The Ascender uses a 3,277 mm (129 in) wheelbase just like the Envoy XL, so 7-occupant seating will be standard compared to the Trooper's five. This will include a convenient flip-and-tumble 3rd row opening up 2,837 L (100.2 cu ft) of flat floor surface in the Envoy XL, perfect for hauling large items. That gives it 284 L (10 cu ft) more total cargo space than the old Trooper. The Envoy also incorporates clever pop-away headrests, a feature that's not only handy but ensures loose headrests don't become projectiles in the event of a collision. Hopefully this feature will transfer over to the Ascender intact.
Even Isuzu's most faithful Trooper loyalist can't complain about adopting GM's powertrain duo. Standard equipment will include a 275-hp 4.2-L inline 6-cylinder that puts out a trailer towing capable 275 lb-ft of torque. The upgraded power should be ample to compensate for the Ascenders weight gain over the Trooper - up approximately 260 kg (573 lbs). This compares favorably with the outgoing Trooper's 215 hp 3.5-L V6, that can only muster 230 lb-ft of torque. But wait there's more. Just like the 2003 Envoy XL, the new Ascender will benefit from a V8 option. The 5.3-L unit might only increase horsepower by 15 to 290, but torque moves up to a significant 325 lb-ft. This results in a 3,357 kg (7,400 lb) towing capacity, compared to the Trooper's 2,270 kg (5,000 lb) rating. Even in standard trim the Ascender is capable of 2,495 (5,500 lbs).
No 5-speed manual will be offered, a popular choice with Trooper buyers, as a 4-speed automatic transmission comes standard, driving the rear wheels through an electronic traction control system in mid and top-ling LS and Limited models. A competent 4-wheel drive system is optional, using on demand technology that automatically engages the front wheels when the rear wheels begin to slip, if set to the Auto-4WD mode with the dashboard switch. For fuel saving measures power is directed to the rear wheels when traction is not a problem. The Ascender also gets a center locking differential with a high and low range for off-road adventures. But will the Ascender perform as well off the beaten path as its predecessor? If ground clearance is an indicator the answer is probably not. The Trooper had 249 mm (9.8 in) where the Ascender will probably come with the Envoy's 203 mm (8.0 in). If permanent 2WD is preferred for dry conditions a 2-Hi mode locks it in RWD, once again benefiting fuel economy. Despite the additional power fuel consumption should go down in 6-cylinder Ascenders compared to last year's big Isuzu, based on the current Envoy's 15.4 / 10.2 L/100 km rating and the 2002 Trooper at 15.9 / 11.7 L/100 km.