1984 Isuzu Trooper Soft Top Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Isuzu Trooper Soft Top from the 1984 to 1991 model years typically falls in the range of approximately 1,700 to 1,900 kilograms (around 3,748 to 4,188 pounds), depending on specific trim and optional equipment. This moderate weight balance offers the SUV enough heft for stability, especially during off-road excursions, while not being so heavy as to severely impact fuel economy or maneuverability. The weight affects performance in terms of agility, acceleration, and fuel consumption; a well-balanced weight with a rugged chassis ensures the Trooper maintains its reliability on and off road. The soft top variant is generally lighter than its hardtop counterpart, which can be beneficial for slightly better fuel efficiency and handling.

The 1984-1991 Isuzu Trooper Soft Top offers a ground clearance of approximately 200 mm (about 7.9 inches), which is a significant feature for an SUV designed with off-road capability in mind. Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest part of the vehicle's undercarriage and the ground. This height allows the Trooper to traverse uneven terrain, obstacles like rocks, and shallow water crossings without damaging the underbody or getting stuck. Adequate ground clearance is crucial for avoiding damage during off-road adventures and provides confidence to drivers tackling rugged environments. The combination of the Trooper's robust chassis and this clearance made it a competitive choice among SUVs of its time.

The Isuzu Trooper Soft Top, produced between 1984 and 1991, is designed primarily as a compact SUV with seating capacity for up to five passengers. Interior space is adequate for a vehicle of its era and configuration, with reasonable headroom and legroom in the front and rear seats, influenced by the soft top's design. While precise interior length and width metrics vary slightly by model and optional features, the flexible seating allows for comfort on daily drives and utility for off-road trips. The Trooper’s boxy shape optimizes usable interior space, though the soft top roof may slightly reduce headroom compared to the hardtop version. The rear cargo area is accessible with folding rear seats, providing versatility for passengers and storage needs.

The 1984-1991 Isuzu Trooper Soft Top, with a height around 1,800 mm (70.9 inches) and width about 1,740 mm (68.5 inches), generally fits into standard residential garages found in many homes, where typical garage dimensions are approximately 2,400 mm (7 feet 10.5 inches) in width and 2,100 to 2,400 mm (6 feet 10.5 inches to 7 feet 10.5 inches) in height. However, the soft top’s relatively tall stance may require some caution when entering garages with lower clearance or with overhead storage. In most cases, this vehicle will fit comfortably within a standard garage, but owners should measure their specific garage dimensions to ensure adequate height and width clearance, particularly because garage heights and door clearances can vary significantly.

When compared to the previous generation Isuzu Trooper hardtop (first generation, produced from 1981 to 1989), the Soft Top version introduced in 1984 maintained very similar overall dimensions. Both versions share closely matched lengths of approximately 4,320 mm (170.1 inches) and widths near 1,740 mm (68.5 inches). The Soft Top’s main distinction lies in its removable fabric roof design rather than any major dimensional changes. This design allowed for a more open-air driving experience while keeping the fundamental compact SUV footprint unchanged. Consequently, owners transitioning from the predecessor to the Soft Top generation would find familiar size and handling characteristics, with the new body style offering increased versatility.

Dimensionally, the Isuzu Trooper Soft Top (1984-1991) is comparable to several compact SUVs of the mid-to-late 1980s such as the Jeep Cherokee XJ, Suzuki Samurai, and early Toyota 4Runner models. With an overall length of about 4,320 mm (170.1 inches) and width around 1,740 mm (68.5 inches), it sits in the mid-range among compact SUVs, offering more cabin space and utility than smaller models like the Suzuki Samurai, but being shorter and narrower than some larger SUVs like the early Toyota Land Cruiser. Its ground clearance of around 200 mm (7.9 inches) was competitive, enabling confident off-road performance. In summary, the Trooper Soft Top balanced manageable exterior dimensions with adequate passenger and cargo space, making it a versatile choice for both city driving and rugged terrain compared to its peers.

The cargo capacity of the Isuzu Trooper Soft Top varies depending on whether the rear seats are folded. With the seats in place, it provides a reasonable luggage space typical for a compact SUV of that time—often around 300 to 400 liters (10.6 to 14.1 cubic feet). Folding the rear seats significantly expands the cargo area to accommodate larger or bulkier items, though exact figures are less documented for this variant. The Soft Top’s design encourages versatility: the ability to remove or fold down the fabric roof section can also help for carrying oversized cargo that needs more vertical space. This makes the Trooper Soft Top a practical option for outdoor enthusiasts needing to transport gear such as camping equipment, bicycles, or sports equipment.

The Isuzu Trooper Soft Top, with a height of approximately 1,800 mm (70.9 inches), is relatively tall compared to modern crossover SUVs but typical for off-road vehicles from its era. This increased height is primarily to provide better ground clearance and accommodate passenger headroom, especially with the convertible-style soft top roof. However, the taller profile impacts aerodynamics, resulting in a higher drag coefficient compared to lower-profile passenger cars. The trade-off involves reduced fuel efficiency at higher speeds but improved off-road stability and visibility. The higher center of gravity inherent in tall SUVs like the Trooper necessitates careful handling, but its robust suspension and chassis design compensate for this by providing acceptable stability both on and off-road.

The Isuzu Trooper Soft Top released between 1984 and 1991 was known for rugged durability and practical off-road capability. Generally equipped with a 2.6-liter inline-four gasoline engine producing around 101 horsepower, some markets also saw diesel variants allowing for better torque and fuel efficiency. Engineered primarily with a body-on-frame construction, it featured part-time four-wheel drive with a low-range transfer case, making it practical for off-road and rough terrain. The soft top offered open-air versatility uncommon for SUVs then, appealing to adventure enthusiasts. Interior features were fairly basic by modern standards but included necessary instrumentation and durable materials designed for heavy use. Overall, the Trooper Soft Top balanced simplicity, reliability, and functional design.