| The newly-released, fuel-efficient 2008 Isuzu | | | | deactivate the front-passenger airbag and reduce |
| Ascender was recently ranked by U.S. News & | | | | airbag-related injuries. |
| World Report as one of the top 25 "Midsize | | | | The Isuzu Ascender also has a body style that allows |
| Affordable SUVs" in the U.S. In terms of safety | | | | for exceptional visibility from the driver's seat. In |
| features, the 2008 Ascender received the same rating | | | | comparison, U.S. News & World Report noted |
| as the 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer and the 2008 GMC | | | | that, with regards to the 2008 Mazda CX-7, "test |
| Envoy. | | | | drivers have expressed concern, however, about |
| U.S. News & World Report noted that the 2008 | | | | impaired front visibility due to the sharp design of the |
| Isuzu Ascender fared well in crash tests conducted by | | | | CX-7's windshield." |
| the federal government, particularly in side-impact | | | | But safety isn't the only reason to get behind the |
| crashes. According to the article in U.S. News, the | | | | wheel of an Ascender. U.S. News & World |
| Ascender received five out of five stars in | | | | report, in the overall impression of the 2008 Isuzu |
| government crash tests (if you'd like to see for | | | | Ascender, noted that the Ascender "delivers and an |
| yourself, check out the Ascender's page on the | | | | outstanding warranty and smooth ride..." and also |
| National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration's | | | | pointed out the SUV's superior towing capabilities. The |
| website for the full report) for both front and rear-seat | | | | 2WD model can tow, when properly equipped, up to |
| passenger safety. One of the many reasons the | | | | 5,800 pounds. |
| Isuzu Ascender earned such a favorable rating is that | | | | In general, reviewers were impressed with the |
| side-impact airbags now come standard in the 2008 | | | | Ascender's V6 engine power and the way the SUV |
| model. | | | | handles. Kelley Blue Book noted that "the Ascender |
| The Ascender comes standard with fog lights and | | | | feels controlled and agile." Another reviewer from |
| daytime running lights, and also includes a specialized | | | | Auto Media pointed out that the Ascender runs |
| stability control system called Stabilitrak StabiliTrak | | | | "smoothly and quietly" and "accelerates vigorously |
| Electronic Stability Control. The system combines | | | | from a standstill." |
| traction control with stability control systems, as well as | | | | According to a review in the Orlando Sentinel, the |
| anti-lock brakes. Together, the three are designed to | | | | Ascender beats the Ford Explorer when off-roading. |
| help the driver maintain directional command of the | | | | Comparing the two, the reviewer praised, "... the solid |
| vehicle. | | | | rear axle of the Ascender is a better arrangement, |
| In addition to its active safety features, the 2008 model | | | | giving the Isuzu more agility in severe off-road traction |
| also has upgraded passive safety features. The | | | | situations." U.S. News also noted that the 2008 Ford |
| 2008 Ascender offers air bags for both the driver and | | | | Explorer's "heavy steering detracts from overall |
| the front passenger, as well as standard head-curtain | | | | performance." |
| side-impact air bags. These air bags were options on | | | | Intellichoice has not yet rated the 2008 Isuzu Ascender, |
| the 2007 model. The newer Ascender also features | | | | but did recognize Isuzu's entire 2006 line up as best in |
| an automatic air bag suppression system designed to | | | | their class for low costs. |