Chevrolet's minivan is now what GM calls a "crossover sport van." Uplander uses the extended-length body from Chevy's 1997-2004 Venture minivan, but has a new SUV-flavored nose and grows slightly in length, wheelbase, and height. It retains a 4-speed automatic transmission, but replaces Venture's 185-hp 3.4-liter V6 with a 200-hp 3.5 V6.

Uplander offers front-wheel drive with base, LS, and uplevel LT trim. All-wheel drive is available only on LT models. GM's Stabilitrak antiskid/traction control is optional on front-drive LT models. All models have antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. Front side airbags with head and torso protection are available, but full-length curtain side airbags are not. Every Uplander comes with OnStar assistance, air conditioning, power windows and locks, and rear DVD entertainment. Also standard are 2nd-row bucket seats, 17-inch wheels, sliding rear side doors, and 3-row seating for seven. Power sliding doors are available. The 3rd-row seat is a 50/50 split bench that folds flat above the cargo floor. All 2nd- and 3rd-row seats can be removed. A standard roof-rail system offers optional snap-on storage modules. A remote starting system that operates from the keyfob is also available. Uplander shares its basic design with the Buick Terraza, Pontiac Montana SV6, and Saturn Relay.