ISUZU FRR 33 vs 90 REVIEW

The Ultimate FRR Truck Review: 

From Old Warhorses to Blue Power ‘Sly Queen’.

Isuzu FRR 90

Isuzu FRR 33

If you’ve lived in Kenya long enough, you know one thing: Isuzu runs these streets. From matatus to pickups, and of course, the mighty FRR trucks, Isuzu is to Kenyan transport what ugali is to supper always present, occasionally dry, but absolutely necessary.

Among the truck models, two stand tall like boda riders at a petrol station queue: the Isuzu FRR 33 and its younger, shinier brother, the Isuzu FRR 90. Recently, another one has been thrown into the mix; the Blue Power, which sounds less like a truck and more like an excited Gen-z ready to protest.

1. The FRR 33 – The Old Warhorse

The FRR 33 is the truck your grandfather probably drove, and it’s still going strong. If truckers talk, they say, “hii imekula chumvi...”

This machine was everywhere, hauling cement to construction sites, carrying goats to market, even ferrying entire wedding tents and chairs while the driver blasted Kikuyu mugithu at 6 a.m.

The Specs That Made It a Legend:

Engine: 8226cc naturally aspirated engine. (No turbo — just raw diesel lungs breathing heavily like an uncle after climbing three stairs.)

Horsepower: 185 hp.

Torque: 461 Nm at 1700 rpm. Enough to drag a Land Cruiser out of the mud if you’re feeling dramatic.

Braking: Full air over hydraulic dual circuit brakes with engine/exhaust braking.

Fuel Supply: Old-school mechanical pump. Meaning if it fails, your local mechanic can fix it with a hammer, pliers, and maybe chewing gum.

Why Drivers Loved It:

Big engine, six pistons. Think of it as having six strong cousins helping you push a stalled Probox uphill.

Reliability. It would survive potholes, bad diesel, overloading, and still wake up ready for another day.

Simple mechanics. No fancy sensors or computers. Just diesel, metal, and prayers.

The Complaints:

The chassis sometimes bent, but let’s be honest, that was mostly due to overloading. If you put 30 tonnes of cement on a truck designed for 15, you can’t blame the truck. That’s like complaining your Nokia 3310 broke because you used it as a hammer.

2. The FRR 90; The Young, Fast, Stylish Brother

When Isuzu decided the 33 had done enough, they introduced the FRR 90. And oh boy, it came in with swagger. If the FRR 33 is a seasoned farmer with gumboots, the FRR 90 is the Nairobi DJ with sunglasses indoors.

Specs That Make It Shine:

Engine: 5193cc turbocharged (smaller than the 33 but with turbo boost, basically, “short but dangerous”).

Horsepower: 190 hp (yes, a little more than the 33).

Torque: 510 Nm at 1900 rpm.

Braking: Same as the 33; full air over hydraulic dual circuit brakes with engine/exhaust braking.

Fuel Supply: Common rail system. Powerful, efficient, but if it fails, your mechanic will stare at it like a confused cat.

The Drama:

Drivers complain that the brake linings wear out faster compared to the 33. Why? Because the FRR 90 uses only 4 pistons versus the 33’s 6 pistons. This means its engine/exhaust braking is weaker, forcing drivers to lean on the foot brake more.

And let’s face it: Kenyan drivers press brakes with the same aggression they use to argue at chief’s barazas. No wonder linings cry for mercy every few months.

3. FRR vs Competitors – The Roadside Smackdown

On Kenyan highways, the FRR faces off against rivals like the Mitsubishi FI, Mitsubishi FH, and the Faw Truck.

The FRR 33 had a bigger engine than all of them, but it wasn’t exactly economical. (It drank diesel the way a boda rider drinks energy drinks at 6 a.m.)

The FRR 90 brought efficiency, speed, and modern vibes, making it the matatu of the trucking world — quick, stylish, but with brakes that retire early.

Still, in terms of availability of spares, mechanics who know what to do, and sheer numbers on the road, FRRs dominate.

4. Enter Blue Power – The Cool Kid

And then came Blue Power, the polished last born brother in the Isuzu family.

First off, the name. Blue Power. Sounds like a Nairobi gym or a new toothpaste brand. But in Isuzu’s world, it’s about fuel efficiency, cleaner engines, and eco-friendly vibes.

Blue Power(slay Queen)

What Makes Blue Power Special?

Euro IV Emissions: Less black smoke. Boda riders behind you won’t need gas masks.

Common Rail Engines: Quieter, smoother, and fuel-efficient. But your village mechanic might ask, “Na hii sensor niya nini tena?”

Driver Comfort: Seats that don’t feel like stone, better cabin features, even AC for those hot Narok afternoons.

Chassis Reinforcements: Stronger, sturdier, more durable. Meaning you can overload, mmm! just a little. (But please, don’t.)

Blue Power is basically Isuzu saying: “We care about the environment, while still carrying your 20 tonnes of potatoes to Marikiti Market.”

5. Price Breakdown – What It Costs to Join the FRR Brotherhood

Alright, enough jokes, let’s talk money. Because at the end of the day, you’re not just buying a truck, you’re buying a business partner (and sometimes a headache).

Isuzu FRR 33

New Local Showroom: Around KSh 4.2 million.

Japan Import (C&F): US$25,000–40,000 (≈ KSh 5–7 million).

Used Kenya Market:

2012 model → KSh 700,000

2016 model → KSh 2.5 million

2018–2021 units → KSh 3.8–4.2 million

Isuzu FRR 90

Brand-New Showroom (Kenya): KSh 5.95 million

Japan Import (2019–2021): US$31,000–40,000 (≈ KSh 5.2–6.6 million)

Kenyan Used Market:

2019 model → KSh 3.3 million

2021 model → KSh 4.3–4.7 million

2022 model → KSh 5.0 million

2024 Blue Power (low mileage) → KSh 5.75 million

So, depending on your pocket and appetite for risk, you can go anywhere from KSh 700,000 (old warrior) to nearly KSh 6 million (fresh blue Power ride).

7. Which FRR Should You Buy?

FRR 33: Buy this if you want a battle-tested beast that’s cheap to fix, laughs at bad fuel, and has already survived more potholes than your spine ever will.

FRR 90: Perfect if you want speed, power, and modernity, but be ready to buy brake pads like monthly shopping.

Blue Power: Ideal if you want to look sharp, save on fuel, and tell people you care about the environment (while secretly overloading potatoes).

 Final Word – The FRR Brotherhood

At the end of the day, whether it’s the FRR 33, the FRR 90, or the shiny Blue Power, these trucks are more than just machines. They are part of Kenya’s hustling DNA.

They carry our maize, cement, cows, and sometimes our entire businesses on their backs. They’ve survived potholes, police roadblocks, and drivers who think gear 6 is life.

So next time you see an FRR roaring down the highway, honk and salute. That’s not just a truck, it’s a moving story of sweat, hustle, and the unstoppable Kenyan spirit.