Which Isuzu Rodeo Version Should You Buy?
The Isuzu Rodeo data points to different choices for different priorities. Buyers seeking the strongest listed performance should examine the second-generation 3.2 AT or 3.2 MT with 208 hp, 290 Nm, and AWD; where measured, these versions reach 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds and 180 km/h. The second-generation 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT offer 130 hp and 195 Nm with RWD.
The Isuzu Rodeo data points to different choices for different priorities. Buyers seeking the strongest listed performance should examine the second-generation 3.2 AT or 3.2 MT with 208 hp, 290 Nm, and AWD; where measured, these versions reach 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds and 180 km/h. The second-generation 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT offer 130 hp and 195 Nm with RWD. In the first-generation pickup range, the principal choices are 2.6 MT, 3.1 MT or 3.1 AT, and 3.2 MT or 3.2 AT, with outputs ranging from 120 to 193 hp. The catalogue contains two generations: the first-generation Pickup from May 1988 to October 1994 and the second-generation SUV 5-doors from January 1998 to December 2004.
Isuzu Rodeo generations: which body and model range suit you?
The first generation is a Pickup offered from May 1988 through October 1994. The database lists 14 modifications and shows 12 of them. Its engine choices span 2559–3165 cc, while listed output ranges from 120 to 193 hp. Every displayed version has a front, longitudinal Gasoline engine, no boost, and either a 5-speed Manual or 4-speed Automatic transmission. RWD and AWD versions are represented. All displayed first-generation versions have 205 mm of ground clearance and an 83-litre tank.
The second generation is an SUV 5-doors offered from January 1998 through December 2004. The database lists 13 modifications and shows 12 of them. Its displayed engine range consists of 2198 cc and 3165 cc Gasoline units producing 130–208 hp. Transmission choices are a 5-speed Manual and a 4-speed Automatic, with RWD or AWD depending on the version. Ground clearance is either 200 or 205 mm, and the tank is either 67 or 74 litres.
The body is the clearest generational distinction: choose the first-generation Pickup if that body type is the requirement, or the second-generation SUV 5-doors if an enclosed SUV body is the priority. Dimensions and bed dimensions are not measured in the supplied data, so no size comparison can be made beyond those stated body types.
Isuzu Rodeo engine options and specs
Repeated version names below remain exactly as listed in the database and are separated by generation, power, drive, or other specifications.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 2.6 MT | 120 hp | 204 Nm | 2559 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 2.6 MT | 122 hp | 198 Nm | 2581 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 3.1 MT | 122 hp | 224 Nm | 3128 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 3.1 AT | 122 hp | 224 Nm | 3128 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First generation 3.1 MT | 122 hp | 224 Nm | 3128 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| First generation 3.1 AT | 122 hp | 224 Nm | 3128 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First generation 3.2 MT | 177 hp | 260 Nm | 3165 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| First generation 3.2 MT | 177 hp | 260 Nm | 3165 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 3.2 AT | 177 hp | 260 Nm | 3165 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First generation 3.2 AT | 177 hp | 260 Nm | 3165 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First generation 3.2 MT | 193 hp | 255 Nm | 3165 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 3.2 AT | 193 hp | 255 Nm | 3165 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation 2.2 AT, 74-litre tank | 130 hp | 195 Nm | 2198 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation 2.2 MT, 74-litre tank | 130 hp | 195 Nm | 2198 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 3.2 MT, 1780 kg kerb weight | 208 hp | 290 Nm | 3165 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 3.2 AT, 208 hp, AWD, 74-litre tank | 208 hp | 290 Nm | 3165 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation 3.2 MT, 208 hp, AWD | 208 hp | 290 Nm | 3165 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| Second generation 3.2 AT, 208 hp, RWD, 74-litre tank | 208 hp | 290 Nm | 3165 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation 3.2 AT, 205 hp | 205 hp | 290 Nm | 3165 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation 2.2 MT, 67-litre tank | 130 hp | 195 Nm | 2198 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 2.2 AT, 67-litre tank | 130 hp | 195 Nm | 2198 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation 3.2 AT, 208 hp, RWD, 67-litre tank | 208 hp | 290 Nm | 3165 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation 3.2 AT, 208 hp, AWD, 67-litre tank | 208 hp | 290 Nm | 3165 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation 3.2 MT, 1615 kg kerb weight | 208 hp | 290 Nm | 3165 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
Power per litre helps clarify what the larger engines deliver. The second-generation 2198 cc engine produces approximately 59.1 hp per litre, while its 3165 cc engine produces approximately 64.8 hp per litre at 205 hp or 65.7 hp per litre at 208 hp. The first-generation 2559 cc 2.6 MT produces approximately 46.9 hp per litre, and the 2581 cc 2.6 MT produces approximately 47.3 hp per litre. Among the first-generation 3165 cc versions, output rises from approximately 55.9 hp per litre at 177 hp to approximately 61.0 hp per litre at 193 hp.
Isuzu Rodeo performance and fuel economy
Measured performance strongly favours selected second-generation 3.2 versions. The 3.2 AT with 208 hp and AWD, the 3.2 MT with 208 hp and AWD, and the 3.2 AT with 205 hp and AWD each have a measured 0–100 km/h time of 9.4 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h. The first listed second-generation 3.2 MT with 208 hp and RWD has a measured 0–100 km/h time of 18 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h. For another second-generation 3.2 MT with 208 hp and RWD, the top speed is 180 km/h but acceleration is not measured. Acceleration and top speed are not measured for the remaining displayed versions.
