The 2008 Ascender is a carryover from 2007. As Isuzu's latest sport utility vehicle, it replaced the company's Trooper for the 2003 model year. The Ascender is based on the same platform as GM's midsize SUVs and features body-on-frame construction and rack-and-pinion steering. This four-door, five-passenger SUV is available in two trims, the S 2WD and the S 4WD.

The only powertrain is a 285-horsepower, 4.2-liter, six-cylinder engine teamed with a four-speed automatic transmission that achieves 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. The five-passenger Ascender comes with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The four-wheel-drive system has four modes: automatic, 4-Low, 2-High and 4-High.

The Ascender is built on a typical two-box SUV frame, and features 17-inch alloy wheels, arched wheel wells and bodyside moldings. Midnight metallic and black garnet metallic are two new colors in the palette for 2008. The second row has a split-folding seat with a flip-and-tumble feature. Ascender comes with a CD player, air conditioning, power locks and windows. Options for upgrades include the LS package and a luxury package.

For 2008, Ascender gets side-impact air bags as standard. Safety features include anti-lock brakes, traction control, a tire-pressure monitoring system, an anti-skid system with rollover sensors, and curtain-side air bags.