MSRP Range: $28,500 to $31,500

Invoice Range: $27,000 to $29,500
Price Quote

MSRP As Tested: $31,349

Versions: LS

Vehicle Category: Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle

Engine Location: Front Engine

Drive Wheels: Optional Four-Wheel Drive. Rear-Wheel Drive is standard.

Engine As Tested: Optional 5.3-liter, Single Overhead Cam, V-8 cylinder, 290-horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 325 lb-ft torque at 4,000 rpm. Standard engine is a 4.2-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, Inline 6-cylinder, 275-horsepower at 6,000 rpm with 275 lb.-ft. torque at 3,600 rpm.

Transmission As Tested: 4-Speed Automatic.

Fuel Economy (city/hwy): I6 - 15/20. V8 - 14/18

Standard Safety Features: Driver and front passenger, front and side airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, "> Antilock Braking System, Daytime RunningLights

Competition: Buick Rendezvous, Chevrolet Blazer, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Explorer Sport, GMC Envoy, Honda Pilot, Isuzu Axiom, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Mercury Mountaineer, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Nissan Murano, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Highlander

Looking for a great deal on a GMC Envoy XL? Then head to the nearest Isuzu dealership. That's because Isuzu took GM's popular Envoy, essentially switched a couple of badges around, and renamed it the Ascender. It was an easy way for cash-strapped Isuzu to add a little pizzazz to its aging lineup of SUVs, and it could be perfect for folks who want a solid, reliable, refined vehicle without paying a premium for the GMC name.

Since it's an Envoy XL clone, it offers comfortable seating for seven adults, a powerful drivetrain, ample cargo space and a soft, plush ride that makes it feel like a luxury barge. In fact, if it weren't for that Isuzu name on the steering wheel, the gadget-packed interior could easily be mistaken for that in a Cadillac.

Whether that's good for Isuzu or bad for Cadillac, we're still uncertain. In any case, with a starting price around $29,000, the Ascender looks like a bargain compared with its GM counterpart.

Ascender's base model comes with dual-zone climate control, power windows, power locks, keyless entry, a CD player, and even a built-in garage door opener. Higher up the goody chain is the LS model, which adds a spattering of luxurious features like automatic climate control, a voice recorder, and rear-seat audio controls. The high-end Limited package includes heated leather seats, special monotone paint and a fancy Bose stereo, all for around $35,000.

There are no complaints about the cabin's layout, as controls are easy to operate and materials seem top notch for this price range, especially the classy wood trim on high-end models. Second- and third-row seats can be folded flat for up to 100 cubic feet of cargo space, which is about 25 percent more than in Ford's hot-selling Explorer.

Driving the Ascender is similarly impressive. An inline six-cylinder engine -- very similar to designs made famous by Porsche and BMW -- comes standard, and its 275 horsepower "out muscles" many V8s. Since inline sixes are inherently well balanced, this GM engine is among the smoothest and most responsive available in SUVs, and only people who do serious towing should opt for the bigger, slightly more powerful V8.

Steering feel is disappointing, though, as its numb and lifeless response matches the mushiness of the Ascender's soft, pudding-like suspension. The soft ride is great for highway cruising, but it's not at all invigorating for sprints to the grocery store.

Envoy ... er, Ascender ... comes standard with side-impact air bags for front passengers, antilock brakes, and three-point seatbelts for every passenger.

When it comes right down to it, the Ascender is all about personal taste and the value of a badge. Sure, "GMC" looks better than "Isuzu" on the grille, but is it worth paying extra? In addition to checking warranties, options and pricing for the Ascender and Envoy XL, take a close look at the new, very similar Chevy Trailblazer EXT.

With so many versions of the same truck, you're sure to find one that fits.

Pros: It has everything that makes GMC trucks popular -- powerful drivetrains, a soft ride and solid feel -- without the GMC price. Plus, its inline six-cylinder engine is among the best in the world.

Cons: Numb steering and a super-mushy suspension can make driving the Ascender dull and lifeless, and the Isuzu badge doesn�t carry the same cachet as the GMC version -- if you care about that sort of thing.

MORE DATA

Ratings (1-10)

Style: 8

Performance: 9

Price: 9

Handling: 5

Ride: 10

Comfort: 9

Quality: 8

Overall: 8

Where Built: USA

Major Options: Sunroof/sunshade ($1,500), trunk mat ($60), side sill extensions ($500).

Seating: 7

Number of Rows: 3

Crash Test Ratings:

• NHTSA Frontal Impact/Driver Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
• NHTSA Frontal Impact/Passenger Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
• NHTSA Side Impact/Front Seat Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
• NHTSA Side Impact/Rear Seat Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
• NHTSA Rollover Resistance Rating: Not Yet Tested
• IIHS Frontal Offset Crash Test: Not Yet Tested

Length in Inches: 207.6

Warranties: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 6 years/100,000 miles corrosion, 7 years/75,000 mile powertrain, 7 years/75,000 miles free Roadside Assistance.

Weight in Pounds: 4,967

Towing Capacity in Pounds: Unknown

Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 25

Destination Charge: $625