Isuzu Hi-Lander

The 2025 Isuzu Hi-Lander in India is powered by a single, reliable diesel engine option: the 1.9-litre VGS Turbo Intercooled Diesel. This 4-cylinder engine produces a maximum power output of 160.92 bhp (or 163 HP) at 3600 rpm and a peak torque of 360 Nm between 2000-2500 rpm. This engine is paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. The powertrain delivers adequate performance for a pickup truck, offering strong low-end torque that is beneficial for carrying loads and navigating varied terrains.

The Hi-Lander is offered only in a 2-wheel drive (RWD) configuration. While this limits its extreme off-road capabilities compared to 4WD vehicles, it is sufficient for most urban, highway, and mild rural road conditions. The 6-speed manual gearbox provides precise control over power delivery. Real-life performance indicates that the engine offers a good balance of power and efficiency for its intended use. The claimed ARAI mileage for the Hi-Lander is approximately 12.4 kmpl, which is reasonable for a vehicle of its size and utility. The engine complies with BS VI Phase 2 emission standards, ensuring cleaner operation.

Ride and Handling

The 2025 Isuzu Hi-Lander offers a ride and handling experience typical of a robust pickup truck, prioritizing durability and load-carrying capability. The front suspension features an independent double wishbone with coil springs, while the rear utilizes a soft ride leaf spring suspension. This setup is designed to handle heavy loads and rough road conditions effectively, providing a sturdy and dependable ride.

While the ride might feel firm over sharp undulations or potholes when unladen, it becomes more composed with a load, which is characteristic of leaf spring suspensions. Handling is predictable and stable, especially at highway speeds. The power-assisted hydraulic steering provides good feedback and is manageable for a vehicle of its size, though it might require more effort than car-like SUVs in tight city maneuvers. The minimum turning radius is 6.3 meters. The Hi-Lander's high ground clearance and robust suspension allow it to traverse uneven terrains with confidence. Its focus is on providing a reliable and capable driving experience for utility and light off-road use rather than dynamic agility.

The interior of the 2025 Isuzu Hi-Lander focuses on practicality and durability for its five occupants. The cabin layout is straightforward, designed for ease of use in diverse conditions. Seating is configured for five passengers across two rows. The front seats are wrap-around bucket seats, with the driver's seat offering 6-way manual adjustment for a comfortable driving position. The rear bench seat provides decent space and can be folded in a 60:40 split, enhancing cargo versatility within the cabin.

Material quality in the cabin is primarily fabric upholstery, designed for robustness and ease of maintenance, reflecting its utility-focused nature. The dashboard features AC air vents with a glossy black finish. Amenities include a manual air conditioning system with a heater, power windows for both front and rear, and a tilt-adjustable steering column. There are two 12V power outlets (centre console and 2nd row floor console) and USB charging ports for both front and rear passengers. Practical features like front and rear bottle holders, cup holders, and front seatback pockets are present. While the interior is basic compared to more premium SUVs, it is functional and provides essential comfort for daily commutes and light-duty commercial use.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 Isuzu Hi-Lander is a basic setup, focusing on core audio and connectivity functions. It features a 4-speaker sound system. While a touchscreen display is not standard, it includes a digital clock and supports basic audio playback. The system offers USB input ports for media playback and charging.

The Hi-Lander's infotainment setup is designed for straightforward operation, prioritizing reliability and ease of use in a utilitarian context. It does not feature advanced smartphone integration like Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, nor does it include integrated navigation or advanced connected car technologies. The emphasis remains on providing essential audio entertainment and basic connectivity for the occupants. This minimalist approach aligns with the Hi-Lander's positioning as a robust and practical pickup truck, where complex infotainment features are not the primary focus for its target audience.

