Introduction

Isuzu carves its SUV specialist niche a little wider with the roll-out of a new model, the Axiom. Axiom is math-speak for a self-evident truth, and the process by which Isuzu found this name is noteworthy in itself. Rather than evolving from marketing mavens or focus groups, Isuzu solicited this tag directly from the ranks of cyber-citizenry. More than 46,500 entries were received in the company's website-based naming contest. The winning moniker netted a new Isuzu SUV of his choice for an electrical engineer from the Pacific Northwest.

Walkaround

With the ranks of sport-utility vehicles swelling on an almost weekly basis, it gets harder and harder for new entries to set themselves apart from the field. Isuzu has already demonstrated their willingness to go to extremes to make a styling statement with the wild and wacky VehiCROSS. The Axiom is not that radical, but will still twist heads with its distinctive lines. The low, blunt, battering-ram front end is from the tough truck school of design. The windshield sweeps back quickly into a sport wagon side view: high-waisted, with big tires and wheels pulled close to the corners. The rear end is a sharply beveled, straight up and down affair. Overall, it's a low-slung, interesting design, with the front shouting, "Truck!" while all other angles whisper, "Hybrid."

Interior Features

Axiom's cabin is arguably as interesting as the outside design - and less controversial. According to Isuzu, its designer sought " a European feel with the interior, a crossover between sport-luxury and sport-utility vehicle." It is without doubt an attractive package. Our test vehicle sported a two-tone tan and black combination of perforated and smooth leather, vinyl, and plastic, with a touch of bright work thrown in. The design comes up short on function, however. Sound system and climate controls are a mid-dash collision of too many buttons occupying too little space, nothing you'd want to tackle while driving. It seems like it could be cured if Isuzu were to offer a set of steering-wheel mounted auxiliary controls. Switchgear is otherwise easy to locate and operate. The front seats are quite comfortable and the four-way power driver's seat is adjustable to accommodate all but the very tall. If you're six feet or taller, your legs are going to be varying degrees of folded when sitting up front. We wish the front seats offered more travel. The second row offers enough head, hip and leg room for two or three adults. The back seats split 60/40 and flip forward easily, allowing the storage capacity to expand from a substantial 35.2 cubic feet (with seats up) to a cavernous 85.4 cubic feet (with seats folded). Cargo is accessed by means of a swing-up tailgate. Taller Axiom owners may find themselves introducing their foreheads to the low hanging hatchback, possibly on a regular basis. Overall, the up-level XS has a very posh cabin, long trip comfortable and packing every amenity we've come to expect in our trucks. In town or out in the sticks, Axiom offers good visibility. Rearward visibility is unhampered by a spare tire looming in the rear view mirror because the spare is tucked underneath the vehicle.