Acceleration

4WD 5-pass.	2WD 7-pass., 6-cyl	4WD 7-pass., V8	Class Average
6	5	6	5

Test regular-length 6-cyl Ascenders did 0-60 mph in 8.8 sec, is unstressed in everyday driving. Seven-seat versions weigh about 350 lb more. In these, 6-cyl is still adequate, but V8 adds useful muscle for hauling or towing heavy loads.

Fuel Economy

4WD 5-pass.	2WD 7-pass., 6-cyl	4WD 7-pass., V8	Class Average
4	3	3	3.8

Test regular-length Envoys and Ascenders averaged 12.1-17.4 mpg. Test extended-length 2WD 6-cyl Ascender averaged 12.1 mpg in all-city driving. Extended-use-test 4WD 6-cyl Envoy XL averaged 15.8 mpg over its 21,677-mi. test. GM claims Displacement on Demand improves mpg by up to 8 percent in certain light-load driving conditions.

Ride Quality

4WD 5-pass.	2WD 7-pass., 6-cyl	4WD 7-pass., V8	Class Average
5	6	6	5.4

Suspension absorbs bumps quite well for an SUV, extendeds better than regulars. But without the air suspension available on GMC's Envoy, these Ascenders also porpoise through dips and swells.

Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD 5-pass.	2WD 7-pass., 6-cyl	4WD 7-pass., V8	Class Average
3	3	3	4.1

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 quick stops trigger marked nosedive and some wander. Optional traction control available on 2WD model worked well in snow.

Quietness

4WD 5-pass.	2WD 7-pass., 6-cyl	4WD 7-pass., V8	Class Average
4	4	4	5.2

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

4WD 5-pass.	2WD 7-pass., 6-cyl	4WD 7-pass., V8	Class Average
7	7	7	6.3

Clear and handy. Switchgear works smoothly, but adjusting the low-mounted climate controls forces a long look away from the road.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD 5-pass.	2WD 7-pass., 6-cyl	4WD 7-pass., V8	Class Average
7	7	7	6.7

Good head and leg room, even for taller folks. Seats too soft for optimal support, but not uncomfortable. Visibility restricted aft and over-the-shoulder by headrests and thick roof pillars. Available power-adjustable pedals may be helpful, especially to shorter drivers.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD 5-pass.	2WD 7-pass., 6-cyl	4WD 7-pass., V8	Class Average
6	7	7	6.2

Six-footers have plenty of 2nd-row head room. Knee room adequate in regular-length version, ample in extended, and both have adequate under-seat foot space despite uneven floorboard. Split bench seat comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing. With 7-passenger seating, 2nd-row seats slide forward and tilt up for accessing 3rd-row seat, which is roomy enough for two adults and more comfortable than those in most midsize SUVs.

Cargo Room

4WD 5-pass.	2WD 7-pass., 6-cyl	4WD 7-pass., V8	Class Average
9	9	9	8.3

Generous in regular-length Ascenders, spacious in extendeds. The 60/40 split seat folds easily, helped by automatic-folding headrests. However, instead of a flat load floor with all seats folded, Ascender has a tiered floor that frustrates easy loading and packing. Liftgate's separate opening glass is relatively high, making it difficult to load some items. Cabins have a good array of pockets and compartments for small items.

Value within Class

4WD 5-pass.	2WD 7-pass., 6-cyl	4WD 7-pass., V8	Class Average
5	5	5	5.7

Though Ascender matches most rivals for pace and space, Isuzu's longer warranty doesn't fully compensate for a spotty dealer network. Additionally, Isuzu's financial woes put the company's future in doubt. Shoppers considering Ascender would do well to consider the similar GMC Envoy instead.

Total Score

4WD 5-pass.	2WD 7-pass., 6-cyl	4WD 7-pass., V8	Class Average
56	56	57	56.7

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		43
Average Score		56
High Score		66