Isuzu KB 250 X-Rider 4x4 Long-Term Review - Real Work Meets Real Play

As South African's it goes without saying that we love our double cab's or as we call them "bakkies." It also goes without saying that there are few more recognisable bakkie brands that we have come to love and own over time than the brand name Isuzu. I spent an extended test period driving the Isuzu KB 250 X-Rider 4x4 to discover how it handles being a workhorse and how it handles the leisure lifestyle elements of living.
It's certainly hard to argue with Goliath. Bold sharp lines and large dual-tone 18-inch alloy wheels adorn the double cab's tough image, which I think is best suited to the colour red, as mine was specced. Blacked-out bumper guards, step rails and imposing ride-height certainly let you know that the X-Rider means business.
Apart from the dual-tone colour of the body badging, the X-Rider is available in three different colours, namely Summit White, Switchblade Silver or Red. My extended test vehicle was the later, and was always referred to it as the "Red Juggernaut."
From its rugged and powerfully designed exterior, the interior space of the X-Trail further represents its tough image, with clean black leather seats, red seat stitching and a flurry of X-Rider badges, not to mention its simple yet functional dashboard and button layout, which like the vehicle is both rugged and functional.
The X-Rider is powered by Isuzu's well renowned and proven 2.5-litre turbodiesel motor. The engine delivers 100 kW and 320 Nm and feels incredibly grunty. Power delivery is impressive with torque available from low within the rev range. With a heavy duty towbar fitted as standard, the X-Trail will tow a 2.1 tonne braked trailer and make light work of carrying a heavy load within its loading bay. It is also very pleasing to see a covered loading bay which can be accessed even with the cover in-place.
As the name suggests, the X-Rider is all about being tough. It feels completely unstoppable, resembles an image to match and makes for a comfortable and easy to use lifestyle inspired pickup as well. If you are looking for a double cab which is as rugged on the farm as it is easy to live with on the school run, the X-Rider does a fantastic job of both.
Read the full written review of our long-term impressions at:
www.technobok.c...
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[@duffydon1741]

Super bakkie, strong and reliable with certainity like death..

[@TechnoBokUnboxings]

It is a super bakkie. Got a video dropping later of our time with the 2020 model #StayTuned

[@ncedosomana2896]

Great review, simple and straightforward.

[@TechnoBokUnboxings]

Thanks so much for the kind words Ncedo, best regards Jason

[@mlonishwambatha3776]

nice and clean review

[@amukelanimathevula3707]

Great review, great bakkie

[@TechnoBokUnboxings]

Thanks so much

[@Preyser123]

Greetings from Bergvliet, Cape Town. Great review!Isuzu was the brand that introduced me to the world of bakkies in general and the double cabs back in the 90's (I was born in 1994) so Isuzu will always be my personal first choice when it comes to double cabs. The Toyota Hilux is my second choice if I can't get a Kb. I know everyone goes crazy about the Hilux double cabs with the 3 litre d4d turbo diesel engine but I'm also interested to know what the Hilux is like as a double cab with the 2.5 litre d4d turbo diesel engine.

[@TechnoBokUnboxings]

Hi Joshua, thanks is much for your comment and commendation. Totally agree with you, the Isuzu name is an icon in SA, and while I have massive respect for the Hilux too, if you are after a tough, rugged and solid doublecab, the Isuzu KB or DMax as its now known is hard to beat. Best regards Jason

[@Preyser123]

Without at doubt! The only issue I have personally with these modern double cabs is that for the average middle class I think it is a bit overpriced. I do understand though that it is competing with the Hilux and all the rest of the bakkies out there. I must admit though that I especially have a soft spot for the double cab KBs from the 90's as they were my introduction to the world of double cabs.

[@TechnoBokUnboxings]

@@Preyser123 Agree totally, also have a love for 90's KB's and there should be some decent deals out there on some used ones. Given their toughness, it should be a good bet.

[@Preyser123]

I've also encountered the D-Max version of the KB with the 3 litre turbo diesel engine but the models before the diTec turbo diesel engines. What I personally find a bit annoying is that when on start-up and first pull away they make some sort of fan noise which personally puts me off. It's also quite common on the Hilux double cabs with the 3 litre d4d turbo diesel engines as well as too much turbo noise which puts me off when it comes to the Hilux.

[@TypeZA]

Nice review mate, any chance of getting your hands on a KB300 4x4 auto?

[@TechnoBokUnboxings]

Hi, thanks for your request. I will make contact with the manufacturer and see what I can organise regarding the KB300 auto. Best regards Jason

[@TypeZA]

Thank you for the effort, would love to see a review on that. Have a great day

[@ebrahimdien1901]

How does it perform on sand and dunes?

[@TechnoBokUnboxings]

Incredibly well, with 4-wheel drive engaged it handles like a gem and has more than enough torque too.