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The Isuzu Ascender comes in two lengths, and it is the shorter of the two that's the better vehicle, at least from a driving standpoint.The 5-Passenger model has no trouble ascending to highway speeds. Inline six-cylinder engines are naturally balanced, and the Ascender's inline-6 is smooth and quiet. It idles so smoothly that it's sometimes hard to tell it's running. This 4.2-liter engine generates 275 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. It's a wonderful engine, more powerful than many V8s. It's thirsty, however, EPA-rated 15/20 mpg City/Highway on 4WD models. It comes with GM's four-speed automatic transmission. Called the Hydra-Matic, this transmission has proven itself over the years and many miles in the TrailBlazer, but it doesn't seem to let the engine achieve its full potential. We found the ride excellent, very smooth without being too soft. The 5-Passenger models are easy to maneuver in crowded parking lots, with tight turning circle of 36.4 feet. Ascender uses an independent front suspension and a live rear axle with premium-quality Bilstein monotube shock absorbers. We found the 4WD model impressively stable on washboard surfaces. 4WD versions come standard with traction control. When it rains, snows or turns icy, the driver can select the automatic mode and the system will distribute power to the four wheels as needed. For driving off road, the 4-Hi mode provides for a 50/50 front/rear split in the engine's power. Shift into 4-Lo and the Ascender can ascend steep grades, plow through deep snow, or slog through slimy mud. For dry conditions, select 2-Hi for rear-wheel drive and best fuel economy. We found the 2WD Ascender 7-Passenger model we drove smooth and comfortable, in town and on the highway. Its rack-and-pinion steering was sure. Its four-wheel disc brakes with ABS never wavered. Its BFGoodrich Rugged Trail T/A tires on 17-inch wheels are mud-and-snow rated, yet we found them to be extremely quiet, even at highway speeds. But we find the 7-Passenger Ascender less compelling than the 5-Passenger version. It's longer and narrower than a Chevy Tahoe. It's harder to park. It wallows in corners and doesn't feel as stable when entering a turn at high speeds. And because it's heavier, it taxes the standard six-cylinder engine. Opting for the V8 engine improves this latter situation, but it doesn't turn the 7-Passenger model into a rocket. The V8 is new for 2005 and features Displacement on Demand, which shuts down four of the eight cylinders when they are not needed for up to 8 percent better fuel mileage under light-load conditions. The engine-management computer instantly revives the sleeping cylinders the moment the driver tips the throttle. This all happens seamlessly; we could not feel it. With this new V8, the 7-Passenger Ascender 4WD gets an EPA-estimated 14/19 mpg. The V8 and 3.73 axle ratio boost Ascender's towing capacity to 6,600 pounds on the 2WD version, 6,200 pounds for the 4WD.
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