Acceleration

2WD, 6 cyl	4WD, V8	Class Average
5	6	4.9

The 6 cyl provides adequate acceleration under most driving conditions. The V8 adds some useful muscle when towing or hauling heavy loads, but costs about $1500, several hundred more than the V8 option in such rivals as the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Fuel Economy

2WD, 6 cyl	4WD, V8	Class Average
3	3	3.7

Test 2WD 6-cyl Ascender averaged 12.1 mpg in all city driving. Test 4WD 6-cyl TrailBlazer EXT averaged 14.9 mpg in a city/highway mix. Test 4WD V8 TrailBlazer EXT averaged 15.7 mpg in almost exclusively highway driving.

Ride Quality

2WD, 6 cyl	4WD, V8	Class Average
6	6	4.4

Suspension absorbs bumps quite well for an SUV, and long wheelbase helps smooth out ride. But without the air suspension available on GMC's Envoy, these Ascenders also porpoise through dips and swells.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD, 6 cyl	4WD, V8	Class Average
3	3	3.5

Disappointing overall. Lots of body lean in sharp turns. Steering has vague feel and demands lots of correcting at highway speed. A relatively tight turning radius makes close-quarters maneuvering fairly easy. Standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes deliver adequate stopping power but spongy pedal action, and quick stops trigger marked nosedive and some wander. Optional traction control available on 2WD model worked well in the snow.

Quietness

2WD, 6 cyl	4WD, V8	Class Average
4	4	4.1

Tire noise pleasingly low, but wind rush can be considerable at highway speeds; there's roar even around a closed sunroof. The 6-cyl engine cruises quietly enough, but sounds gruff when cold and a touch ragged at full throttle. The V8 is quieter overall.

Controls

2WD, 6 cyl	4WD, V8	Class Average
7	7	6.1

Clear and handy. Switchgear works smoothly, but adjusting the low-mounted climate controls forces a long look away from the road. Interior suffers from GM's generic fabrics and unappealing molded plastics, which don't match the look and feel of most competitors' materials.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD, 6 cyl	4WD, V8	Class Average
7	7	6.3

Good head and leg room, even for taller folks. Seats too soft for optimal support, but not uncomfortable. Visibility good to front and sides, though headrests and thick pillars can block over-the-shoulder and aft sightlines.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD, 6 cyl	4WD, V8	Class Average
7	7	5.4

Six-footers have ample 2nd-row head and knee room, plus adequate under-seat foot space despite uneven floorboard. Split bench seat comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing. The 2nd-row seats slide forward and tilt up for entry/exit to the 3rd-row seat, which is roomy enough for two adults and more comfortable than those in most midsize SUVs.

Cargo Room

2WD, 6 cyl	4WD, V8	Class Average
9	9	7.8

The 60/40 split 2nd-row seat folds easily, helped by automatic-folding headrests. However, 3rd-row seatbacks rest several inches above the cargo floor when folded, denying the convenience of a flat load surface. Liftgate's opening glass is relatively high, making it difficult to use as a loading or unloading portal. Cabins have good array of pockets and compartments for small items.

Value within Class

2WD, 6 cyl	4WD, V8	Class Average
6	6	5

Lack of curtain side airbags is a minus in today's SUV market. Otherwise, Ascender matches most rivals for pace and space. Isuzu's longer warranty helps make up for a spotty dealer network, but overall, most buyers would be better off with a GMC Envoy.

Total Score

2WD, 6 cyl	4WD, V8	Class Average
57	58	51.2

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		35
Average Score		51
High Score		66