This Unexpected Isuzu Restomod Is a Diesel Pickup That Performs Exceptionally Well

This Unexpected Isuzu Restomod Is a Diesel Pickup That Performs Exceptionally Well

      Isuzu

      To be honest, I’m not particularly interested in restomods. They often seem like extravagant money-making schemes created by obscure shops looking to capitalize on nostalgia from the Baby Boomer generation. But this one? Oh, wow. This is fantastic. It’s the Isuzu Dragon Max, which, as you can see, is an upgraded version of the truck that the landscaping industry in our country is built upon: the third-generation Isuzu Pickup.

      Isuzu unveiled it at this week’s Bangkok International Motor Show, featuring essentially the same design as before, just updated. And when I say “updated,” I mean it includes LED headlights, a lowered profile with aggressive tire fitment, and what appears to be some impressive body molding. The interior is quite nicely done as well; I’m willing to bet you won’t find many others like this one with carbon fiber trim, Recaro seats upholstered in Alcantara, a digital dashboard, and a 10.2-inch center screen powered by an Android operating system.

      More significantly, the truck is equipped with a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine that produces 220 horsepower and just over 400 lb-ft of torque. Just imagine that in a compact two-wheel drive single cab! An eight-speed automatic transmission promises swift shifts, and while you can’t technically shift gears manually, you can certainly push the stick forward and back while navigating a turn. I’m okay with that personally.

      There’s much to appreciate about a modest truck receiving a stylish upgrade. It’s particularly exciting that Isuzu itself constructed this for everyone to see at an international auto show. Isuzu isn’t typically seen as a brand associated with performance or coolness in the States, but that’s due to our cultural disconnect from the global automotive landscape. (Alright, mini truck enthusiasts get it, but that’s about it.) Isuzu is still a beloved choice for many overseas, especially off-roaders who are devoted to the DMax pickup. The Dragon Max concept utilizes the same RZ4F engine, so I have every reason to believe it’s a standout.

      You might encounter something statistically more impressive or outrageous at SEMA, and that’s perfectly fine. Let others pursue attention with extravagant and impractical builds. I’ll stick with Isuzu, a truck manufacturer that knows how to have a good time, whether cruising down your favorite back road or heading to the mulch depot.

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This Unexpected Isuzu Restomod Is a Diesel Pickup That Performs Exceptionally Well

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This Unexpected Isuzu Restomod Is a Diesel Pickup That Performs Exceptionally Well

You can cruise the streets or the Home Depot parking lot in the Isuzu Dragon Max, designed for a smooth ride with its powerful diesel engine.