Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has lifted the curtain on its all-new 2025 truck range – a bold reimagining of the nation’s best-selling light and medium-duty trucks. Backed by more than 36 years of market leadership, the MY25 N Series and F Series trucks deliver new benchmarks in emissions compliance, safety technology, driver comfort and operational efficiency.
At a recent media preview ahead of the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show, Isuzu’s Product Manager – Medium and Heavy-Duty Trucks, Jeff Gibson, took Fleet News Group through the technical and strategic thinking behind the brand’s biggest product renewal in nearly two decades.
“This is the first time in nearly 18 years that we’ve made a new truck,” Gibson said. “It’s a big shift for us – new engines, new safety systems, new architecture, and completely new cabins.”
Light-Duty Legend Reimagined: The N Series
The 2025 Isuzu N Series range has been rebuilt from the ground up and now offers more choice than ever, with models ranging from 4,500 kg to 8,800 kg GVM, spanning both narrow and wide cab variants. Designed to meet the needs of last-mile delivery, trade, and urban fleet operators, the new N Series offers a highly modular platform underpinned by Isuzu’s I-MACS (Modular Architecture and Component Standard).
A New Powertrain Era
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of the Isuzu 4JZ1 three-litre engine, replacing the outgoing 4JJ1. Despite its smaller displacement, the 4JZ1 delivers up to 129 kW and 430 Nm, representing a clear upgrade in power and efficiency.
“We’re moving to a smaller engine with more power and torque,” explained Gibson. “That means lighter weight, better fuel economy and lower emissions – all without compromising performance.”
Alongside the new engine comes Isuzu’s patented dual-clutch transmission – a 9-speed DCT that offers “millisecond upshifts”, ensuring seamless acceleration and minimal torque loss.
“It’s very, very exciting for us,” said Gibson. “You’ll be driving this truck around town without even noticing the gear changes. It’s perfectly suited for urban stop-start conditions.”
The 5.2-litre 4HK1 engine continues in selected N and F Series variants with revised outputs and Euro VI emissions compliance via AdBlue injection and Diesel Particulate Diffuser (DPD). This marks the first time SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology has been deployed in Australian Isuzu trucks.
“We’ve consciously held off introducing SCR until now,” said Gibson. “But with ADR 80/04 emissions standards now in play, every Isuzu truck sold in Australia from late 2025 will meet the requirement using global best-practice technology.”
Safety: Raising the Bar for the Industry
Safety has been one of the strongest themes in the 2025 Isuzu range. Across both N and F Series, Isuzu’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite has been expanded to include up to 15 active and passive features.
Key safety highlights in the N Series include:
- Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control
- Intelligent Speed Limiter with Traffic Sign Recognition
- Intersection Warning System
- Lane Departure Warning
- Reverse Camera (standard)
“We’re really being forced to move our trucks into the same safety space that customers expect from modern passenger vehicles,” said Gibson. “Fleet buyers, especially, are demanding these systems. Safety is now the number one priority – even ahead of payload and performance.”
The N Series uses a stereo camera system to provide enhanced 3D object recognition without relying solely on radar. This is particularly effective at identifying pedestrians in urban environments.
“In Tokyo testing, we’ve achieved up to 99% pedestrian detection with the stereo camera,” said Gibson. “The new version for MY25 offers a wider field of vision into the peripherals of the truck.”
An electronic park brake and auto-hold function are now standard on N Series trucks, removing the risk of rollaway incidents. Gibson noted, “This was a direct request from local councils and large fleet operators – they don’t want drivers forgetting to apply the handbrake. Now, it’s automatic.”
Cabin Comforts and Driver Ergonomics
Across the range, the cabins have been completely overhauled to provide a more car-like experience. The redesign includes:
- New multi-function steering wheels (reduced to 440mm diameter)
- 10.1-inch MyIsuzu Co-Pilot touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Keyless entry and push-button start (on selected models)
- UV and IR-reducing glass to improve cabin temperature and prevent skin damage
- Climate control integrated with CAN bus communication
“In the truck world, drivers spend 8–12 hours a day behind the wheel. So we’ve engineered the new cabins for better access, improved visibility, and overall comfort,” said Gibson.
Door bins, better seat adjustability and a new ISRI 6860 climate seat in the F Series complete the comfort upgrade.
Medium-Duty Mastery: The F Series
The 2025 F Series represents the largest single leap forward in medium-duty truck design in Isuzu Australia’s history. The new line-up offers models from 11 to 26 tonnes GVM, with an expanded range of cab, wheelbase and drivetrain options.
“The F Series is our bread and butter. It’s used in every application from freight and refrigerated delivery to emergency services and tilt trays,” said Gibson. “So this update had to be comprehensive – and it is.”
A New Powerhouse: Cummins Collaboration
At the heart of the F Series upgrade is the debut of the 6.7-litre Isuzu DB6A engine, co-developed with Cummins. Available in 260PS (191 kW) and 300PS (221 kW) versions, this inline-six drops EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) altogether, reducing maintenance and improving combustion efficiency.
“It’s a true collaboration – but it’s our engine,” said Gibson. “It’s built in our Tochigi Engine Plant in Japan and runs an Isuzu ECU.”
Both variants are exclusively paired with Allison Gen 6 6-speed automatic transmissions, with torque outputs up to 980 Nm at just 1,000 rpm for low-speed drivability and fuel efficiency.
New Suspension, Brakes and Frames
Isuzu has taken the opportunity to modernise the mechanical platform underpinning the F Series:
- New high-tensile ladder frames
- Upgraded air suspension and rear engine PTO models
- Electronic Brake Systems (EBS) that measure payload and dynamically adjust brake pressure
- Meritor disc brake axles in wide-cab models with full air brakes
“Every time you brake, the ECU calculates the truck’s mass and adjusts pressure to keep the pedal feel consistent – whether the truck is empty or fully loaded,” explained Gibson.
Also new is Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) lighting, which automatically dims individual LED elements to prevent glare while maintaining full high-beam coverage elsewhere.
Smart Body Integration and Compliance
Isuzu has worked closely with body builders to ensure the new frames and emissions systems can accommodate complex builds without breaching compliance.
“We’ve added dedicated body mount holes in the right locations,” Gibson said. “The high tensile frames are very specific in where load can be transferred, and we want to make it easier – not harder – for body builders.”
LED tail lights and pre-wired harnesses further streamline installation of bodies for fleet customers.
Ready-to-Work and Real-World Support
Isuzu continues to expand its Ready-to-Work (RTW) line-up with factory-fitted trays, vans and tippers available directly from the dealership. Most are built in Australia using local suppliers, except for the tipper which remains Japan-built.
Backing the range is Isuzu Care, now in its 20th year, which includes:
- Six-year factory warranty
- Six years of 24/7 roadside assist
- Fixed-price service agreements
“We’re not just selling trucks – we’re selling solutions,” said Gibson. “Downtime is money, and our service plans give customers peace of mind and predictable costs.”
Meeting the Moment
With ADR 80/04 emissions standards, mandatory safety upgrades, and changing expectations from drivers and fleets, Isuzu’s 2025 launch is both a response to regulatory change and a proactive redefinition of what’s possible in the light- and medium-duty segments.
“We’re the last standalone truck manufacturer in the world, and that gives us the freedom to do things our way,” said Gibson. “This is not just about compliance – it’s about building trucks that Australians can rely on, today and into the future.”
The all-new MY25 Isuzu N and F Series trucks will be officially launched to the public at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show.
For fleet operators, tradies, logistics companies and government buyers, the message is clear: the future of freight has arrived, and it’s wearing an Isuzu badge.
