Description Of The Car

Isuzu Ascender Test Drive and Review

I have often said that I have no room in my soul for huge SUVs that can barely squeeze 15 miles from a gallon of gas (6.4 km/l). But I will admit that for the right vehicle, I might just be able to clear out a little corner... and the Isuzu Ascender has its own reserved parking space.

The Ascender combines jumbo-SUV room with mid-size SUV maneuverability. Though similar to GM-branded SUVs, it gets a longer warranty (3 yrs/50,000 miles) and lower starting price.

Walkaround

Isuzu Ascender has a solid, handsome appearance. The 5-Passenger models look best. The 7-Passenger version looks long and a bit out of proportion.



Ascender shares its architecture with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy. Styling details distinguish Ascender from the TrailBlazer and Envoy. Ascender gets a distinctive chromed grille that features the Isuzu badge on a bold horizontal beam intersected by a pair of vertical bars. Ascender also has a unique front bumper with fog lights, halogen headlamps, and special overfenders, protective door trim, and rear bumper. Its five-spoke wheels look like 10-spoke wheels because of the blacked-out center section of each of the spokes, which are arranged in a star-like formation.

In the Drivers Seat

2005 Isuzu 7-Passenger Ascender© Aaron Gold It may seem odd for Isuzu to stake their future on someone elses product, but check out the Ascender and youll see they made the right move. Trucks are what General Motors does best. The front seats are exceptionally comfortable and the view out is fantastic. The plastics and fabrics are thick and substantial feeling. All the controls, buttons, dials, etc. are easy to read and reach. The only thing that seems incongruous is the handbrake mounted between the seats—it looks out of place in a big truck.

Isuzu was kind enough to let me try both the 5 and 7 passenger versions. Ive always complained that most SUVs have tiny door openings that give lousy rear-seat access, so I really like the 7-seaters increased wheelbase (distance between the wheels) and nice big back doors. The rearmost seat is great for kids but a punishment for adults. It folds down for more cargo space, but even with all seven seats full the big Ascender has adequate luggage room. Just make sure your kids bring books or Game Boys, because a DVD entertainment system isnt offered. And take your maps: Theres no GPS navigation system either. OnStar is standard, with turn-by-turn directions from a live person available as part of a monthly subscription.

On the Road

If you prefer a smooth, floaty ride, then youll find that the Ascender drives like a dream. Both models are comfy, quiet and relaxed cruisers; the long-wheelbase model boasts a slightly more gentle ride. The trade-off is response: Ascenders weigh between 2 1/4 and 2 1/2 tons (2040-2270 kg), and youll feel it when you stomp on the brakes or swerve. Low-speed maneuverability is good, even with the long wheelbase; the turning circle is remarkably tight considering the trucks length, and its easy to park. The standard inline 6-cylinder engine puts out 275 hp. Thats V8 territory, friends. 7-pass Ascenders offer a 300-hp 5.3 liter V8 as an option; my test-truck was so equipped.

Its cylinder-deactivation feature cuts off fuel to 4 cylinders when power demands are low, such as highway cruising. It works seamlessly and probably explains why I saw similar fuel economy (13-15 MPG) in both Ascenders. Personally, I think the 7-pass gets along fine with the 6-cyl, but I know some would disagree. The automatic is wonderful, with imperceptably smooth shifts and near-instant kick-down. Rear-wheel-drive is standard; an electronically-controlled 4-wheel-drive system offers automatic engagement and a low range for down-and-dirty off-road work.

Summary

The Isuzu Ascender 5-Passenger SUV is among the best of the mid-size sport-utilities. Its standard inline six-cylinder engine is smooth and powerful. It rides and handles well. And its interior is convenient and versatile.

The 7-Passenger Ascender is less compelling. Built on a longer wheelbase, it lacks the responsive handling and rock-steady stability of the shorter 5-Passenger models and its increased weight diminishes its acceleration performance.