The exterior design of the 2025 Isuzu Hi-Lander is characterized by its rugged and functional pickup truck styling. It features a dark grey metallic finish grille and ORVMs, along with body-colored door handles and bumpers, giving it a purposeful yet understated appearance. The front is equipped with halogen headlamps and a height adjuster, focusing on practicality rather than elaborate lighting signatures. The overall design is largely carried over from the 2024 model, maintaining its familiar and robust aesthetic.

From the side, the Hi-Lander exhibits a strong, high-riding profile, typical of a pickup truck. It rides on 16-inch steel wheels with covers, fitted with 245/70 R16 radial tubeless tyres. The ground clearance stands at a substantial 220 mm, ensuring capability over challenging terrains and large speed breakers. The rear features chrome tailgate handles and a rear bumper. Dimensions for the 2025 Hi-Lander are approximately 5295 mm in length, 1860 mm in width, and 1785 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3095 mm. The design is utilitarian and tough, appealing to those who prefer a straightforward, durable pickup truck look. Specific color options for 2025 are expected to remain consistent with the 2024 palette, including shades like Splash White, Silver Metallic, Nautilus Blue, and Galena Grey.

Safety in the 2025 Isuzu Hi-Lander focuses on foundational protective measures. The vehicle is built on a robust ladder-frame chassis, providing inherent structural strength. While a specific NCAP rating for the Hi-Lander is not available, Isuzu vehicles generally adhere to stringent safety standards.

Standard safety equipment includes 2 airbags (driver and front passenger), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA). Other crucial safety features include an engine immobilizer, central locking with key, child safety locks, and ISOFIX child seat mounts for enhanced child occupant protection. Seat belt warnings for both driver and passenger are standard. The Hi-Lander also features a rear middle headrest and child seat anchor points. While it lacks advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like electronic stability program (ESP), traction control, hill hold control, or a rear parking camera, which are found in more premium vehicles, the Hi-Lander provides essential passive and active safety features for its segment.

The 2025 Isuzu Hi-Lander operates in the niche segment of lifestyle and utility pickup trucks in India. Its primary competition comes from its own sibling, the Isuzu V-Cross, and other utility-focused vehicles like the Mahindra Scorpio N (lower variants) and the Tata Safari (lower variants), which are often cross-shopped for their rugged appeal and practicality.

The Isuzu V-Cross is the Hi-Lander's closest sibling, offering a more premium experience with more features, an automatic transmission option, and 4x4 capabilities, but at a significantly higher price point. The Hi-Lander's value proposition lies in providing the core Isuzu durability and a similar powertrain at a more accessible price. The Mahindra Scorpio N (lower variants) offers a robust SUV experience with 7-seater capacity and strong diesel engines. While not a pickup, its rugged nature and competitive pricing make it an alternative for buyers seeking a tough, multi-purpose vehicle. The Tata Safari (lower variants) also competes in terms of ruggedness and seating capacity, offering a more refined SUV experience. The Hi-Lander differentiates itself with its dedicated pickup truck body style, making it ideal for those who specifically require an open cargo bed for utility purposes, offering a unique blend of personal and commercial use.

The 2025 Isuzu Hi-Lander is a compelling choice for Indian buyers seeking a robust, no-frills pickup truck that excels in utility and durability. It offers a strong, reliable diesel engine, a spacious 5-seater cabin, and a high ground clearance, making it well-suited for diverse Indian road conditions and light commercial applications. While its feature set is basic and it lacks an automatic transmission or 4WD, these omissions contribute to its accessible price point and straightforward, dependable nature. The Hi-Lander's focus on core strengths like build quality and practicality makes it a sensible option for those who prioritize function over luxury.

For buyers in India who require a tough, versatile vehicle for both personal use (like carrying outdoor gear or for rural commutes) and light commercial duties, the 2025 Isuzu Hi-Lander is a very strong contender. Its value-for-money proposition is particularly evident for those who need a reliable workhorse with the comfort of a passenger cabin. Given its single variant offering, the Isuzu Hi-Lander 4x2 MT is the recommended pick for its straightforward approach to utility and robust performance.