Ascender is Isuzu's sole offering for 2005. Shedding the Axiom and Rodeo SUVs from its lineup, the ailing Japanese brand soldiers on with a single SUV based on General Motors' midsize truck-type SUV family. Ascender is closely related to the GMC Envoy. It comes in a regular-length version with 2-row, 5-passenger seating, and in extended-length form with 3-row, 7-passenger seating. Seven-passenger models offer 6-cyl or V8 power, 5-passenger versions only the 6-cyl. Both come with a 4-speed automatic transmission. For '05, the V8 comes with GM's Displacement on Demand feature, which automatically deactivates four cylinders to save fuel. A computer reactivates the cylinders as needed for full power. Ascender is available with rear-wheel drive or 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Newly optional for '05 are head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover the 1st and 2nd seating rows; they replace last year's available seat-mounted front side airbags. OnStar assistance and power-adjustable pedals are optional; traction control is available with 2WD. Ascender comes with Isuzu's 3-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 7-year/75,000-mile powertrain warranty vs. GM's 3-year/36,000-mile coverage. Maximum towing capacity is 7200 lb.