We have prejudices.  That’s a fact of life.  We’re not cold-hearted machines out to dominate the world.  Call it “preferences” if you want, but we do have an innate fondness towards a particular trait, whether it’s race, creed, sexual orientation or religion.  And although we consider all the facts before racing to a conclusion, prejudices can cloud our judgment.  Though mine has little to do with those mentioned above, I do have to confess that I did have a beef against Isuzu’s new SUV.

Even before the pearlescent white Alterra arrived at our household, I was already boxing this SUV in as a ho-hum effort in a sea of mediocre “lifestyle” vehicles.  Luckily though, that small version of me—the one with the halo and wings, halted me from clicking the “Save” button.  You see, this SUV isn’t impressive at first, or even second glance.  However, if you give it a chance (i.e. you actually drive or own one), it shines.

If you base everything on looks alone, then things don’t bode too well with the Alterra.  Instead of coming up with a stylish, industry-buckling people mover, the Alterra’s design and execution are far too simplistic.  It looks too much like a D-Max with a Camper Shell slapped on—certainly a far cry from the sleek Toyota Fortuner.  In addition, I was at odds at the sweeping rear quarter window, which provided too big a contrast to the otherwise boxy shape.  Whereas the Ford Everest is functionally squared off throughout, the Alterra looks like a mixed bag of automotive design elements.

Likewise could be said with the Alterra’s interior.  Since I was all too familiar with the D-Max, I could point out that most of the stuff that goes in here, and we’re not talking about the minor things here, come from the pick-up.  The steering wheel, center cluster, door handles, switchgear—and that’s just for starters.  That said, at least you can expect solid build quality and acceptable plastics.  I found the ergonomics and comfort to be superb even if I’m clamoring for height and lumbar adjustment for myself.  The two other rows though drew mixed reactions.  Though immensely spacious, the second row is comfortable only for two, since the “pass through” middle seat is cushioned much like an ironing board.  The last row may have ample space, but it does lack any form of head restraint.

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