Isuzu VehiCROSS 3.2 V6

Isuzu VehiCROSS 3.2 V6

The Isuzu VehiCROSS is one of the most unusual and distinctive vehicles of the late 1990s. Based on the Isuzu Trooper chassis but wearing a radical body that looked virtually unchanged from the 1993 concept car on which it was based, the VehiCROSS was a bold design statement from a manufacturer better known for trucks and commercial vehicles. Its combination of dramatic styling, genuine off-road capability, and limited production has made it a cult classic.

The VehiCROSS was powered by Isuzu's 6VD1 3.2-liter DOHC V6 engine producing 215 horsepower. While not overwhelmingly powerful, the engine provided adequate performance for the VehiCROSS's compact dimensions and relatively moderate weight. The 4-speed automatic transmission was the only gearbox option, reflecting the VehiCROSS's positioning as a lifestyle vehicle rather than an enthusiast's toy.

The Torque-on-Demand four-wheel-drive system was the VehiCROSS's technical highlight. Using electronic sensors and a viscous coupling center differential, the system could automatically distribute torque between the front and rear axles based on conditions. The system provided genuine off-road capability while requiring no input from the driver, making the VehiCROSS surprisingly capable on loose surfaces, snow, and light trails.

The styling was - and remains - the VehiCROSS's defining characteristic. The aggressive body cladding, muscular fender flares, and distinctive headlight treatment gave the car a presence that was completely unique. The design had barely changed from the 1993 concept car, and at a time when most production vehicles were significantly toned down from their show car origins, the VehiCROSS's faithfulness to the original concept was remarkable.

The interior was relatively spartan compared to the dramatic exterior. Leather seats, a basic but functional dashboard, and a reasonable level of equipment were standard, but the cabin was clearly not the VehiCROSS's priority. The two-door, four-seat layout limited practical utility, though the rear seats could fold to create a useful cargo area.

Only 6,078 VehiCROSS units were produced worldwide over four model years, with approximately 4,153 destined for the US market. This limited production, combined with the vehicle's distinctive styling and genuine off-road capability, has made it a sought-after collectible. The VehiCROSS anticipated the compact crossover SUV trend by over a decade, and its bold design language influenced subsequent Isuzu products.

Today, the VehiCROSS occupies a unique niche in the collector car world. It is affordable enough to be an accessible collectible, rare enough to attract attention everywhere it goes, and distinctive enough to generate conversation among people who have never heard of it. The VehiCROSS represents Isuzu's most creative moment in passenger vehicle design and a fascinating what-if in automotive history.