Buick's smaller SUV combines attributes of a wagon and minivan. The cabin is that of a luxury vehicle stocking as many as three tiers of seats for six or seven passengers plus room in the rear for cargo. Trim designations change for 2006 as the CXL Plus replaces Ultra as top model stocking luxurious appointments beyond CX and CXL trims. Rendezvous CXL Plus uses a 3.6-liter V6 engine with VVT to make 242 hp.

The CX and CXL models score a new 3.5-liter V6 that nets 201 hp. A conventional Rendezvous drivetrain operates constantly in FWD format, while an available AWD system for top trims helps the wagon maintain traction on wet or slippery pavement. New standard features for all trims include OnStar and URPA, with options for captain's chairs in place of the second-row bench and a DVD video entertainment system.

Buick calls Terraza a crossover sport van (CSV). The two-box package resembles a SUV but the big cabin with three tiers of seats for seven and side sliding doors function like a large-scale minivan. Seats on second and third rows may be removed to make room for more gear, or the back bench, split in half, folds on the seatback.

Buick builds Terraza in two trims (CL and deluxe CXL), with choices for FWD or all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction. Power flows from a 3.5-liter V6 pushed to 200 hp with a four-speed automatic transaxle. For FWD models, an optional engine will be available later in 2006 from a 3.9-liter V6 with variable valve timing (VVT) for 235 hp. Standard gear for both trims includes a DVD entertainment kit and OnStar telecommunications. New paint colors come with 2006 Terraza models like Dark Garnet Metallic and Sandstone Metallic. (BACK...)