Fuel consumption is not measured for every displayed second-generation version. In the first generation, the 122 hp 2.6 MT records 13.1 l/100 km in the city, 10.7 l/100 km on the highway, and 12.4 l/100 km combined. The 122 hp 3.1 MT versions record 15.7, 12.4, and 13.8 l/100 km respectively, while the 122 hp 3.1 AT versions record 15.7, 13.1, and 14.7 l/100 km.
The first-generation 193 hp 3.2 MT records 14.7 l/100 km city, 12.4 l/100 km highway, and 13.8 l/100 km combined. The 193 hp 3.2 AT records 15.7, 12.4, and 13.8 l/100 km. Thus, the measured 193 hp 3.2 MT uses 1.0 l/100 km less in the city than the 193 hp 3.2 AT, with identical measured highway and combined figures.
For the 120 hp 2.6 MT and every 177 hp 3.2 version, fuel consumption is not measured. Buyers should not infer economy from engine size alone where the catalogue supplies no test figure.
Isuzu Rodeo weight, dimensions, clearance and tank size
Exterior dimensions, wheel sizes, and pickup-bed dimensions are not measured for any displayed version. Ground clearance, weight, and tank capacity provide the usable comparison instead.
First-generation kerb weight ranges from 1580 kg for the 122 hp 2.6 MT to 1791 kg for the 177 hp 3.2 MT with AWD. Gross weight is not measured for the 122 hp 2.6 MT or any 122 hp 3.1 version. Where provided, first-generation gross weight runs from 2066 kg for the 120 hp 2.6 MT to 2225 kg for the 177 hp 3.2 MT or 3.2 AT with AWD. Ground clearance is 205 mm and tank capacity is 83 litres across all displayed first-generation versions.
Second-generation kerb weight ranges from 1545 kg for the 2.2 AT with a 67-litre tank to 1915 kg for the AWD 3.2 versions with a recorded kerb weight. Gross weight ranges from 2065 kg for the 2.2 AT and 2.2 MT with a 74-litre tank to 2328 kg for the specified AWD 3.2 versions. The 205 hp and selected 208 hp AWD versions have 200 mm of clearance, while the remaining displayed second-generation entries have 205 mm.
Weight per horsepower highlights the effect of the engine choice. The 1545 kg second-generation 2.2 AT carries approximately 11.9 kg per hp, whereas the 1615 kg second-generation 3.2 MT carries approximately 7.8 kg per hp. The 1915 kg, 208 hp AWD versions carry approximately 9.2 kg per hp. In the first generation, the 1580 kg, 122 hp 2.6 MT carries approximately 13.0 kg per hp; the 1765 kg, 193 hp versions carry approximately 9.1 kg per hp.
Isuzu Rodeo reliability and problems
Reliability records, problem reports, maintenance intervals, engine-oil specifications, and engine-timing information are not measured in the supplied data. This catalogue therefore cannot identify one engine as more reliable or recommend an engine swap. A buying inspection should treat those questions separately from the verified specification comparison here.
Which Isuzu Rodeo version should you choose?
For the best measured acceleration, select one of the second-generation AWD 3.2 entries with a recorded 9.4-second 0–100 km/h time: the 3.2 AT with 208 hp, the 3.2 MT with 208 hp, or the 3.2 AT with 205 hp. The 208 hp versions add 78 hp and 95 Nm over the 130 hp 2.2 versions, while displacement increases by 967 cc.
For the lowest recorded second-generation kerb weight, choose the 2.2 AT with the 67-litre tank at 1545 kg. Its 130 hp output is lower than that of every displayed second-generation 3.2, but it is 370 kg lighter than the 1915 kg AWD 3.2 versions. The 2.2 MT with the 74-litre tank weighs 1585 kg, whereas the 2.2 MT with the 67-litre tank weighs 1690 kg; identical version names therefore do not guarantee identical listed weight or chassis specification.
For a first-generation Pickup with the strongest listed output, choose the 193 hp 3.2 MT or 3.2 AT. These versions add 16 hp over the 177 hp 3.2 models, although torque falls by 5 Nm from 260 to 255 Nm. Between the 193 hp pair, both weigh 1765 kg and record 13.8 l/100 km combined; the Manual uses 1.0 l/100 km less in the city.
For AWD in the first generation, the listed choices are the 122 hp 3.1 MT and 3.1 AT or the 177 hp 3.2 MT and 3.2 AT. Moving from the 122 hp 3.1 to the 177 hp 3.2 adds 55 hp and 36 Nm. In the versions with recorded kerb weight, the AWD 177 hp 3.2 MT weighs 1791 kg, which is 141 kg more than the 1650 kg AWD 3.1 MT.
The final decision is therefore specification-led: the second-generation AWD 3.2 is the performance choice, the second-generation 2.2 is the lighter and less powerful alternative, the first-generation 193 hp 3.2 is the strongest listed Pickup choice, and the 122 hp 2.6 MT has the lowest measured combined consumption at 12.4 l/100 km. Price, availability, and sale-location data are not measured, so they cannot be used to rank these versions.