The Isuzu V-Cross competes with the Toyota Hilux in the Indian market.

Isuzu has launched the 2024 V-Cross pick-up truck in India. The updated model is priced from Rs 21,19,900 (ex-showroom).

Isuzu has made several changes to the V-Cross for the 2024 model year. The pick-up truck gets a new front bumper guard, engine hood garnish, rear combo lamp garnish, fender lips, and black alloy wheels.

Significant improvements have been made when it comes to occupant safety. The V-Cross now features traction control, electronic stability control, hill descent control and hill start assist. It also gets rear seat occupant detection sensors with 3-point seat belts for all three rear seat occupants and a seat belt warning indicator.

Speaking of passengers in the rear, the V-Cross is fitted with new rear seats that offer a higher degree of inclination.

The new V-Cross is powered by a 1.9-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine that makes 163 BHP and 360 Nm. The engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a torque converter automatic. The pick-up truck is also available with a 4-wheel drive system.

2024 Isuzu V-Cross ex-showroom prices:

• Hi-Lander – Rs 21.20 lakh
• Z AT 2WD – Rs 25.80 lakh
• Z MT 4WD – Rs 25.52 lakh
• Z Prestige MT 4WD – Rs 26.92 lakh
• Z Prestige AT 4WD – Rs 30.96 lakh

The Isuzu V-Cross goes up against the Toyota Hilux in the Indian market.

Isuzu is gearing up to launch the 2024 V-Cross facelift in India. The company has released a teaser revealing some of the features that will be available on the updated model.

The 2024 Isuzu V-Cross is expected to receive several changes on the exterior as well as inside the cabin. Let's start with the outside; the pickup truck will get reworked front and rear bumpers, new body side cladding and a revised front grille. It could also sport dual-tone alloy wheels.

The new V-Cross will have a dual-tone interior with brown and black upholstery. It will be equipped with features such as a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 6-way electrically adjustable driver seat and more.

The Isuzu V-Cross facelift will be offered with the same 1.9-litre diesel engine as the current model. It produces 161 BHP and 360 Nm and comes mated to either a 6-speed manual or an automatic transmission and a 4-wheel drive system.

The new D-Max is available with 1.9-litre and 3.0-litre diesel engines with a choice of 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic.

Isuzu has unveiled the updated D-Max V-Cross for the 2024 model year. The pickup truck was recently unveiled in Thailand.

The 2024 Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is based on the third-generation model that debuted in 2019. The latest iteration has several design updates along with new tech and safety features.

The updated D-Max V-Cross gets a muscular front grille flanked by redesigned headlights, a reworked tailgate with an integrated spoiler and matte black 18-inch alloy wheels.

The D-Max V-Cross gets a dual-tone interior with a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a new instrument cluster with a 7.0-inch digital display. The pickup comes with a new key featuring a remote engine start function and ADAS, which includes new-gen cameras and rear radars. Adaptive cruise control is now available on the manual transmission model as well.

Powering the new D-Max is a 1.9-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine that makes 148 BHP and 350 Nm and a 3.0-litre diesel that puts out 187 BHP and 450 Nm. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. The four-wheel drive system now gets a new rough terrain mode.

Yasuhito Kondo takes charge as Deputy President, Isuzu Motors India.

Isuzu Motors India has announced the appointment of Rajesh Mittal to the post of President.

Mittal is the first person of Indian origin to head the company. He succeeds Wataru Nakano, who will assume a new assignment as Head of Isuzu Vietnam Operations from April 2023.

Rajesh Mittal joined the top management team as President of Isuzu Engineering Business Centre India and as Deputy President at Isuzu Motors India in February 2022.

Yasuhito Kondo who was responsible for the Regional Management Office at Isuzu Motors, Japan, takes charge as Deputy President, Isuzu Motors India. Kondo has 28 years of experience in the areas of sales operations and business strategy.

The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Isuzu is said to have updated the touchscreen infotainment system in its V-Cross and MU-X models from a 7-inch unit to a 9-inch display.

The new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the V-Cross and MU-X offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SUVs also get features like automatic climate control, cruise control and a power-adjustable driver seat.

No mechanical changes have been made to the SUVs apart from the ICE upgrade. Both cars are powered by a 1.9-litre diesel engine that produces 161 BHP and 360 Nm. A 6-speed automatic transmission is available on both models with the V-Cross getting a 6-speed manual option.

