Isuzu engineers made the Alterra with a distinct exterior that possesses symmetrical U-shaped panoramic line features, most prominent when viewed directly, either the front or rear part of the vehicle. Isuzu billed it as "mono form," the outcome is clean but subtly aggressive. Its features include 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 245/70 R16 tires, over fender-matching side step boards, LED-type turn signals within the side mirror housings, large upscale crystal headlamps with foglamps, a rear door integrated spoiler, color-keyed roof rails, as well as a chrome tailpipe that adds to the uniqueness of the car. The Isuzu Alterra's powertrain is a diesel-powered, 16-valve 3-L 4JJ-1 I-TEO engine, generating 144 hp and 274 Nm of torque. The engine is matched to either a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission. It features third-generation DOHC common rail direct injection.