Isuzu Bighorn SUV 3.1 DT (125 Hp)
Overall Rating
Isuzu Bighorn:
The Isuzu Trooper is a full-size SUV manufactured and marketed by Isuzu between September 1981 and September 2002 over two generations, the first, produced between 1981 and 1991; and the second produced between 1991 and 2002, the latter with a mid-cycle refresh in 1998. In its earliest iterations, the Trooper was based on the company's first generation Isuzu Faster/Chevrolet LUV pickup.
Marketed in the Japanese domestic market, as the Isuzu Bighorn, Isuzu marketed it internationally primarily as the Trooper, and in other markets as the Acura SLX , Chevrolet Trooper, Subaru Bighorn, SsangYong Korando Family, Honda Horizon, Opel Monterey, Vauxhall Monterey, Holden Jackaroo, and Holden Monterey....(Read more on Wikipedia)
SUV Overview:
Isuzu Bighorn (SUV). With 275 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2030 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The 1987 Isuzu Bighorn predates modern Euro NCAP testing standards. Safety features were basic for its time, focusing on robust construction rather than advanced passive or active systems.
3.1 DT (125 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A strong turbo-diesel engine providing a good balance of power and torque, making it well-suited for towing and off-road excursions, with decent highway performance.
Fuel Economy
Delivers commendable fuel efficiency for its class, benefiting from turbocharging to offer a good blend of power and economy for daily use.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Robust off-road capability
- • Durable and reliable engines
- • Spacious interior for its class
- • Variety of engine options (petrol and diesel)
- • Strong towing potential
Cons:
- • Dated safety features by modern standards
- • High fuel consumption on larger petrol engines
- • Basic interior comfort
- • Ride quality can be harsh on-road
- • Limited availability of parts for older models
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(SUV: 1988 - 1991).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Isuzu |
| Model: | Bighorn |
| Generation: | SUV |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.1 DT (125 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1991 |
| End of production: | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 125 Hp @ 3600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 40.9 Hp/l [280mm more] |
| Torque: | 275 Nm @ 2000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 4JG2 More details about the engine 4JG2 |
| Engine displacement: | 3059 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 95.4 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 107 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 20:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 16.2 kg/Hp, 61.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.4 kg/Nm, 135.5 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2030 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 85 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4750 mm [280mm more] |
| Width: | 1745 mm [15mm less] |
| Height: | 1840 mm [5mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2760 mm [110mm more] |
| Front track: | 1455 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1460 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.6 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Tires size | 245/70 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7JJ x 16 |












If you could change one thing about the Isuzu Bighorn, what would it be?