Source: Carwale

Isuzu has increased the prices of all models except the MU-X 4x4, which gets a price cut of Rs. 1.51 lakh.

Isuzu has increased the prices of its D-Max pickup truck and MU-X SUV effective January 2022.

The prices of the D-Max V-Cross Z 4x2 AT have been increased by Rs. 2.09 lakh, followed by the Hi-Lander, which now costs Rs. 2.07 lakh more. Prices of the V-Cross ZZ Prestige 4x4 AT and V-Cross Z 4x4 MT have also been increased by Rs. 1.10 lakh and Rs. 1.09 lakh, respectively.

Isuzu also offers the MU-X SUV in India. Its prices have also been revised at the beginning of the new year. While the 4x2 variant now costs Rs. 14,727 more, the price of the 4x4 variant has been slashed by Rs. 1.51 lakh.

The Gurkha has always been a bit player with marginal monthly sales, yet it does have a fan following.

Force Gurkha

Link to Review

Mahindra Thar

What you'll like:

• Fun, fun, fun! A loveable car that will bring you loads of laughs & smiles
• Handsome Jeep styling & brute character. Tough build too
• Far more user-friendly than the ol’ Thar due to superior interiors & the amenities
• Very competent, refined turbo-petrol & diesel engine range
• Butter-smooth 6-speed Automatics available with both engines
• 4x4 hardware, offroad capability & 226 mm GC. Get ready for slush, muck, deserts, jungles & the mountains!
• Practical hard-top or fun convertible available in the Thar – take your pick
• Features such as removable doors, ESP, cruise control, hill hold / descent, TPMS…
• 4-star rating in the GNCAP crash test (more information)

What you won't:

• Very bumpy ride quality. The Thar is never settled, no matter what the road or speed
• Poor road manners at high speed. Best to cruise at 100 - 110 km/h only
• Impractical due to the 2-doors, 4 seats (not 5) & difficult access to the back seat
• Laughably small boot simply isn’t enough for holiday luggage
• Petrol AT is thirsty due to its hefty weight, 150 BHP & torque-converter AT
• Premium pricing for the higher variants. Lot of money for the Thar's limited usability
• Sad feature list for a 17-lakh car. No reversing cam, auto-dimming IRVM, auto headlamps & wipers, electrically-folding ORVMs, rear wash & wipe…
• Apprehensions of niggles & Mahindra's hit-or-miss after-sales service quality

Link to Review

Isuzu V-Cross

What you'll like:

• Macho styling & incredible street presence. Turns heads wherever it goes
• Very solid, very robust. Build quality is the best among pickups in India
• Practical 1.9L diesel engine. Good driveability too
• Proper 4x4 system with low range transfer case. Ground clearance = 225 mm
• Excellent cargo capacity makes it a talented work truck
• User-friendly cabin can easily accommodate 5 adults. Rear legroom is sufficient

What you won't:

• Sheer length, heavy steering & 6.3m turning radius make it cumbersome in the city
• Bumpy ride quality, especially at the rear (due to leaf springs)
• Isuzu's wafer-thin dealership network
• Short 5,000 km service interval. Dealer visits will be frequent!
• Heavy kerb weight, long wheelbase & rear overhang limit its off-road credentials
• No audio head-unit in a car costing ~30 lakhs on the road
• The same $$$ can buy you a proper 7-seater SUV

Link to Review

Here's what GTO had to say about the matter

Voted for the Thar. The Gurkha has a few advantages over the Mahindra - looks bad ass, ride quality, 4-door option coming etc., but it's not enough to offset the disadvantages. The Thar has way more power, fit & finish are superior, there's lots of equipment, a 4-star GNCAP rating, Automatic gearbox (Diesel AT is my pick) and Mahindra's wide dealer network. I have not seen a Force workshop in my life.

Here's what BHPian KingKong had to say about the matter

Voted for the Thar. The others are too niche for me. The Gurkha has poor servicing, interiors and is longer than the Thar. It is also too focused on being an off-roader. But the Thar is a good mix of Lifestyle and off-road. The Isuzu is too big, does not have enough service options and the stigma against pickups in India is huge. Also, this basic pick-up truck now costs almost 30 lakhs. For 30 lakhs, I would happily purchase a Thar and a Seltos instead of the Isuzu.

