Vehicle Overview
Isuzu sells two pickups in the U.S., the i-290 (which is listed separately in the Cars.com Research section) and the i-370, which has a 242-horsepower, 3.7-liter inline-five-cylinder. These pickups join Isuzu’s only remaining model in the U.S. market: the Ascender sport utility vehicle, which is also based on a GM product. Serving as the uplevel i-series model, the i-370 gets an optional integrated trailer hitch and a standard sliding rear window for 2008. Also, towing capacity has increased 1,500 pounds to 5,500 pounds.
Exterior
These pickups were developed in a joint venture, so the overall appearance of the i-370 is similar to the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. Isuzu’s version features a bold grille made up of three wide bars: one horizontal and two vertical.
While the four-cylinder i-290 comes only in extended-cab form with two-wheel drive, the i-370 can be had in both extended- and crew-cab form with two-wheel drive or Insta-Trac four-wheel drive. Four conventional front-hinged doors are installed. The i-370 has 15-inch tires on aluminum wheels. Radiant Orange Metallic, Midnight Metallic and Cool Slate Metallic are new colors for 2008.
Interior
Front bucket seats flank a center console. Standard equipment includes a sliding rear window; air conditioning; a stereo system with a CD/MP3 player; remote keyless entry; cruise control; a tilt steering column; and power windows, locks and mirrors. An integrated trailer hitch is a new option.
For 2008, Isuzu made features such as side curtain airbags (on extended-cab models), an automatic locking rear differential and an in-dash six-CD changer standalone options. Side curtain airbags are standard on crew cab models. A new Comfort Package for crew cab models comes with an in-dash six-CD changer, leather seats, power-adjustable driver and passenger seats, and heated front seats. Electronic traction control is standard on all two-wheel-drive crew cab models but is unavailable on four-wheel-drive models.
Under the Hood
The i-370’s 3.5-liter inline-five-cylinder develops 242 hp and 242 pounds-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard. The i-370 comes with Insta-Trac four-wheel drive, which permits shifting between 2WD and 4WD High at the touch of a button while under way. For 2008, Isuzu increased the i-370’s towing capacity to 5,500 pounds, a 1,500-pound gain.
Safety
Four-wheel antilock brakes are standard. Side curtain airbags are standard on crew cab models and a standalone option on extended cab models.