Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Isuzu FTR Scores Strongly in Independent Testing

The new four-cylinder Isuzu FTR truck achieved a strong all-around showing in independent testing, according to results announced by Isuzu commercial Truck of America.

by Staff
January 2, 2018
Isuzu FTR Scores Strongly in Independent Testing

Photo: Isuzu Commercial Truck of America

2 min to read


Photo: Isuzu Commercial Truck of America

The new four-cylinder Isuzu FTR truck achieved a competitive all-around showing in independent testing, according to results announced by Isuzu Commercial Truck of America.

The program tested the acceleration, braking, turning radius, hill climbing, and fuel economy of the FTR. Tests were conducted by Pro Formance Group in Chandler, Ariz., and the results were certified by the Sports Car Club of America.

Ad Loading...

“We’re thrilled with the results of these tests, which were conducted independently, verified and certified,” said Shaun Skinner, president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America.

One of the Isuzu FTR’s strengths was in fuel economy for both mountain routes and in stop-and-go city driving. The acceleration tests, which looked at 0-20, 0-30, 0-40, 0-50, 0-60, and 30-50 miles per hour acceleration, showed how well the 5.2 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine managed across the board. The engine produces 215 horsepower and 520 lbs.-ft. of torque.

In braking, the FTR averaged a 55-0 mile per hour stopping distance of 180 feet and a 30-0 mile per hour stopping distance of 53 feet.

Ad Loading...

The hill-climb tests measured time and speed to altitude. From 3,520 to 4,500 feet, the FTR averaged a time of 05:15.97 minutes at a maximum speed of 34.6 miles per hour, and averaged 02:23.69 minutes at a maximum speed of 35.1 miles per hour from 2,180 to 2,600 feet. In maneuverability testing, the FTR had a measured curb-to-curb turning diameter of 49.0833 feet.

The testing methods were designed by PFG to emphasize consistency and repeatability of results. In addition to SCCA — which sanctioned, observed and validated all testing procedures — PFG engaged Trivinci Systems of Ashburn, Va., to provide all instrumentation and an engineer to capture, record, and analyze all data during testing.

More Fuel Smarts

Crowd at Volvo booth at ACT Expo
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeMay 8, 2026

How Volvo’s New D13 Engine Meets EPA 2027 Emissions Without Sacrificing Power or Fuel Efficiency

Volvo says advances in combustion and aftertreatment helped its new EPA 2027 D13 engine avoid the fuel-economy penalties many once expected from tighter NOx emissions limits.

Read More →
Two men in chairs on stage with big video screen behind them showing Tesla Semi
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeMay 7, 2026

'TCO’s Here.' Tesla Says Electric Semi Economics Are Ready for the Mainstream

Tesla’s Semi chief at ACT Expo outlined production growth, lower-cost models, charging expansion, and why the company believes fleets are leaving money on the table by waiting on electric trucks.

Read More →
Electric semi trucks parked at a charging station with overhead charging equipment, representing challenges in heavy-duty EV infrastructure deployment.
Fuel Smartsby News/Media ReleaseMay 5, 2026

What Will It Take to Scale Electric Truck Charging? New Electrification Coalition Report Identifies 11 Solutions

A new report from the Electrification Coalition outlines key barriers slowing electric truck charging deployment and offers policy solutions to accelerate infrastructure growth.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
NACFE Run on Less 2026 findings.
Fuel Smartsby Jack RobertsMay 1, 2026

NACFE: Fleets Need to Recalibrate TCO Strategies as Electric Trucks Gain a Long-Term Edge

NACFE’s Run on Less data has found that recent setbacks aside, electric truck powertrains are trending toward market leadership by 2025.

Read More →
Gray Volvo tractor pulling trailer on open highway
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeMay 1, 2026

New High-Horsepower Natural Gas Engine Could Expand Fleet Options

Westport and Volvo are demonstrating a 500-hp truck with diesel-like efficiency — one that also offers what Westport says is a better pathway to using hydrogen fuel in trucks.

Read More →
Illustration with oil wells silhouetted against red and gold sky
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeMay 1, 2026

Why Fuel Diversification Matters for Trucking Fleets

Relying on diesel alone exposes fleets to fuel price volatility. Here’s why diversification with electric, natural gas, and renewable fuels can reduce risk.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Range Energy eTrailer.
Fuel Smartsby News/Media ReleaseApril 17, 2026

Range Energy Confirms eTrailer Performance in Winter Testing as Commercial Rollout Nears

Range Energy said its production-ready eTrailer system proved it can boost stability, safety, and efficiency in sub-zero winter conditions as the company moves toward scaled deployment.

Read More →
Circles with trucks demonstrating sustainable features and Top Green Fleets logo
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 16, 2026

Top Green Fleets of 2026: Nomination Deadline Extended

Is your company a leader in sustainability efforts among trucking fleets? If so, Heavy Duty Trucking's editors want to hear from you.

Read More →
Youtube thumbnail featuring man in Big-Lebowski-inspired sweater
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 13, 2026

New Lightweight Wheel Cover Targets Simpler Aero Gains [Watch]

Watch to learn how Deflecktor's new wheel cover design is taking a simpler approach to aerodynamics, with an eye toward making it more practical for both trucks and trailers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Dual truck tires with black aerodynamic wheel cover and a man bending down getting ready to take one off
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 10, 2026

Deflecktor: Hubbub Aerodynamic Wheel Cover Cost-Effective Even for Trailers

Aerodynamic wheel covers can deliver small but meaningful fuel-economy gains for fleets, and Deflecktor says its latest design aims to make the technology easier and more affordable to deploy.

Read More →