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Acceleration
"No opportunity yet to test with 3.5 V6; Rendezvous with 3.4 engine was adequately
quick, though 2WD models labored less than slightly heavier AWDs. Stronger 3.6
V6 responsive enough for most any situation. Transmission delivers adequately
prompt downshifts."
Value
"Buick pitches Rendezvous as a lower-priced alternative to premium SUVs such
as the Acura MDX and Lexus RX. GM's 3.6-liter engine is as refined as any competitor's
V6, but Rendezvous falls well short of the polished moves and high-end ambience
of premium SUVs, while generally costing more than stellar midsize competitors
such as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander."
Ride
"Fair bump absorption, but body rocks, sways on uneven surfaces, inducing undue
floating and residual motions. Stable on smooth highways, but washboard surfaces
trigger jiggly wheel patter."
Economy
Test AWD with 3.4 V6 averaged 19.7 mpg in mostly highway driving; expect about the same with 3.5 V6. Test AWD 3.6 averaged 13.6 mpg in mostly city use. Buick recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.
Noise
"Prominent coarse-surface tire roar. Wind-noise suppression just average. Refined
3.6 emits a nice growl at full throttle, is nicely subdued at highway speed.
Some testers complained of a subtle, high-pitched whistle from dashboard area. "
Comfort - Front
"Good space and easy entry/exit for adults, though head room isn't generous for
those over 6-ft tall. Several testers questioned seat comfort, some complaining
of too-soft padding, others citing lumpy contours. Thick middle and rear roof
pillars impede visibility, but large door mirrors aid lane changes."
Comfort - Rear
"Seat padding subpar in 2nd, 3rd rows. Second-row seats must be moved fully aft
for decent adult leg space behind a tall front rider. There's little toe space
beneath the front seats, and moving the 2nd-row back leaves virtually no knee
clearance in the 3rd row. Neither rear bench offers much leg support. Available
2nd-row buckets don't tip/fold to help 3rd-row access. Doors open wide to ease
entry/exit, but are long enough to crowd things in tight parking spaces."
Controls
"Mostly well laid out, but some gauge markings hard to read. Ditto the small
display graphics on available automatic climate system. Interior decor attractive
and balances a few hard-plastic sections with nice array of soft-touch surfaces.
GM's navigation/audio system a relatively easy-to-use mating of map screen, navigation
functions, and stereo controls."
Cargo Room
"Ample small-item storage and many load-carrying options, but barely enough room
for grocery bags behind 3rd-row seat. Lowering liftgate takes muscle, but a pull-down
strap makes it less awkward. Fold the 3rd row and take out the manageably light
2nd-row seats, and Rendezvous claims 108 cu ft of cargo room, tops among midsize
SUVs."
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