by Incredible SUV with an engine from Lexus
The Isuzu VehiCROSS had a short life in the USA — only three years of sales, but it still remains one of the strangest and most attractive compact SUVs of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Isuzu built it for real off-roading, with a focus on technical equipment that modern crossovers could only dream of. Moreover, it is an excellent base for those who cannot leave things as they are.
Auction record or a profitable purchase?
A particularly unusual example recently appeared at an auction in Denver, and this is probably the craziest VehiCROSS we have ever seen. It eventually sold for $12,000. Considering everything hidden under the hood, this amount looks like a very good deal.
Technical conversion: V8 instead of V6
When this SUV was new, Isuzu offered it with 3.2 and 3.5-liter V6 engines. This particular vehicle has neither. Instead, the owner installed the legendary naturally aspirated 4.0-liter Toyota 1UZ-FE V8 engine, which was originally created for the Lexus LS 400 and was also used in the Toyota Crown and Lexus SC 400.
This engine also received a new intake manifold, a coil-on-plug ignition system, and works in pair with a five-speed manual transmission from the Hummer H3.
Suspension and off-road equipment
The description from the Bring a Trailer auction reveals the rest of the technical details, and they are impressive. The build features an NR6 dual-range transfer case, air lockers, Isuzu differentials with a 4.77:1 gear ratio, and Aisin manual front hub locks. The vehicle sits on 35-inch General Grabber X3 tires mounted on 15-inch wheels. The factory KYB shock absorbers remain but have been re-valved to soften the ride.
Exterior and interior
Obviously, this Isuzu is set up seriously, prioritizing off-road capability above all else. Besides the mechanical upgrades, it also received a new hood scoop to cool the V8, a large roof basket, an LED light bar, and a custom front bumper with two tow hooks. As for the interior, it is mostly stock but includes a Pioneer multimedia system and a digital instrument cluster. The total mileage at the time of the auction is estimated at approximately 225,000 miles (362,000 km).
This project demonstrates how far one can go in modifying an old SUV, turning it into a true off-road monster. It is worth noting that the 1UZ-FE engine is known for its exceptional reliability, making such a swap not only powerful but also a durable solution. Although the VehiCROSS was never a mass-market hit, such unique examples prove that its potential as a tuning base is still highly valued among enthusiasts. The sale for $12,000 may seem like a small amount for such a complex project, but it reflects the niche status of the model and the specificity of the modifications performed.
