Isuzu replaced the aging Trooper for 2003 with a new flagship, based upon the extended-length version of General Motors' midsize sport-utility vehicles. Like its Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT/GMC Envoy XL cousins, the new Ascender seated up to seven passengers on three rows of seats. Offered with six-cylinder or V8 power, it came with a four-speed automatic transmission. Trooper had been limited to five passengers and V6 power. Ascenders were available with rear-wheel drive or GM's 4WD system, which could be left engaged on dry pavement and included low-range gearing. Antilock four-wheel disc brakes and front side airbags were standard, but no curtain side airbags were offered. Also available were traction control for rear-drive models, and GM's OnStar assistance system. S, LS, and Limited versions roughly mimicked TrailBlazer's LS, LT, and LTZ models in equipment. Ascenders came with Isuzu's 3-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 10-year/120,000-mile powertrain warranty, versus GM's 3-year/36,000-mile coverage. Maximum towing capacity was 7200 pounds. Rivals included the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander/4Runner.