These are reasons why the Thar is so insanely successful. Over 3,000 were sold in September, but that was because Mahindra could not make more. When you see a lifestyle UV like the Thar selling almost as much as the Honda City, you will notice what people like.

If you watch EVO India's series on Thar ownership stories, you will see that even people who own supercars will buy a Thar as a city + off-road car. Not a single person who owns the Thar in my neighborhood is upset over the purchase. This is one of the rare times an auto-maker has got an almost perfect vehicle for the segment.

The Thar can also be used by the rural communities as it is the best off-roader/UV in India.

These are many reasons why I love the Thar, and am deeply upset that we cancelled our Thar booking.

Here's what Aditya had to say about the matter

Three vehicles that I absolutely adore. All look great, have good off-road capabilities and are loaded with character. However, if I had to choose just one, it will have to be the Thar.

The Gurkha is still decades behind in terms of finesse and Force Motors is yet to set up an established sales and service network. The Isuzu is too expensive and too big for driving on a day-to-day basis. The Thar is too bumpy when it comes to ride quality and has just no luggage space. But, it's the most modern, has the best sales and service network and good engines and gearboxes. It also fits more easily in the urban scenario than the others. No wonder it's flying out of the showrooms.

Hence, my vote goes to the Thar.

Here's what BHPian .anshuman had to say about the matter

I own 2 of the vehicles in this list, for common folks, one is too small so its impractical- Thar, other one is too big so its impractical- Isuzu V-Cross, though both are perfect for my usage.

If I had to recommend one of out of these 2, It would be Isuzu V-Cross(if you have parking space and you have skills and patience to drive a XL sized truck).

• Customisation friendly- Check
• Off-road capable- Double check(post Airlockers, tyres & lift)
• Reliable- Check
• Dependable and long life- Check Its an Isuzu
• Fast- Check(post remap)
• Rides & handles well, super composed at speed- Check(post Suspension upgrade)
• Can carry as much luggage as I want- Check
• Has character and road presence- Way more than the common Thar
• Family doesn't feel like they are traveling in a uncomfortable off-road car- Check

The Thar on the other end also has advantages:

• Engine is more refined.
• Auto gearbox is nicely tuned.
• Smaller footprint, so my choice as a daily local use car.
• Smaller size, so better suited for off-roading in tighter trails.
• Better after sales network.

But ride quality is too busy and seats are uncomfortable compared to Isuzu.

IMHO Gurkha is not worth considering in this age and time.

Alternatively if I were not in NCR region, I would have picked either of the old Classics listed below over my Thar:

• 2007-2009 Prado V6
• 2009-2016 Fortuner
• 2008-2012 Pajero SFX

Here's what BHPian Bibendum90949 had to say about the matter

It's the Thar all the way, no way the Gurkha way.

Reasons for voting the Thar:

• Most affordable hardcore 4*4 vehicle available as of now.(Gurkha may under cut it, but after sales and service is a big risk)
• Diesel option with AT, my most preferred combination.
• Smaller footprint, means one can explore the hinterlands without any worry.
• Mahindra's wide service network. After all it's a company that's "on the rise", and an Indian one at that.
• Commanding driving position just like the Isuzu.
• Love the retro styling to the core, controversies notwithstanding.
• 3 door makes it high on novelty.
• Infinite mod potential, especially to make it an overlanding vehicle.
• Relatively affordable to maintain.

Reasons galore to opt for Thar and as you see, i've fallen for it and as things stand I've booked one.

Isuzu V Cross is a vehicle which i've used a fair bit, a close friend owns one. I've driven it for a few inter state trips to haul cargo(my farm produce). It effortlessly cruised at 90-100 kmph with three fourth of a ton loaded in that. The rear drum brakes are a weak point. I've driven it largely in it's stock form. But later on my friend upgraded it's suspension with Iron Man and that has transformed the car in a very big way. The highway manners even under load had jumped by leaps and bounds. You could still have a bit of fun and make the behemoth dance to your tunes a bit, but one has to stay well within it's limits. It's a work horse in all sense of the word and built like a tank. I often pray for bad roads when I'm behind it's wheel, that's when it shines and comes to the fore. It takes potholes and rough roads with such elan that one can literally glide over them. It has the most silent suspension operation we've ever come across, and that's V cross.

