The Isuzu V-Cross, a rugged lifestyle pickup truck popular among adventure seekers and off-road enthusiasts, has just received a substantial price revision in India. With an increase of up to ₹1.25 lakh, the new pricing has drawn attention across the automotive community.
As pickup trucks gain momentum among Indian consumers looking for utility and power-packed performance, this price hike could affect buying decisions. In this blog, we explore the reasons behind the hike, revised prices, variants affected, and whether the Isuzu V-Cross remains a value-for-money purchase.
📈 How Much Have Prices Increased?
Isuzu has announced a price revision across its BS6 Phase 2-compliant V-Cross range. Depending on the variant and features, the increase ranges between ₹90,000 and ₹1.25 lakh.
Here’s an overview of the updated prices:
| Variant | Previous Price | New Price (2025) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| V-Cross Z 4×2 AT | ₹24.00 lakh (approx) | ₹25.20 lakh | ₹1.20 lakh |
| V-Cross Z Prestige 4×4 AT | ₹26.50 lakh (approx) | ₹27.75 lakh | ₹1.25 lakh |
| V-Cross High Z 4×4 MT | ₹25.00 lakh (approx) | ₹26.15 lakh | ₹1.15 lakh |
(Note: Prices are ex-showroom and rounded for clarity.)
⚙️ Why Has Isuzu Increased Prices?
There are a few contributing factors to this sharp price hike:
1. BS6 Phase 2 Compliance:
Stricter emission norms require advanced engine modifications and upgraded components. Isuzu has made these changes to align the V-Cross with the latest BS6 Phase 2 emission standards, which has added to the manufacturing cost.
2. Rising Input Costs:
Steel, semiconductor chips, and other raw materials have witnessed price hikes globally, pushing manufacturers like Isuzu to pass some of the burden to customers.
3. Improved Feature List:
The updated V-Cross offers improved features in infotainment, comfort, and safety — such as enhanced touchscreen systems, better NVH (noise-vibration-harshness) levels, and additional ADAS-based safety features in top variants.
4. Positioning as a Premium Lifestyle Vehicle:
With more urban buyers opting for pickups as luxury adventure vehicles, Isuzu is repositioning the V-Cross slightly more premium, aligning with its global strategy.
🛻 What Makes the Isuzu V-Cross So Popular?
Despite being a niche segment, the Isuzu V-Cross has carved out a loyal base of customers in India. Here’s why:
- Bold Pickup Styling: A mix of rugged masculinity and road presence makes it a head-turner.
- 4×4 Off-Road Capability: With a shift-on-the-fly 4WD system, it handles all terrains — from highways to Himalayan trails.
- Tough Build Quality: Built on a ladder-frame chassis, the V-Cross is built to endure.
- Utility & Adventure: From mountain biking to overlanding trips, the V-Cross can carry heavy gear with ease.
- Reliable Diesel Engine: Powered by a 1.9L turbo-diesel engine delivering around 163 PS and 360 Nm torque.
🆕 New Features & Enhancements in 2025 Model
Isuzu hasn’t made any dramatic design overhauls, but a few value-additions have been introduced:
- 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Enhanced safety suite with traction control, ESC, hill start assist, and brake override system.
- Improved upholstery with leatherette seats in premium variants.
- Rear camera with dynamic guidelines.
- More colour options, including Urban Silver and Sapphire Blue.
💸 Does It Still Offer Value for Money?
That depends on the buyer’s needs. Here’s a balanced take:
✅ Pros:
- Proven reliability and durability.
- Commanding street presence and lifestyle appeal.
- Serious off-road potential.
- Spacious interiors and modern infotainment.
- Diesel efficiency in a large-bodied vehicle.
❌ Cons:
- Price hike may push it out of budget for some.
- Limited dealership/service network compared to rivals.
- Pickup trucks still face practical limitations in urban usage.
- Competes with SUVs offering more tech and creature comforts.
🆚 How It Compares to Rivals
While the pickup segment in India is limited, the V-Cross’s closest competition includes:
- Toyota Hilux – Larger, more powerful, and more expensive (~₹30+ lakh).
- Mahindra Scorpio N 4×4 – Not a pickup, but offers off-road capability at a more affordable price.
- Tata Yodha / Mahindra Bolero Camper – More commercial and basic, not true lifestyle competitors.
Among these, the Isuzu V-Cross strikes a unique balance of adventure-readiness and lifestyle appeal.
👨👩👦👦 Who Should Still Consider the Isuzu V-Cross?
- Adventure Enthusiasts – Those who love camping, off-roading, and exploring.
- Business Owners – Need both utility and luxury in one vehicle.
- SUV Buyers Seeking Uniqueness – Looking for something more rugged and less mainstream.
- Modding Community – V-Cross is a favorite among vehicle modifiers and off-road clubs.
🧭 Conclusion: Is the Price Hike Justified?
While no buyer enjoys a price increase, the 2025 hike for the Isuzu V-Cross seems somewhat justified due to emissions compliance, feature upgrades, and global cost pressures. It’s still one of the most affordable and reliable lifestyle pickups in India.
However, for price-conscious buyers, the difference of over ₹1 lakh might push them to consider SUVs or even wait for promotional offers or special editions. For those who’ve always wanted a V-Cross for its power, presence, and purpose — now might still be the right time before the next price revision.