Isuzu Ascender is available in four trim packages, S, Preferred, LS, and Limited. Two engines are available, both from General Motors: a newly developed 4.2-liter in-line six-cylinder engine rated 275 horsepower and a 5.3-liter V8 rated 290 hp. All Ascenders come with a four-speed automatic transmission. Two-wheel drive and four-wheel driver versions are available. Ascenders come standard with four-wheel disc brakes, independent front suspension and a live rear axle, rack-and-pinion steering, 17-inch wheels, and a trailer hitch. All come standard with three rows of seats.
Standard equipment on the base S 2WD ($28,649) and S 4WD ($31,349) includes dual zone climate controls, power windows, power locks, keyless entry, CD stereo, fog lamps, tilt steering wheel, and a Homelink (garage door) transmitter. The Preferred Equipment Package ($500) includes a driver's seat with eight-way power and two-way power lumbar adjustment, illuminated vanity mirrors on the sun visors, and heated exterior mirrors.
The LS Package ($3,250) adds traction control, automatic climate control, power front passenger seat, six-speaker audio system, steering-wheel audio controls, rear-seat audio controls and headphone jacks, driver information center, TravelNote voice recorder, electrochromic (self-dimming) rearview mirror with compass, a one-year subscription to OnStar's Safe and Sound communications package, limited-slip rear differential, power moon roof with sun shade, alloy wheels, luggage rack crossbars. (LS package retails for $3,100 on 4WD models, which already have traction control.) The V8 engine ($1,490) is available as an option with the LS package.
The Limited Package ($2,110) comes standard with the V8 plus special monotone paint, black exterior mirrors, running boards, moisture-sensing wipers, leather-covered seating surfaces, heated front seats, Bose premium audio, and a memory package that sets seat position, mirrors, radio pre-sets and other settings for different drivers.