | 1870 |
| Chassis, Wheels & Brakes | ||
| Front Suspension | Independent Double Wish bone with coil spring and stabilizer | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | 5-Link Coil Spring with Stabilizer | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 18 Alloy | 20 Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18 Alloy | 20 Alloys |
| Front Tires | 255/60 R18 | 255/45R20 |
| Rear Tires | 255/60 R18 | 255/45R20 |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Steering Type | Power Asisted | EPS |
| Steering Column | Tilt & Telescopic | Tilt & Telescopic |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring | No | Yes |
| Differential Lock | No | — |
| Safety | ||
| Anti-lock Braking (ABS) | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution | Yes | Yes |
| Brake Assist | Yes | — |
| Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Stability Control | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes | — |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | No | — |
| Forward Collision Mitigation | No | — |
| Blind Spot Warning | No | — |
| Hill Start Assist | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Descent Control | Yes | — |
| Auto Stop/Start | No | — |
| Driver Airbag | Yes | Yes |
| Knee Airbag | No | Yes |
| Passenger Airbag | Yes | Yes |
| Front Curtain Airbags | No | Yes |
| Rear Curtain Airbags | No | Yes |
| Rear Side Airbags | No | Yes |
| Engine Immobilizer | Yes | Yes |
| Security Alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Door Locking | Central Locking | Central Locking |
| Comfort & Convenience | ||
| Air Conditioning | Auto Climate Control System | Automatic Climate Control Dual Zone |
| Rear A/C Vents | Yes | Yes |
| Seat Material | Leather | Leather |
| Parking Brake | Manual | EPB |
| Key Type | Keyless Entry | Keyless |
| Push-Button Start | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Info Display | Yes | — |
| Paddle Shifters | No | Yes |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | — |
| Auto Headlights | No | — |
| Power Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Power Seats | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Trunk Release | No | — |
| Eco Mode | No | — |
| Antenna | yes | — |
| Infotainment & Audio | ||
| Speakers | 6 | 6 |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Navigation | Yes | — |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Apple CarPlay | No | Yes |
| Android Auto | No | — |
| USB | Yes | Yes |
| AUX Input | Yes | — |
| AM/FM Radio | Yes | Yes |
| CD Player | Yes | — |
| DVD Player | Yes | — |
| MP3 Playback | Yes | — |
| iPod Support | Yes | — |
| SD Card Slot | No | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlights | LED | LED |
| Fog Lights | Yes | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | Yes | Yes |
Isuzu mu-X LS-A 4×4 3.0 AT (2018) vs Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5 GL 8AT 2WD (2024): which should you buy?
For a Filipino buyer, the choice between the 2018 Isuzu mu-X LS-A 4x4 and the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5 GL hinges on priorities. The mu-X is a rugged, body-on-frame SUV with a 3.0L turbo-diesel producing 177 PS and 380 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic and 4WD. It's ideal for off-road, towing, or frequent long drives on rough roads, but it's older (2018 model) and priced higher at ₱2,145,000. The Santa Fe is a modern unibody crossover with a 2.5L gasoline engine (194 PS, 246 Nm), 8-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive. It's cheaper at ₱1,998,000, has a longer warranty (5 years/200,000 km), more doors (5 vs 4), and a newer design. For daily commuting, city driving, and family use with better fuel efficiency (gasoline vs diesel), the Santa Fe is the smarter choice. However, if you need genuine off-road capability, diesel torque, and 4WD, the mu-X is the better tool despite its age and higher price. The mu-X seats 7 but has a 2+3+2 layout, while the Santa Fe also seats 7 with a more car-like interior. Ultimately, the Santa Fe offers better value for most Filipino buyers, while the mu-X serves specific needs for adventure and utility.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper: the Isuzu mu-X or the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Hyundai Santa Fe is cheaper at ₱1,998,000, while the Isuzu mu-X is priced at ₱2,145,000.
Which has more power and torque?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has higher power (194 PS vs 177 PS), but the Isuzu mu-X has much higher torque (380 Nm vs 246 Nm), making it better for towing and off-road.
Which is better for daily commuting and city driving?
The Hyundai Santa Fe is better for daily commuting due to its gasoline engine, newer design, longer warranty, and front-wheel drive, which offers better fuel economy in city traffic.
Which has better off-road capability?
The Isuzu mu-X has better off-road capability with its 4WD drivetrain, turbo-diesel engine, and body-on-frame construction, compared to the Santa Fe's front-wheel drive and unibody design.