Isuzu came to the United States in 1984 and now Isuzu Commercial Truck of America has sold more than half million trucks, from the original KS22 with 87 horsepower to the current lineup of class 3 – 7 Low Cab Forward trucks.
One of those trucks, the 2025 Isuzu F-Series, is offered in Class 6 FTR and FVR Derate and Class 7 FVR configurations. The low-cab forward design that Isuzu is known for is used on the F-Series.
CAPABILITY OF TAP
More than anything else, a work truck, no matter class 3 – 7, needs to be capable. The Isuzu F-Series uses a Cummins B6.7 diesel engine, which is a 6.7 liter turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine outputting 260 hp and 660 foot/pounds of torque, mated to the FTR has the Allison 2550 RDS and the FVR DeRate and FVR have the Allison 2500 RDS transmissions.
Three models are available, with each offering a different GVWR, FTR (25,950 lbs), FVR Derate (25,950 lbs), and FVR (33,000 lbs). All three models are available with eight wheelbases that range from 152 to 248 inches (152, 170, 188, 200, 212, 224, 236, and 248), with varying cab to axle (127” to 223”), cab to end of frame (192.9” to 337”), overall length (274.4” to 418.5”), and bodies from 14’ to 30’.
All models have a Front GAWR of 12,000 lbs (FTR Low Pro is 11,000 lbs), 160-amp alternator, final ratio of 5.57 (4.88 on Low Pro), 17 CFM air compressor (optional). Air-S-Cam 16.5” Drum brakes with ABS, 10-gallon DEF tank for the diesel engines exhaust, and 11R22.5 tires (266/70R22.5 on Low Pro). GCWR is 30,000 lbs for FTR, and 33,000 lbs for FVR Derate and FVR. F-Series comes with either a 50- or 100-gallon fuel tank, which is based on the wheelbase on the vehicle.
How much can you put into the body of the F-Series. The FTR allows for between 14, 505 to 16,264 lbs; FVR Derate allows for 14,405 to 15,939 lbs; and the FVR allows for 21,455 to 22,989 lbs. All three have a range as the payload capacity is determined by how the vehicle is optioned.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRUCK
F-Series trucks have a plethora of accessories that can be selected to make your work truck your own. This begins with a touchscreen audio system by Alpine that offers Bluetooth for hands-free calling, works with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, has HDMI input, USB port, and AUX input. SiriusXM is available (with a subscription), and a backup camera can be ordered with the system.
Mechanically, you can add a block heater and receptable, an air suspension, an emergency engine shutdown system, an engine idle shutdown system, a speed limiter, and an engine oil pan heater with receptacle.
Non-mechanical options include low profile tires, aluminum wheels, chrome grille, seat covers, keyless entry, back-up alarm system, power and heated side mirrors, LED lighting package, fire extinguisher and triangle kit, and high-visibility seat belts.
For added safety, F-Series offers a Mobileye package that comes with forward collision warning, pedestrian collision warning, lane departure warning, and headway monitoring and warning. The system is a passive one that offers warnings and alerts.
The Isuzu F-Series low-cab-forward design, which allows you to have a longer body in the same foot print of a conventional truck with a shorter body, which gives you the opportunity to carry more payload in the Isuzu F-Series.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mario Cywinski is the editor of Modern Work Truck Solutions and has worked in the automotive industry for nearly 20 years, both as an automotive journalist and working for a local dealership. He is a member of the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada and has been a judge for the Canadian Truck King Challenge. He can be reached at mario@mwsmag.com.
