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Isuzu Ascender 5.3 i V8 16V 4WD (294 Hp)
Overall Rating
Isuzu Ascender:
The Isuzu Ascender is a mid-size SUV built by General Motors for Isuzu. The 7-passenger Ascender was introduced for the 2003 model year as a replacement for the Isuzu Trooper. The 5-passenger Ascender was introduced for the 2004 model year as a replacement for the Isuzu Rodeo and the Isuzu Axiom.
The Ascender is the only one of GM's GMT360-based mid-size SUVs that was not GM-branded. The Ascender LWB was dropped after the 2006 model year. Reviews warned of a thin dealer network for warranty repairs, and the Kelley Blue Book projected a relatively low resale value similar to the TrailBlazer. However, Isuzu offered a seven-year/75,000-mile powertrain warranty as well as substantial factory incentives....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Ascender Overview:
Isuzu Ascender (Ascender). With 440 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2335 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. The top speed reaches 175 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.
The Isuzu Ascender, a rebadged GMT360 platform SUV, was primarily sold in North America and was not tested by Euro NCAP. It received mixed safety ratings from US agencies like NHTSA and IIHS for its time.
5.3 i V8 16V 4WD (294 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Combines robust V8 power with 4WD capability, making it a strong contender for towing and all-weather conditions, despite being an earlier V8.
Fuel Economy
The least fuel-efficient option among the V8s due to its older design and 4WD, leading to high running costs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and versatile interior, especially with 7-seat option
- • Strong towing capacity with V8 engines
- • Comfortable ride for its class and era
- • Available 4WD for all-weather capability
- • Good value on the used market
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy across all engine options
- • Dated interior design and materials
- • Limited off-road articulation compared to dedicated off-roaders
- • Some common platform issues (e.g., HVAC, electrical)
- • Not as refined or quiet as some competitors
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Isuzu |
| Model: | Ascender |
| Generation: | Ascender |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.3 i V8 16V 4WD (294 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 7 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 294 Hp @ 5200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 55.2 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 440 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 5327 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 96 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 92 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 13.1 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 175 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.9 kg/Hp, 125.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.3 kg/Nm, 188.4 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2335 |
| Max. weight: | 2903 |
| Max load: | 568 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2837 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 630 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 95 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5273 mm mm |
| Width: | 1933 mm mm |
| Height: | 1918 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 3275 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1603 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1576 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 245/65 R17 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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