Acceleration

4WD XS	Class Average
5	4.8

No opportunity to test with 250-hp V6, but Isuzu claims 7.5 sec 0-60 mph. Test 2003 230-hp 4WD XS Axiom did 0-60 mph in a class-average in 8.3 sec.

Fuel Economy

4WD XS	Class Average
3	3.8

Test 230-hp Axioms averaged 17.4 mpg with lots of highway miles, just 13.4 mpg in testing that included gas-eating performance runs. Revised 3.5 has slightly higher EPA ratings and should match or improve upon those numbers. Axiom uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

4WD XS	Class Average
3	4.5

Poor overall, even with adjustable suspension. Normal mode not very absorbent and allows queasy wallow and residual bouncing. Firmer Sport setting controls body motions but feels jittery and harsh except on glassy surfaces.

Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD XS	Class Average
3	3.7

Here too, gimmicky suspension can't disguise aged Rodeo chassis. Handling generally imprecise, far sloppier than in car-based rivals such as Toyota Highlander. Mediocre grip, marked body lean in corners, especially in Normal mode, which also allows unruly nosedive and rebounding in hard stops. Slow, numb steering. And Axiom is easily blown about by gusty crosswinds.

Quietness

4WD XS	Class Average
4	4.4

V6 coarse and throbby except in gentle cruising, wind rush evident from 40 mph, tire roar marked on all but unblemished asphalt.

Controls

4WD XS	Class Average
4	6.2

Look-alike audio and climate buttons distinguished only by color. Their settings appear on a central screen crowded with date, time, and outside-temperature data. Display is busy and washes out in bright light. Nicely padded interior surfaces clash with budget-grade molded plastics and cut-rate painted-metal-look trim pieces. One test Axiom had several rattles after only 3500 mi.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD XS	Class Average
5	6.4

Rather shapeless, low-set seats allow decent 6-footer head room but force awkward legs-out posture and lack height or cushion-tilt adjustments. Generally good outward visibility, enhanced by large side mirrors.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD XS	Class Average
4	5.6

Bench seat also low, shapeless, lacking in thigh support. Too narrow for uncrowded three-abreast travel. Good knee clearance, but little toe room, marginal 6-footer head room. Entry/exit impeded by high step-up and rear doors that don't swing out very far.

Cargo Room

4WD XS	Class Average
7	7.8

Liftgate lacks separate-opening glass and doesn't rise very high, so anyone above 5-ft-8 must stoop beneath it. Split rear seat double-folds to create a flat floor, but headrests must be removed first. Total load volume and small-items storage nothing special.

Value within Class

4WD XS	Class Average
2	5.1

Underwhelming. Beneath its edgy styling, Axiom is troublingly trucky and trails other crossovers for value, refinement, and utility. And lack of 3rd-row seating is a drawback these days for a midsize SUV. Axiom sales are snail-paced, so don't buy without a big price cut.

Total Score

4WD XS	Class Average
40	52.3

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		39
Average Score		52
High Score		66