Acceleration

CXL	Class Average
4	4.8

No opportunity yet to test with 3.9 V6. GM said 3.5 V6 models did 10.5 sec 0-60 mph. Those models felt quicker in our test and compared well with most rivals.

Fuel Economy

CXL	Class Average
4	4.1

No opportunity to measure.

Ride Quality

CXL	Class Average
5	6

Most bumps easily absorbed, highway ride comfortable, but Terraza wallows over even minor bumps and crests. Load-leveling suspension is a laudable standard feature on CX Plus and CXL.

Steering/Handling/Braking

CXL	Class Average
3	4.7

Terraza is more softly sprung than its GM stablemates, feels less agile. Marked body lean in turns. Steering somewhat vague at highway speeds. Braking controlled and progressive.

Quietness

CXL	Class Average
7	5.9

Side mirrors generate wind noise at highway speed. Engine well-muffled. Tire noise minimal up front, but prominent in back where passengers might have a hard time hearing those up front.

Controls

CXL	Class Average
7	6.2

Gauges unobstructed. All controls legible and easily accessible. Dashboard materials and controls have an upscale flair. Dashboard trays and drawers, as well as headphone compartments set into front seatbacks, made of budget-grade plastic. CX Plus, CXL's standard DVD entertainment a plus for families.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

CXL	Class Average
6	6.9

Low step-in makes climbing aboard a simple matter. Generous head and leg room. Fine outward visibility helped by large mirrors.

Room/Comfort (rear)

CXL	Class Average
6	6.9

Good 2nd- and 3rd-row head and leg room. Narrow space between 2nd-row buckets makes access to 3rd row more difficult than in some competitors. Third-row seats set too close to floor for best adult comfort; fine for kids, though.

Cargo Room

CXL	Class Average
10	10

Second-row buckets don't fold into floor, but are light enough for easy removal. Third-row seat doesn't disappear into floor either, but folds level with a cargo-area convenience tray that stands about 4 inches above the floor. The available rear cargo organizer is handy for groceries and other items, but GM's minivans don't have as much storage space behind the 3rd-row seat as those rivals that have a well.

Value within Class

CXL	Class Average
5	6.3

Standard DVD entertainment and load-leveling suspension on uplevel models are Terraza's competitive advantages. But the rear seating rows and cargo area lack the design advances found in virtually every competitor. While Buick's minivan is a competent entry, there is no compelling reason to chose it over our Best Buy and Recommended choices.

Total Score

CXL	Class Average
57	61.8

Scores for all Minivans

Low Score		56
Average Score		61
High Score		71