In the work truck industry, if you are not moving and innovating, you are standing still. As a result, the 2025 Isuzu N-Series diesel truck is the first vehicle coming with Isuzu’s new Modular Architecture and Component Standard (I-MACS) on an ICE truck. The new standard is meant to be flexible and used with a variety of future technologies.
What else is new on the truck? The front fascia of the N-Series Diesel has been changed, with what is to become the new face of the Isuzu brand by using. What the company calls “world class flow” is its new design language that make the vehicle quieter and more efficient, as well as improving aerodynamics. New bumper design improves cooling and reduces repair costs. While an updated corner panel helps with aerodynamics.
Meanwhile, an all-new headlight assembly provides full LED lighting (clearance lights, turn signals, high and low beam, and DRLS). The lighting now offers standard automatic headlights; therefore when in the Auto position, the lights will turn on and off on their own by using an ambient light sensor.
On the interior, the steering wheel position and angle have been changes, and the size of the wheel is now smaller. Steering wheel mounted controls are now easier to handle. Electronic climate controls are new and more intuitive. Also, to increase driver comfort, the N-Series has a new driver’s seat design that has a 30-millimeter higher seat back and now offers an arm rest, while both front seats offer hip points lowered by 10mm.Other interior changes include brighter LED lighting, larger overhead console, addition of a card holder clip, and a redesigned passenger tray.
TRUCK CAPABILITIES
The N-Series Diesel comes in two classes and four models. Class 4 models include the NPR-HD which offers GVWR of 14,500 pounds, GCWR of 20,500lbs, and payload of 7,725 to 8,470 lbs; and the NPR-XD with GVWR of 16,000lbs, GCWR of 22,000lbs, and payload of 8,831 to 9.576 lbs. Moving up to Class 5 models we have the NRR Derate that offers GVWR of 17,950lbs, GCWR of 23,950lbs, and payload of 10,659 to 11,420lbs; while the NRR offers GVWR of 19,500lbs, GCWR of 25,500lbs, and payload of 12,209 to 12,970lbs.
All four models are equipped with a 5.2 liter inline-four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine offering 215 horsepower and 452 pounds/feet of torque. They are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
SAFETY FEATURES
Standard safety features on the N-Series include standard ESC and ASR, four-wheel disc brakes, and driver and passenger air bags. However, the list of advanced safety features included in the optional Advanced Driver Assistance System Safety package are extensive. The package includes lane departure warning, following distance warning, automatic emergency braking, forward vehicle start notification, adaptive cruise control, and mis-acceleration mitigation.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
The N-Series new frame is made of HT540 hot rolled steel providing a more rigid frame and taller frame rail. The 30-gallon fuel tank is made of stainless steel. The instrument panel has been redesigned, and paces switches in zones. A zone for convenient functions, a zone for advanced safety device switches area, a zone for truck-specific equipment-related switches, and a zone for additional bodywork switch area.
ULTIMATE CRAFT BEER TRUCK
An interesting version of the Class 5 (19,500lbs GVWR) diesel-powered Isuzu NRR, and with the help of Summit Truck Body, is the Isuzu Ultimate Craft Beer Truck. It debuted in 2019 and has now been updated to the new NRR diesel.
“This has been one of the most intriguing products we have been behind. Most people associate work trucks with box trucks, sweepers, and dumps, but the Ultimate Craft Beer Truck is synonymous with delivering fun,” says Shaun Skinner, president, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. “The customers that have bought them have enjoyed a lot of success and we constantly get questions about the truck and if there’s one available. It remains an exciting product.”
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.
