Where is the top for Isuzu? Brand is bullish on strong 4x4 demand, but thinks it could sell even more cars once supply constraints clear up

Isuzu Ute Australia has had yet another strong month, increasing sales of its MU-X SUV and D-Max 4x4 models, but the best could be yet to come, according to brand representatives speaking to CarsGuide.

The real win for Isuzu this year has been its MU-X off-road SUV, which has managed to soar some 41.1 per cent year-on-year, now accounting for 8.6 per cent of the hotly-contested segment.

It outsells the Ford Everest, Hyundai Palisade and even the Subaru Outback in the large SUV under $70,000 bracket, but still lags behind the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota LandCruiser Prado.

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Isuzu says the particularly strong numbers for the MU-X are thanks to clearing supply backlogs that are allowing it to fulfil existing orders, as well as the market “continuing to gravitate toward capable seven-seat SUVs”.

It adds to Isuzu’s continually strong numbers for its D-Max 4x4 ute range, which is up by a smaller 4.8 per cent, but comes from a strong existing base, moving some 8403 units until the end of May, capturing 10.9 per cent of the ute segment.

Isuzu says the strong numbers are supported by strong demand, but believes orders for both the MU-X and D-Max could be even higher if ongoing supply constraints were no longer an issue.

The D-Max 4x4 ute captures 10.9 per cent of the ute segment.

“We believe that our numbers, like the rest of the industry, could be higher if we weren't affected by some of the recent supply challenges. We remain hopeful that the market will recover in the near future,” a representative said in a statement.

But all is not rosy in Isuzu’s range. While its success has been driven largely by 4x4 D-Max and MU-X sales, the 4x2 D-Max is down nearly 30 per cent year-on-year. Isuzu says demand “remains strong” for this model, although, interestingly, enquiries have shifted more to 4x4 models.

As to wait lists, which the brand has been plagued with since supply constraints started during the pandemic years, Isuzu said things were clearing up, but wait times might persist.

The MU-X off-road SUV has managed to soar some 41.1 per cent year-on-year. (Image: Jarryd Sullivan)

“Wait time on Isuzu D-MAX & MU-X models depends on vehicle grade, colour and accessories ordered. Consumer enquiry tends to gravitate towards the higher-grade models, which may have a longer wait time as a result,” a representative said.

The brand re-iterated that the dealer was the best and most accurate port of call to determine timing for customers considering a new Isuzu, or those already in a waiting list.

Isuzu will have a fight on its hands soon, with the impending release of the new highly-anticipated Toyota LandCruiser Prado, but it is also expecting a big month as buyers look to take advantage of the instant asset tax write-off program before it is canned on June 30.