Acceleration

CX 2WD	CXL AWD	Class Average
4	4	4.7

The 2WD CX doesn't labor quite like AWD models, but no Rendezvous is quick, and all slow markedly on upgrades, even with just two aboard. The transmission is mostly smooth and responsive, but can lurch on full-throttle kickdown shifts.

Fuel Economy

CX 2WD	CXL AWD	Class Average
5	5	3.8

CXL averaged 19.7 mpg in a test that included a majority of highway driving. Expect slightly less overall. Rendezvous uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

CX 2WD	CXL AWD	Class Average
4	3	4

Bump absorption is decent on 2WD CX, subpar with AWD. On any, body rocks and sways on uneven surfaces, inducing queasy ride motions. Stable at highway speed, but washboard surfaces trigger jiggly wheel patter.

Steering/Handling/Braking

CX 2WD	CXL AWD	Class Average
3	3	3.5

Feels less settled than a GM minivan, even with AWD. Steering is vague, and early onset of body lean demands slowing way down for tight corners. Brakes are adequate but spongy. Versatrak unobtrusively sends power aft when front wheels start to slip, but in hard acceleration from a stop, front-drive models tug to the side with unwanted torque steer.

Quietness

CX 2WD	CXL AWD	Class Average
5	5	4

Marked coarse-surface tire roar and prominent, wheezy full-throttle engine noise, though V6 fades into background at moderate cruising speeds. Wind-noise suppression just average.

Controls

CX 2WD	CXL AWD	Class Average
5	5	6

Mostly well laid out, but odd turquoise-on-silver main-gauge markings are hard to read, and small graphics on CXL's automatic-climate display are an inconvenience. Interior decor is attractive at first glance, but close inspection reveals a mishmash of textures on knobs and control levers and more-flimsy plastic panels than warranted in a vehicle seeking Lexus RX 300 shoppers.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

CX 2WD	CXL AWD	Class Average
5	5	6.2

Good space and easy entry/exit for adults, though head room isn't generous if you're 6 ft or taller. Seats lack contour, softness, and comfort. Thick middle- and rear-roof pillars disrupt the view of surrounding traffic, and while we like large door mirrors, these are sized and placed to actually block the driver's vision to the front quarters.

Room/Comfort (rear)

CX 2WD	CXL AWD	Class Average
5	5	5.1

Second-row seats must be moved fully aft for decent adult leg space behind a tall front rider. But there's little toe space beneath the front seats in any case, and moving the 2nd-row back leaves virtually no knee clearance in the 3rd row. Overall, room may actually be best in the 3rd row, though neither rear bench offers much leg support. Available 2nd-row buckets are acceptably comfortable, but don't tip/fold to help 3rd-row access. Large rear doors aid entry/exit but swing out wide to crowd things in tight spaces.

Cargo Room

CX 2WD	CXL AWD	Class Average
9	9	7.7

Ample small-items storage and many load-carrying options. Barely grocery-bag room behind 3rd seat, however, and lowering tailgate takes muscle. Fold the 3rd row and take out the manageably light 2nd-row seats and Rendezvous claims 108 cu ft of cargo room, most of any midsize SUV.

Value within Class

CX 2WD	CXL AWD	Class Average
3	3	4.5

Buick's first SUV takes aim at the likes of the RX 300 and Acura MDX, which cost more similarly equipped. But at nearly $34,000, a loaded 7-seat AWD Rendezvous is not bargain-priced, and any version of this GM crossover trails the RX 300, MDX, and Toyota Highlander in performance, refinement, and quality of assembly and materials.

Total Score

CX 2WD	CXL AWD	Class Average
48	47	49.5

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		37
Average Score		49
High Score		65