Isuzu dropped the Isuzu Trooper Pickupr Pickup last month at the Detroit auto show, and it’s turning heads. Remember the old Trooper SUVs from the ’80s and ’90s? This one’s a pickup twist on that classic name rugged, ready for anything, but with some modern flair. I got a sneak peek at the prototype, and let me tell you, it feels like Isuzu listened to what drivers actually want: power without the gas guzzle, tech that doesn’t confuse you, and a price that won’t empty your wallet.
Design
The design screams adventure-ready without trying too hard. It’s got that boxy, no-nonsense look from the original Trooper, but smoothed out for better airflow. The body-on-frame setup gives it 9.8 inches of ground clearance plenty for rocky trails or snowy backroads. Up top, sturdy roof rails handle kayaks or camping gear, and those skid plates under the belly? They’re there to shrug off scrapes like nothing happened. The bed’s a generous 5.5 feet long, lined for protection, with tie-downs everywhere. Inside, it’s simple: cloth seats that wipe clean easy, a big console for storage, and windows that don’t fog up in the rain. It’s not flashy, but it works.
Engine
The base is a 2.5-liter turbo diesel four-cylinder pushing 215 horsepower and 312 pound-feet of torque—enough to tow 7,000 pounds without breaking a sweat. There’s an optional 3.0-liter V6 if you crave more grunt, but honestly, the diesel feels plenty peppy. Paired with an eight-speed automatic and part-time 4×4, it shifts smooth on highways or crawls steady off them. Isuzu’s BluePower tech keeps things efficient too, so you get that low-end pull without the roar.
Features
This truck’s loaded just enough to feel smart, not overwhelming. Standard stuff includes a 7-inch touchscreen for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—plug in your phone, and maps pop right up. Safety’s covered with automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, and a rear camera that actually shows the whole trailer if you’re hauling. Leather seats and nav are extras on higher trims, plus adaptive cruise for long hauls. It’s all intuitive; no digging through menus mid-drive.
Smart Features
What sets it apart? The smart tech that anticipates your needs. There’s an off-road mode that tweaks suspension and traction on the fly—mud, sand, or rocks, it adapts. A 360-degree camera helps spot hidden obstacles, and the infotainment voice commands actually listen (most of the time). Fuel-saving eco mode kicks in automatically on flat roads, and there’s even wireless charging for your phone. It’s like the truck’s got your back, quietly handling the details so you focus on the road.
Mileage
Don’t let the tough build fool you this thing sips fuel better than most pickups. Expect 14-16 km/l (that’s about 33-38 mpg in US terms) in mixed driving, thanks to aero tweaks and that efficient diesel. City runs might dip to 12 km/l, but highways? Easy 18 km/l. For a workhorse towing loads, that’s solid—beats a lot of gas-guzzling rivals.
Price
Here’s the kicker: it starts at $38,000 for the base model, climbing to $45,000 fully loaded. Add-ons like all-terrain tires tack on $1,500, but it’s still a bargain. Cheaper than a diesel Ford F-150, with Isuzu’s famous reliability thrown in. Dealers say early orders are stacking up, so if you’re shopping, move quick.