Acceleration

4WD Base	Class Average
6	5.5

Ascenders are unstressed in routine driving and do fine in highway merging and passing. The responsive automatic transmission helps the 6-cylinder engine deliver decent passing punch.

Fuel Economy

4WD Base	Class Average
3	3.6

In Consumer Guide testing, Ascenders averaged 12.1-17.4 mpg. That's slightly sub-par against crossovers, but is typical of traditional truck-type SUVs. Ascender uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

4WD Base	Class Average
5	5.5

The suspension smothers most bumps quite well for a truck-type SUV, but dips and swells can induce unwanted porpoising at highway speed. There's less overall compliance than in most of Ascender's rivals.

Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD Base	Class Average
3	4.4

Disappointing overall, with marked body lean in sharp turns and imprecise steering that demands lots of correcting at highway speed. The relatively tight turning radius is a plus. Braking control is merely OK, with simulated panic stops inducing lots of nosedive.

Quietness

4WD Base	Class Average
4	5.4

Wind rush can annoy at highway speeds, even with a closed sunroof. The 6-cylinder engine cruises quietly enough but sounds gruff when cold and a touch ragged at full throttle. Tire noise is not intrusive but it is never absent either.

Controls

4WD Base	Class Average
7	6.3

Ascender share a user-friendly dashboard with its GM siblings. The switchgear works smoothly, but adjusting the low-set climate controls forces a long look away from the road.

Details

4WD Base	Class Average
5	5.4

Envoy and Ascender use unimpressive imitation wood trim, but their interiors are more upscale than that found in the TrailBlazer.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD Base	Class Average
7	7.1

Good headroom and legroom, even for taller folks. The seats are too soft for best support but are not uncomfortable. Visibility is restricted aft and over-the-shoulder by headrests and thick roof pillars. The available power-adjustable pedals are helpful, especially for shorter drivers.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD Base	Class Average
6	6.1

Six-footers enjoy ample headroom and OK kneeroom, plus good under-seat foot space despite the stepped floorboard. The split bench seat is comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing. As in front, step-in is a bit high. Entry and exit are just OK.

Cargo Room

4WD Base	Class Average
9	8.6

Generous volume is abetted by an easy-fold 60/40 split rear seat with self-stowing headrests, but the resulting load deck is uneven and can frustrate packing. The liftgate's separate opening glass is fairly high, thus partly negating its usefulness. The cabin has good array of pockets and compartments for small items.

Value within Class

4WD Base	Class Average
5	5.8

Ascender matches most traditional truck-type rivals for pace and space. Intenders would be better off with a Chevy TrailBlazer or GMC Envoy, as their pricing and equipment are much the same. Further, Isuzu is discontinuing light-duty vehicle sales in North America.

Total Score

4WD Base	Class Average
60	63.7

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		53
Average Score		63
High Score		76