The 2008 Isuzu Ascender SUV is largely unchanged. Ascender is a traditional truck-type SUV and is essentially a retrimmed version of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy. Ascender is available with rear-wheel drive or with 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. The sole powertrain teams a 285-hp 4.2-liter 6-cylinder engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 5800 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Note that Isuzu will discontinue sales of light-duty vehicles in North America during calendar 2009.