Despite all this, it's little impractical for off-road usage. There's no doubting it's capabilities, it has the hardware to support hard off-roading. But the very high kerb weight and the rear over hang are it's achilles heel besides the length of the car, which makes it tough to maneuver in narrow trails. But it has surprised me with it's abilities whenever i've taken it off the road. We had put it to very good use during flood relief operations in Wayanad, Kerala couple of years back. It climbed over many washed away and non existent roads effortlessly with relief materials for the marooned, and through quite deep water logged places. It's just an absolutely brilliant vehicle for what it's designed for. Attaching couple of pictures of the Isuzu.

It's indeed a tough choice between the two. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. However, the Thar outscores the Isuzu in many aspects as I listed above. Hence, it's the Thar for me.

 

Here's what BHPian Dippy had to say about the matter

It has to be the Thar. No two ways about it. The Gurkha is macho but still feels dated. The Thar feels plush in comparison. I like the V-Cross, but its too big for urban scenarios. Plus, both the Gurkha and Isuzu don't have a vast service network like Mahindra.

Sure the ride is bumpy and the boot space is a joke. But I can still see myself driving one as a daily. Two capable engines with the choice of an automatic gearbox along with just the right amount of creature comforts. No new age connected car tech and all that jazz. I'm old school.

Long back when I drove the first gen Thar for the first time, I had tweeted Anand Mahindra to give the Thar an auto box. Maybe my tweet was seen.

Here's what BHPian Manuuj had to say about the matter

A bit early to decide since one hasn't had an opportunity to drive the all new Gurkha as yet.

Despite that my choice without question is the all new Gurkha! I will not book one till I've driven it but the cheque is ready.

Have driven the new Thar and the Vcross as both are owned by close members of my family. Both are very capable vehicles with their own advantages and disadvantages with regard to ride quality, space and comfort that have been well elaborated on this Forum.

I will therefore not go into why i am not choosing them. I will focus on why I am choosing the 3 door Gurkha.

• The way it looks! Since launch year, the Gurkhas looks have really evolved over time and got better and better. Except for the Tow Mater version, when I thought Force had really lost it, all others have really appealed to me.
• The 2019 Extreme version, to me still is the best looking, despite the newly launched 2021 version (exterior wise). It was always the interiors and horrible fit and finish etc that had in the past, let me down.
• The Gurkha in 2021 really looks very good from the exterior, fit and finish also seem at par with its competition (have yet to see one in the flesh though), and interiors are 2 decades ahead of its predecessor. The street presence of a Gurkha is really a sight to behold.

 We will all agree that the all new Gurkha has addressed the issues regarding the interiors and have made a big leap when compared to even the 2019 version below.

• I find the new interiors to be very very acceptable now and love the exterior design too.
• The proven 2.6 engine and gearbox which has been tweaked over time. It has a lot of low end grunt which is a very important aspect when off-roading in the hills especially. (Many here may have seen the Gurkha owned by Prashant ji in Manali towing a 2 tonne vehicle up the slippery rocky road to Shinku La in a recently released YouTube video.)
• I don't think anyone doubts the reliability of the Gurkha. It is a very capable and reliable vehicle.
• Right mix of exterior size and space. It's not too small and not to big. Just right in my view. Should be nimble and maneuverable on twisty mountain tracks.
• Front AND Rear locking diff. (don't need to elaborate further here)
• Very customisable but that is true for all 3 vehicles on this list.

Now my reasoning may seem a bit thin since its a new vehicle which I have yet to see and drive but going by what I've heard in all reviews and specially from current owners like Trojan, the new Gurkha has managed to address the major issues I had with it.

These being the ghastly fit and finish, painfully ugly interiors and abysmally low refinement in the past.

Force motors has made a really strong effort with the 2021 Gurkha in all three spheres listed above.

Most will also agree that Force Motors on its own is also very receptive to customers, quite unlike their dealers who have traditionally dealt with a different type of customer.

Infact in April 1994, when I bought my first vehicle it was a Mahindra 540 DP and the attitude of the dealer and his showroom staff was identical to Force Motors then. Even the showrooms looked spartan and basic just like the cars they sold in that era.

Though even before that, Mahindra was on the right track and had recognized that India was ready for lifestyle 4x4 vehicles. Remember the CJ340? Many kids like me who were in their teens in the late eighties had posters of it up on their walls.

