Isuzu mu-X LS-A 4×4 3.0 AT (2018) vs Mazda CX-8 2.5L AWD Exclusive 6-seater (2020)
A full spec-by-spec comparison of Isuzu mu-X LS-A 4×4 3.0 AT (2018) vs Mazda CX-8 2.5L AWD Exclusive 6-seater (2020) — 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 | Mazda CX-8 2.5L AWD Exclusive 6-seater (2020) Mazda ₱2,530,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Model Year | 2018 | 2020 |
| Warranty | 100,000 km/3-years | 3-years/100,000 km |
| Availability | Current | Current |
| Engine & Drivetrain | ||
| Engine Type | Inline-4 | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 2999cc | 2488cc |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 16-valve | DOHC 16-valve |
| Aspiration | Turbo Intercooler | Naturally Aspirated |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Max Power | 177 PS @ 3550 - 3650 rpm | 190 PS @ 6000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 380 Nm @ 1800-2800 rpm | 252 Nm @ 4000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed A/T | 6-speed A/T |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | AWD |
| Body & Dimensions | ||
| Body Type | SUV | Midsize Crossover SUV |
| Segment | J | Crossover |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seating Capacity | 2+3+2 | 2+2+2 |
| Length (mm) | 4825 | 4900 |
| Width (mm) | 1860 | 1840 |
| Height (mm) | 1840 | 1730 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2845 | 2930 |
| Fuel Tank (L) | 65 | 74 |
| Construction | — | Unibody |
| Exterior Colors | — | Polymetal Gray, Soul Red Crystal, Snowflake White Pearl, Platinum Quartz, Machine Gray, Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue |
| Curb Weight (kg) | — | 1761 |
| Chassis, Wheels & Brakes | ||
| Front Suspension | Independent Double Wish bone with coil spring and stabilizer | MacPherson Strut w/ Coil Spring |
| Rear Suspension | 5-Link Coil Spring with Stabilizer | Multi-Link w/ Coil Spring |
| Front Wheels | 18 Alloy | 19" alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18 Alloy | 19" alloy |
| Front Tires | 255/60 R18 | 225/55/R19 |
| Rear Tires | 255/60 R18 | 225/55/R19 |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Steering Type | Power Asisted | EPS |
| Steering Column | Tilt & Telescopic | Tilt & Telescopic |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring | No | No |
| Differential Lock | No | No |
| Safety | ||
| Anti-lock Braking (ABS) | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution | Yes | Yes |
| Brake Assist | Yes | No |
| Parking Sensors | Yes | No |
| Stability Control | Yes | No |
| Traction Control | Yes | No |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | No | No |
| Forward Collision Mitigation | No | No |
| Blind Spot Warning | No | Yes |
| Hill Start Assist | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Descent Control | Yes | No |
| Auto Stop/Start | No | No |
| Driver Airbag | Yes | No |
| Knee Airbag | No | No |
| Passenger Airbag | Yes | No |
| Front Curtain Airbags | No | No |
| Rear Curtain Airbags | No | No |
| Rear Side Airbags | No | No |
| Engine Immobilizer | Yes | Yes |
| Security Alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Door Locking | Central Locking | Central Locking |
| Comfort & Convenience | ||
| Air Conditioning | Auto Climate Control System | Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear A/C Vents | Yes | No |
| Seat Material | Leather | Leather |
| Parking Brake | Manual | EPB |
| Key Type | Keyless Entry | Keyless Entry |
| Push-Button Start | Yes | No |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Info Display | Yes | Yes |
| Paddle Shifters | No | No |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | No |
| Auto Headlights | No | No |
| Power Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Power Seats | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Trunk Release | No | Yes |
| Eco Mode | No | No |
| Antenna | yes | yes |
| Infotainment & Audio | ||
| Speakers | 6 | 10 |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Navigation | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Apple CarPlay | No | Yes |
| Android Auto | No | No |
| USB | Yes | Yes |
| AUX Input | Yes | No |
| AM/FM Radio | Yes | Yes |
| CD Player | Yes | No |
| DVD Player | Yes | Yes |
| MP3 Playback | Yes | No |
| iPod Support | Yes | No |
| SD Card Slot | No | No |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlights | LED | LED |
| Fog Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Daytime Running Lights | Yes | Yes |
Isuzu mu-X LS-A 4×4 3.0 AT (2018) vs Mazda CX-8 2.5L AWD Exclusive 6-seater (2020): which should you buy?
For Filipino buyers, the Isuzu mu-X LS-A 4x4 (₱2.145M) is the rugged, torque-rich workhorse with a powerful 3.0L diesel (380 Nm) and 4WD, ideal for off-road, towing, and heavy-duty use. Its 7-seat layout and lower price make it budget-friendly for large families. The Mazda CX-8 2.5L AWD Exclusive (₱2.53M) is a modern, refined crossover with a peppy gasoline engine (190 PS) and unibody construction, prioritizing on-road comfort, style, and a premium 6-seat cabin. Despite higher price, it offers upscale features and better fuel economy for daily city driving. Choose the mu-X for maximum capability and value; choose the CX-8 for comfort and everyday practicality.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper?
The Isuzu mu-X LS-A 4x4 is cheaper at ₱2,145,000 vs the Mazda CX-8 at ₱2,530,000, a difference of ₱385,000.
Which has more power and torque?
The Mazda CX-8 has higher peak power (190 PS vs 177 PS), but the Isuzu mu-X produces far more torque (380 Nm vs 252 Nm), giving it superior pulling power for heavy loads or off-roading.
Which is better for daily city driving?
The Mazda CX-8, with its gasoline engine, smoother unibody ride, and modern features, is more comfortable and refined for daily commuting. The mu-X's diesel engine and body-on-frame design are better suited for rough roads and utility.
Which is better for off-road or towing?
The Isuzu mu-X is the clear choice: it has a 4WD drivetrain, high torque (380 Nm), and a rugged ladder-frame chassis, making it far more capable off-road and for towing heavy loads compared to the CX-8's AWD crossover platform.