2006 Isuzu Ascender Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$26,644 to $31,878

Original MSRP

--

expert review

5.0

avg user rating

(1 review)
2006 Isuzu Ascender Preview summaryImage

Stability control has been added to the Ascender's standard features list for 2006. Isuzu has also adjusted some of the options packages for this fourth year of production. Competitors include the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer and the Nissan Xterra. The Ascender is a close relative to the GMC Envoy, and there are no significant changes on the horizon for either SUV.

Isuzu offers the Ascender SUV in 4 trim classifications, but buyers will ultimate be able to select from a dozen configurations created through different drivetrain, seating and features package options. Standard features include a CD sound system, powered accessories and dual-zone climate control with rear-seat controls.

The Preferred Equipment Package adds a power driver seat, keyless entry and cruise control. These items become standard on all 4-wheel drive versions. The LS Package builds off the Preferred equipment list, adding 17-inch wheels, a moonroof, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and an in-dash CD changer. A third tier Luxury Package includes all of the above, plus monochromatic paint, heated leather seats and a premium Bose audio system. The Limited adds automatic wipers, a power seat for the passenger, power-adjustable pedals and a memory system for the driver.

There are two available engines for the Ascender. A 4.2-liter inline 6-cylinder is standard, making 275 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The 7-passenger models are eligible for an optional 5.3-liter V8, which delivers 300 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. Each powerplant is teamed with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and both rear- and 4-wheel-drive configurations are available. Isuzu's new Displacement-on-Demand system is standard with the V8 Ascenders, and these models will haul 7,100 pounds.

ABS and stability control are now standard on all trims, but Isuzu's crash-test marks may drive many shoppers to the competition. At casual speeds, the Ascender is pleasant to drive, but challenging this SUV will reveal some undesirable attributes like numb steering and unstable suspension. The larger Ascenders can be had with one of two potent engine options, each offering brisk acceleration and very strong towing power. Isuzu's full-size 7-passenger model allows drivers to load a class-leading 109 cubic feet of cargo.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2006 Isuzu Ascender

Write a review
User rating:
by Anonymous
Sep 23, 2011
I would recommend this SUV to anyone. Great mid-size SUV. Plenty of interior space. We haul camping gear and have room to spare. Good power from a V-6 engine and not too bad on gas either. It has a towing package for a small trailer or camper. I've owned it for 2 years and have had no problems. Regular oil changes, coolant and trans change...no other work done on it. It has a timing chain - not a wimpy belt that needs changing every 100k miles. My Isuzu has 86k miles and there is nothing wrong with it and it still looks great as well.Sep 23, 2011

2006 Isuzu Ascender Pricing

Original MSRP
$26,644 to $31,878
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Overhead console: overhead console with storage · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: seatback

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.42

Exterior Features

Grille color: chrome · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Locks

Power door locks: remote

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody

Suspension

Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle

Tires

Type: all terrain

Tires and Rims

Spare tire size: full-size matching · Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Overhead console: overhead console with storage · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: grocery bag holder

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.42 · Limited slip differential: center · Locking differential: center · Transfer Case: electronic

Exterior Features

Grille color: chrome · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Locks

Power door locks: remote

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody

Suspension

Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle

Tires

Type: all terrain

Tires and Rims

Spare tire size: full-size matching · Wheels: painted aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Overhead console: overhead console with storage · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: storage organizer

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.42

Exterior Features

Grille color: chrome · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Locks

Power door locks: remote

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody

Suspension

Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle

Tires

Type: all terrain

Tires and Rims

Spare tire size: full-size matching · Wheels: painted aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Rear quarter windows: power · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: grocery bag holder

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.42 · Limited slip differential: center · Locking differential: center · Transfer Case: electronic

Exterior Features

Grille color: chrome · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Skid plate(s): front and rear

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody

Suspension

Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle

Tires

Type: all terrain

Tires and Rims

Spare tire size: full-size matching · Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Rear quarter windows: power · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (4)