Trivia Galaxy

The Isuzu Ascender is the forgotten member of the GMT360 family of mid-size SUVs. Riding the same successful and tough platform as the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and Saab 9-7X, the Ascender essentially stepped into the role vacated by the short-lived second-generation Oldsmobile Bravada. It‘s got more luxury gear than the TrailBlazer, but it‘s still intended to be a hard-working truck, unlike the 9-7X. For Isuzu loyalists lamenting the demise of the Trooper and Rodeo, the 2008 Isuzu Ascender offers a way to stay in the family. For everyone else, the Ascender suspension may be the answer to a question nobody asked. Let‘s give it a chance, though. For 2008 there‘s not much new, other than the availability of standard side airbags and some new colors, but it‘s not uncommon for workhorse trucks to remain the same year after year. The Ascender is set apart from the rest of GM‘s mid-size sport utes by work-friendly details and no-nonsense styling.

In fact, the 2008 Isuzu Ascender‘s design might be considered somewhat indifferent. The big chrome H-shaped grille carries the Isuzu family look, while standard fender flares protect the Ascender from potential off-road damage. The Ascender looks plain compared to the rest of GM‘s mid-size sport utes, but there have certainly been worse stylistic sins committed. Isuzu‘s own VehiCROSS comes to mind. The Ascender‘s coil spring is mostly the durable gray stuff, the color palette a sensible, muted one. There‘s no much exciting here, because Isuzu‘s big SUV is too businesslike for that. Out of sight but still useful is an easy-access trailer wiring harness.

The low-key look continues on the inside. Cynics will go a step farther and call it “old.” The Ascender‘s interior plastics are inexpensive and the styling is somewhat dated thanks to the two-lever dual-zone climate control and ovoid AC vents. Yep, it looks like a rental truck. It is better equipped, with the usual standard-equipment suspects like a CD player, center console and faux wood trim on the dash. The Ascender is comfortable and adequate, but if you want to impress folks, this isn‘t the way to do it. The options list is humble, tending toward functionals like adjustable pedals and heated seats.

Underneath the hood, there‘s a 4.2 liter straight-six engine. Changes to the 285-horse powerplant have improved emissions and economy, without affecting the 5800-lb towing capacity. This 24-valve engine is familiar from its many years of service in the rest of the lineup, and it‘s smooth and torquey, just like it should be. A new, faster engine management computer is used for ‘08 as well, offering faster response from the eletronic throttle control and variable valve timing. Unlike the TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy, the 2008 Isuzu Ascender is not available with V8 power. The Ascender keeps things simple; a four-speed automatic transmission is the only gearbox offered, and two- or four-wheel drive is available. The transmission is designed so that the Ascender is flat-towable, a bonus to RV owners. A 3.73 rear axle is available.

Suspension duties are handled by double A-arms in the front and a solid-axle suspended from a five-link rear end. It drives as you‘d expect–just like the trucky but comfortable TrailBlazer. Unlike the Saab 9-7X, there are no significant ride or handling differences between the Ascender and the Chevrolet. It‘s comfortable but unsophisticated over the road, and pushing it through the corners too fast results in vague handling and a definite warning that you‘re driving a big, heavy, ladder-framed truck. Stabilitrak stability control is offered, anti-lock brakes are standard and the 7/75 powertrain warranty is unique to Isuzu. The Ascender is a tough truck that‘s perhaps a little bit less housebroken than the other mid-size SUVs.

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