{"id":11940,"date":"2026-02-24T22:26:46","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T16:56:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hardwire.news\/articles\/?p=11940"},"modified":"2026-02-24T22:27:01","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T16:57:01","slug":"2026-isuzu-v-cross-launched-in-india-why-the-4x2-model-is-officially-dead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hardwire.news\/articles\/2026-isuzu-v-cross-launched-in-india-why-the-4x2-model-is-officially-dead\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Isuzu V-Cross Launched in India: Why the 4&#215;2 Model is Officially Dead"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-path-to-node=\"1\">I\u2019ve always had a soft spot for the Isuzu V-Cross\u2014it\u2019s one of the few vehicles on our roads that actually looks like it could eat a pothole for breakfast. Well, Isuzu just dropped the 2026 model year update, and it\u2019s a bit of a &#8220;good news, bad news&#8221; situation.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"2\">The big shocker? The entry-level 4&#215;2 model is officially history. If you want a V-Cross now, you\u2019re going 4&#215;4 or nothing. But honestly, with the new tech they\u2019ve packed inside, this &#8220;Adventure Utility Vehicle&#8221; finally feels like it belongs in 2026.<\/p>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"4\"><b data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">A More Polished Exterior<\/b><\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"5\">You\u2019ll have to look closely to spot the changes, but they make a difference. The truck looks a lot cleaner and slightly more &#8220;urban-premium&#8221; while keeping its rugged DNA.<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"6\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"6,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"6,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Front Fascia:<\/b> The grille now gets a sleek black surround, and those chunky silver skid plates have been replaced by a more subtle body-coloured finish.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"6,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"6,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Wheel Game:<\/b> The top-spec Z Prestige trim now rolls on new 18-inch 12-spoke diamond-cut alloy wheels.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"6,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"6,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Cleaner Profile:<\/b> Isuzu has ditched the bulky black wheel-arch cladding for a smoother, body-coloured look.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"6,3,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"6,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Lighting:<\/b> You\u2019re still getting those sharp Bi-LED projector headlamps, but the ORVMs now feature slimmer, more modern LED turn indicators.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"7\"><b data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Why it matters:<\/b> The V-Cross has always looked &#8220;tough,&#8221; but these tweaks help it look less like a commercial workhorse and more like a lifestyle choice you\u2019d be proud to park at a high-end cafe.<\/p>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"8\"><b data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">The Tech Cabin Upgrade<\/b><\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"9\">This is where the 2026 model really wins. For years, the V-Cross interior felt a bit dated, but they\u2019ve finally fixed the &#8220;tech gap.&#8221;<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"10\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">The Screen:<\/b> There\u2019s a new 10.3-inch floating touchscreen (up from 9 inches) that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Safety &amp; Vision:<\/b> One of my favorite additions is the 360-degree camera system. Trying to park a 5.3-meter truck in Delhi or Mumbai is a nightmare; this makes it a breeze.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Interior Vibe:<\/b> You get a new black-and-tan (or brown) leatherette theme on the dashboard and door pads, which definitely levels up the cabin feel.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Sound:<\/b> An 8-speaker system with roof-mounted speakers ensures your off-road soundtrack hits differently.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"11\"><b data-path-to-node=\"11\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Why it matters:<\/b> A bigger, faster screen and a 360-degree camera aren&#8217;t just &#8220;fluff&#8221;\u2014they are essential for a vehicle this size. It finally feels like a modern cockpit.<\/p>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"12\"><b data-path-to-node=\"12\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">4&#215;4 Mastery as Standard<\/b><\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"13\">Under the hood, the reliable 1.9-litre diesel engine (163 PS \/ 360 Nm) remains unchanged. However, the drivetrain story is the lead headline.<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"14\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"14,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"14,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">No More 4&#215;2:<\/b> Isuzu has scrapped the rear-wheel-drive versions to focus entirely on off-roaders.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"14,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"14,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Off-Road Edge:<\/b> Every single variant now comes with an auto-locking rear differential as standard.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"15\"><b data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Why it matters:<\/b> By making 4&#215;4 and the locking diff standard, Isuzu is leaning into its identity. It\u2019s no longer trying to compete with soft-roaders; it\u2019s positioning itself as a serious, capable tool for people who actually leave the tarmac.<\/p>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"16\"><b data-path-to-node=\"16\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">2026 Pricing (Ex-Showroom)<\/b><\/h3>\n<table data-path-to-node=\"17\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Variant<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Price (Ex-Showroom)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"17,1,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"17,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Z Standard MT<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"17,1,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"17,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">\u20b925.50 Lakh<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"17,2,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"17,2,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Z Premium MT<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"17,2,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"17,2,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">\u20b925.79 Lakh<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"17,3,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"17,3,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Z Prestige Standard MT<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"17,3,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"17,3,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">\u20b927.00 Lakh<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"17,4,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"17,4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Z Prestige Standard AT<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"17,4,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"17,4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">\u20b930.00 Lakh<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"17,5,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"17,5,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Z Prestige Premium MT<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"17,5,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"17,5,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">\u20b927.28 Lakh<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"17,6,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"17,6,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Z Prestige Premium AT<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"17,6,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"17,6,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">\u20b930.28 Lakh<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"19\">With the Hilux as its only real rival, the V-Cross remains the more &#8220;attainable&#8221; beast. If you&#8217;ve been waiting for a reason to finally buy one, that 10.3-inch screen and 360-degree camera might just be the nudge you needed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I\u2019ve always had a soft spot for the Isuzu V-Cross\u2014it\u2019s one of the few vehicles on our roads that actually looks like it could eat a pothole for breakfast. Well, Isuzu just dropped the 2026 model year update, and it\u2019s a bit of a &#8220;good news, bad news&#8221; situation. The big shocker? The entry-level 4&#215;2<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":11941,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[140,141],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-11940","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-automobiles","8":"category-cars"},"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hardwire.news\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11940","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hardwire.news\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hardwire.news\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hardwire.news\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hardwire.news\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11940"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/hardwire.news\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11940\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11943,"href":"https:\/\/hardwire.news\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11940\/revisions\/11943"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hardwire.news\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11941"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hardwire.news\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11940"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hardwire.news\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11940"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hardwire.news\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11940"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}