2003 Isuzu Ascender Review (continued)
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Walkaround

Isuzu Ascender shares much of its sheetmetal with the long-wheelbase versions of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy. Ascender is large, some 20 inches longer than the Isuzu Trooper, but with a solid, handsome appearance. We wouldn't describe it as sleek, but it's far from bulky.

Styling details distinguish Ascender from the TrailBlazer and Envoy. Ascender gets a distinctive chromed grille that features the Isuzu badge on a bold horizontal beam intersected by a pair of vertical bars. Ascender also has a unique front bumper with fog lights, halogen headlamps, and special overfenders, protective door trim, and rear bumper. Its five-spoke wheels look like 10-spoke wheels because of the blacked-out center section of each of the spokes, which are arranged in a star-like formation.

Interior Features

We tested a 2003 Isuzu Ascender S 2WD model wearing Onyx black paint and a Pewter interior. But what Isuzu calls Pewter is what we call gray, and in the case of the Ascender that includes seats covered in a two-tone pattern that looks as if it was inspired by dropping small, dark, leafless twigs onto a light gray background. Aside from that small bit of artistic criticism, the interior was standard issue GM extended-wheelbase, mid-size SUV, which means it provides a pleasant environment for driver and passengers.

The driver and front passenger will find their shoulder belts mounted right into the seat for a proper fit. All seven seats have three-point harnesses, and front-seat passengers have both front and side airbags in the event of an accident.

Our Ascender came with the LS option package. We appreciated being able to control audio and climate with buttons mounted on the steering wheel. The steering wheel was easy to tilt into a comfortable driving position. One unusual feature was a button on the steering wheel that controls the interior lights.

Switchgear is easy to find and to use. The heating and ventilation systems provide good air flow and we didn't have to constantly fiddle with the settings as we do on some so-called automatic climate control systems. The stereo sounded surprisingly good for vehicle in this class. There are plenty of cupholders and storage compartments for those sitting in front or in the third row, but there are only two cupholders and audio jacks for the middle seat, which seats three people.

The second row seatbacks can be reclined, a nice feature that adds to the comfort of rear passengers. Access to the third row is provided either by flipping forward the second-row seatback or by tumbling either side of the seat forward.

The third row folds flat for hauling cargo: The seat bottom cushions tumble forward and the backs flip down. The third-row seatbacks include a panel that extends the cargo floor forward, filling the gap to the folded second row. It isn't a seamless, perfectly flat cargo area, but it works well. Access to the cargo area is made easier by a rear window that can be opened without having to open the entire tailgate. Ascender's cargo area features a package shelf that can be placed in a high or low position, providing an extra surface for holding cargo and cover for the packages beneath it.