Credit goes to Anand Mahindra for completely revamping Mahindra once he took control and making it the company it is today, where it commands respect in tough markets like Australia and South Africa too.

Force is at that same crossroads where Mahindra once was in the late 90's and 2000's. They can really come into their own now if they make the effort.

They have appointed one special executive to handle the Gurkha in each dealership. This person will be incharge of dealing with all Gurkha customers and sales.

It is a step in the right direction by Force and I am going along for the ride. I sincerly hope it will turn out to be a pleasant experience.

Everyone loves a surprise.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The BS6-compliant D-Max V-Cross is available in two trims - Z and Z Prestige.

Isuzu has launched the BS6-compliant D-Max V-Cross and Hi-Lander at Rs. 24.49 lakh and Rs. 16.98 lakh (ex-showroom) respectively. The V-Cross is available in two trims - Z and Z Prestige.

2021 Isuzu D-Max Hi-Lander

The Hi-Lander is a slightly premium version of the standard D-Max S-Cab. However, compared to the V-Cross it looks pretty utilitarian.

The Hi-Lander comes with a sportier front fascia with a redesigned front bumper and halogen headlamps. It gets black ORVMs and rides on steel wheels.

On the inside, the pick-up truck comes equipped with manual air-conditioning and a 4-speaker audio system.

2021 Isuzu D-Max V-Cross

On the other hand, the V-Cross features a more premium look. It comes with LED projector headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, LED tail lamps and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Some of the features offered in the V-Cross include automatic climate control, cruise control, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment head-unit and a rear view camera.

The Z Prestige variant is loaded with a variety of safety features that include Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control and Hill Descent Control.

The 2021 Isuzu V-Cross and Hi-Lander are powered by a 1.9-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine that produces 161 BHP @ 3,600 rpm and 360 Nm @ 2,000-2,500 rpm. The engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The four-wheel-drive variants get a shift-on-the-fly system with a high torque mode.

2021 Isuzu D-Max V-Cross & Hi-Lander ex-showroom prices:

• Hi-Lander - Rs. 16.98 lakh
• V-Cross Z 2WD AT - Rs. 19.98 lakh
• V-Cross Z 4WD MT - Rs. 20.98 lakh
• V-Cross Z Prestige 4WD AT - Rs. 24.49 lakh

The Z 4x4 variant will be offered with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the Z Prestige 4x4 will get a 6-speed automatic.

Isuzu is gearing up to launch the updated D-Max V-Cross on May 10, 2021. We can now share some interesting technical details about the pick-up truck.

Earlier, we had reported that the Isuzu V-Cross will be offered in two trims - Z and Z Prestige, with the option of 2WD and 4WD. We have now learned that the Z 4x4 variant will be offered with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the Z Prestige 4x4 will get a 6-speed automatic.

Isuzu will also introduce a base-spec Hi-Lander trim. This variant will only get a 6-speed manual transmission and two-wheel drive.

Powering the D-Max V-Cross and Hi-Lander will be a 1.9-litre, 4-cylinder, diesel engine that produces 161 BHP @ 3,600 rpm and 360 Nm @ 2,000-2,500 rpm. The four-wheel-drive variants will get a shift-on-the-fly system with a high torque mode.

Thanks to the Team-BHP fan (he prefers to remain anonymous) who sent this image in. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing it with other enthusiasts via this Team-BHP share page!

The launch will be live-streamed on Isuzu India's YouTube channel.

Isuzu will be launching the BS6 version of the D-Max V-Cross pick-up, the Hi-Lander pick-up and the MU-X SUV in India on May 10, 2021. The launch will be live-streamed on Isuzu India's YouTube channel.

According to a leaked document, the V-Cross will be offered in two trims - Z and Z Prestige, with 2WD and 4WD configurations respectively. The Hi-Lander will be a base variant of the pick-up.

The V-Cross will be powered by a 1.9-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine that puts out 161 BHP @ 3,600 rpm and 360 Nm @ 2,000-2,500 rpm. The engine will be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The four-wheel-drive version will get a shift-on-the-fly system with a high torque mode.

The MU-X is likely to get the same engine as the V-Cross.

Thanks to BHPian chinchu.c for sharing this with other enthusiasts.