Acceleration

2WD	AWD	AWD, 3.6 V6	Class Average
4	4	5	5

No opportunity yet to test with 195-hp V6. Stronger 242-hp V6 responsive enough for most situations. Transmission delivers adequate downshifts.

Fuel Economy

2WD	AWD	AWD, 3.6 V6	Class Average
5	5	4	3.8

Test AWD with 3.4 V6 averaged 19.7 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test AWD 3.6 averaged 13.6 mpg in mostly city use. Buick recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.

Ride Quality

2WD	AWD	AWD, 3.6 V6	Class Average
4	4	4	5.4

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.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD	AWD	AWD, 3.6 V6	Class Average
3	4	4	4.1

Early onset of body lean, modest tire grip, and mediocre steering feel. With ABS, stopping power adequate but pedal feel is spongy; no opportunity to test without ABS. Even with AWD, fast takeoffs caused torque steer--unwanted pulling to the side.

Quietness

2WD	AWD	AWD, 3.6 V6	Class Average
5	5	6	5.2

Prominent coarse-surface tire roar, average wind-noise suppression. Refined 242-hp V6 emits a nice growl at full throttle, is subdued at highway speed. Some testers complained of a subtle, high-pitched whistle from dashboard area in one model tested.

Controls

2WD	AWD	AWD, 3.6 V6	Class Average
6	6	6	6.3

Mostly well laid out, but some dashboard markings hard to read. Interior decor attractive and balances some hard plastic sections with soft-touch surfaces. GM's navigation/audio system a relatively easy-to-use mating of map screen, navigation functions, and stereo controls.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD	AWD	AWD, 3.6 V6	Class Average
5	5	5	6.7

Good space and easy entry/exit for adults, though head room isn't generous for those over 6 ft tall. Some testers complain of too-soft padding, lumpy contours. Visibility impeded by thick middle and rear roof pillars, is offset by large door mirrors.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD	AWD	AWD, 3.6 V6	Class Average
6	6	6	6.2

Toe, leg space tight for adults. Moving 2nd-row back leaves little knee space in 3rd row. Rear benches have little 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.

Cargo Room

2WD	AWD	AWD, 3.6 V6	Class Average
9	9	9	8.3

Many load-carrying options, but barely enough room for grocery bags behind 3rd-row seat. Lowering liftgate takes muscle. Ample small-item storage.

Value within Class

2WD	AWD	AWD, 3.6 V6	Class Average
3	3	4	5.7

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.

Total Score

2WD	AWD	AWD, 3.6 V6	Class Average
50	51	53	56.7

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		43
Average Score		56
High Score		66