The V6 develops considerable torque at low engine speeds for strong around-town acceleration and ample towing ability. Gas mileage is nothing to rave about with either transmission. Dramatic differences in ride/handling are noticeable between a model with the base suspension and tires, and one with off-road equipment. Expect a punishing ride with the latter. A 2-door tends to bounce and bang over bumpy roads. The 4-door's longer wheelbase improves ride quality, but this vehicle's suspension is among the least competent in its class. Interior noise also gets bothersome on the highway. Interior room is good, though not as spacious as an Explorer or Grand Cherokee. Getting in or out is easy because there's hardly any step up. Because its back seat is ahead of the rear wheelwells, the 4-door offers 15 more inches of hip room than the 2-door. Cargo space isn't as vast as might be expected with the rear seatback up and inside spare tire in place. Although the dashboard layout is good, some controls are a long reach, and radio buttons are small. The driving position is okay, but the optional gauge cluster is hard to read at a glance, day or night.

Value for the Money
Offering satisfactory refinement and safety, and more carlike manners than the imports, GM's near-twins are reasonably good choices in a smaller sport-utility.