2026 Isuzu Trooper is back, and the 2026 model looks like it’s ready to shake things up. Remember the old Trooper from the ’80s and ’90s? That boxy beast that took you anywhere without breaking a sweat? Well, Isuzu is dusting it off for a new era, blending that tough spirit with some serious modern upgrades. We got our first peek at it through some fresh renders and insider chatter at a Detroit auto show last month. It’s not just an SUV—think of it as a luxury RV on wheels, going head-to-head with heavy hitters like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Ford Expedition. Let’s dive in and see what makes this comeback so exciting.
A Fresh Design That Honors the Past
Pull up next to the 2026 Trooper, and you’ll spot those classic vibes right away. The boxy silhouette screams old-school adventure, with a chunky grille up front and those squared-off wheel arches that say, “I’m built to last.” But Isuzu didn’t just recycle the blueprint—they gave it a sleek twist. LED headlights slice through the dark like laser beams, and the taillights wrap around the back for a wider stance. That iconic spare tire? It’s mounted on the tailgate, just like the originals, but now with a carbon-fiber cover for that premium touch.
Monster Engine: Power That Packs a Punch
Under the hood, the 2026 Trooper isn’t messing around. The star is a 3.2-liter turbo diesel V6, cranking out 275 horsepower and a massive 460 pound-feet of torque. That’s the kind of grunt that lets you tow up to 7,700 pounds—think boat, trailer, or a full camper setup without slowing down. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, shifts are buttery smooth, whether you’re crawling over rocks or merging onto the interstate at 70 mph.
Genius Smart Features
What good is power without brains? The Trooper’s loaded with features that make life easier, especially on long hauls. At the center is a 12.3-inch touchscreen running the latest infotainment system—Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging are standard. Navigation? It’s got off-road modes that plot trails using satellite data, pulling in weather updates so you don’t get caught in a storm.
Adaptive cruise control that adjusts to traffic, lane-keeping assist to prevent drifts, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts. For the RV crowd, there’s a 360-degree camera that lets you park in tight spots, plus trailer sway control if you’re hauling extras. Inside, voice commands handle everything from climate tweaks to playlist switches—just say, “Hey Trooper, crank the AC.” And get this: over-the-air updates mean your ride stays fresh without a dealer visit. These aren’t gimmicks; they’re tools that let you focus on the fun, whether you’re city-bound or deep in the woods.
Ultimate Luxury RV Showdown
So, how does the Trooper fare against the big boys? In the luxury RV showdown, it’s gunning for the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Ford Everest. The Land Cruiser’s got that unbeatable reliability, but the Trooper edges it on price and diesel torque—better for towing heavy campers. Against the Everest, the Isuzu wins on interior space; that third row folds flat for a makeshift bed, turning it into a legit overlander.
The hybrid Trooper sips less than the Prado’s gas guzzler, and it’s quieter on highways thanks to active noise cancellation. Off-road, all three are champs, but the Trooper’s simpler setup means fewer electronics to fail in the mud. Families love the built-in USB ports everywhere and the rear entertainment screens for kids. If you’re eyeing a rig for van-life vibes without the full van commitment, this SUV’s modular storage and pop-up options make it a contender. It’s not trying to be a Mercedes; it’s the hardworking luxury pick for real adventures.
Price
How much will this set you back? Base models start at around $35,000 for the four-cylinder setup— that’s a steal for the capability. Step up to the diesel V6, and you’re looking at $42,000. Fully loaded with leather, nav, and the hybrid pack? Tops out at $48,000. Add-ons like all-terrain tires or a winch kit run $1,500 extra, but it’s still cheaper than a tricked-out Land Cruiser by five grand.