When it comes to medium-duty work trucks, fleet managers want equipment that holds up to hard use, delivers reliable performance day in and day out, and helps drive their bottom line. This year, fleet professionals nationwide cast their votes, and the 2025 Isuzu NRR Diesel earned top honors as Work Truck’s Medium-Duty Truck of the Year.

The win reflects more than a set of specs, it’s about what’s happening in the field and how these trucks support real fleet operations daily.

Built with Fleets in Mind

According to Shaun Skinner, president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, the NRR Diesel stands out thanks to its purpose-driven design and long-term dependability.

“First, the cab-forward design of the NRR provides numerous advantages to our customers — better maneuverability, improved driver visibility, and a longer body with a smaller overall footprint,” Skinner explained. “Isuzu’s medium-duty centric approach and quality focus make the NRR Diesel a great match for those customers with demanding needs.”

New for 2025, Isuzu introduced a redesigned cab interior to ease the transition for new drivers. 

“The new cab interior was designed to have more of an automotive feel,” Skinner said. “The steering wheel is even smaller to provide that comfortable, familiar feel. Many small things that often go unnoticed but add up to a big advantage for our customers.”

Why Fleets Keep Coming Back

Mac’s Moving & Storage has operated eight Isuzu trucks over the years, including the first NRR purchased in 2016. Owner Kurt Hintz said that the initial experience set the tone.

“That vehicle is still in our fleet today and has proven to be reliable, efficient, and a true asset to my business,” Hintz shared. “The cabover design proved to be ideal for residential local moving. The turning radius is unbeatable, and once the Cummins powerplant was introduced to the F-Series, the platform opened even more possibilities for our growing enterprise.”

Hintz added that fuel economy for local deliveries has been exceptional and that the short wheelbase makes a measurable difference in residential applications. 

“The closer we can get to the customer’s front door, the better,” he added.

For Gavin Hay, owner of Hay Distributing, choosing Isuzu has never been a question. His fleet is made up entirely of Isuzu trucks, with about 70 on the road today.

“We’ve been exclusive to Isuzu for all of our delivery trucks since the early 2000s when we outgrew the 1-ton vans,” he said. “The only time we strayed was when we bought some used trucks, and it was one of the worst financial investments I’ve ever made. We’ve never strayed since.”

Hay said the driver response has been overwhelmingly positive, especially when it comes to visibility, turning radius, and overall ease of use. “Our team really enjoys driving these trucks,” he said. “They’re reliable, comfortable, and the technology is there. It’s a great package.”

Supporting Growth Through Reliability

At Yumi Ice Cream Co., Executive Director Marc Santini manages a fleet of over 100 Isuzu trucks that service frozen product deliveries across Texas.

“Isuzu has been our vehicle of choice for many years due to its reputation for exceptional reliability, high fuel efficiency, excellent maneuverability, and a low overall cost of ownership,” Santini said. “We’ve essentially eliminated downtime across the entire fleet by using the same model, which also helps streamline training and part stocking.”

He added that Isuzu’s telematics capabilities have helped monitor driver behavior, plan routes, and optimize maintenance schedules. “That’s led to reduced costs and increased productivity across the board,” Santini said.

Low Maintenance, High Return

In the entertainment production space, fleet needs vary daily. Aaron Skalka manages a diverse fleet of Class 5–8 medium-duty trucks and heavy-duty vehicles and dozens of trailers for film and television operations, and Isuzu has become a solid performer in his lineup.

“We chose Isuzu for their price point, reliability, and relatively low maintenance costs and cycles,” Skalka said. “The performance is outstanding, especially the FTR with the Cummins engine. We’ve had very little need for dealer interaction for warranty work, and dispatch reliability stays in the high 90^th percentile.”

Kyle Barrow of American Wires has had a similar experience. His fleet services a large portion of Texas using 20-foot box vans, many of which are Isuzus. With drivers logging 100 to 300 miles per day, reliability is non-negotiable.

“We’ve had good luck with Isuzu and probably run over 100 of them,” Barrow said. “We used to run diesel for the fuel mileage, but the DPF systems added downtime, so we switched to gas. Since then, we’ve had fewer issues and better uptime.”

Barrow added that Isuzu has been proactive about support. 

“Anytime there’s been a glitch at the dealership level, Isuzu steps in and resolves it. They’ve been very hands-on, which makes a huge difference for us,” he said.

Efficient, Flexible, and Built for Work

For Sid Sexton of Sexton Lawn & Landscape, efficiency is the name of the game. His company runs a range of Isuzu trucks with box, dump, stake, and open landscape bodies.

“The ability to get the exact body type and size we need for each application has been key to our efficiency,” Sexton said. “We’ve seen a 22% reduction in maintenance and repair costs, and service through our supplier has made operations much smoother.”

He also noted that the financing terms and accessibility to support made Isuzu a smart long-term business choice. 

“The trucks are reliable and easy to maintain. For our business, they just work,” he said.

Focused on the Road Ahead

Isuzu’s focus on the medium-duty space increases its understanding of customer needs. New advancements in connected services and cab design position the NRR Diesel as a workhorse ready for modern demands.

“The NRR Diesel continues to grow in volume every year, that’s the greatest testament to how it performs in the areas that matter most,” Skinner said. “This award gives us a sense of accomplishment but also motivates us to keep improving. The medium-duty market and technology are evolving quickly, and we’re committed to meeting those changes head-on.”

With a medium-duty truck lineup that includes diesel, gas, and now electric options, Isuzu gives fleets the flexibility to meet sustainability goals without sacrificing performance or reliability.