The boxy people-mover for Chevrolet carries the prominent prow of a big SUV but square side doors that glide like flank sliders of a minivan. The stretched passenger compartment, arranged with three rows of seats for up to seven riders, has the flat floor of a minivan extending from forward bulkhead to cargo compartment.

Uplander is called a crossover sport van, or CSV, and offered for 2006 in three editions -- a price-leading base model, the upgraded LS and premium LT. Each orients to FWD, but the LT shows AWD traction as an option with GM's on-demand Versatrak device. Powerplant for all is GM's 3.5-liter V6 with 200 hp, although later in 2006 the LT FWD Uplander gains an optional new 3.9-liter V6 worth 235 hp. GM's StabiliTrak system is also optional on the FWD Uplander.

Chevy's car-based wagon measures larger than other SUVs in the compact class, with a broad track and the longest wheelbase. The wide and long platform sets up a passenger compartment that seems as spacious as a mid-size wagon. Plan for the cabin pitches a pair of bucket seats on the cockpit row and a three-place bench on the second row that slides fore and aft by eight inches to vary legroom.

The bench's seatback, split 60/40 percent, reclines to two positions and each side folds to make way for cargo. In the back bay Equinox adds a power outlet and a panel that fits in three positions for stacking cargo in tiers. Equinox feels frisky due to the 3.4-liter V6 bringing 185 hp with an automatic five-speed transmission. There are two trims -- LS and LT -- with front-wheel-drive (FWD) and AWD options for each.

Chevy's new retro-styled wagon with roly-poly fenders and bulging roofline looks like a cross between a 1949 round-top Suburban and the contemporary pop-top SSR pickup convertible. However, it's a thoroughly modern vehicle riding on the platform of Chevy's agile Cobalt sedan. The spacious cabin in HHR makes room for two rows of seats, with buckets in front of a bench for three with fold-flat split seatback. And the cargo compartment brings over 60 cubic feet of stow space with a flat floor and expansion options. Two trims -- LS and LT -- use different four-cylinder Ecotec engines. A 2.2-liter version with 143 hp goes to LS and the 2.4-liter four boosted to 172 hp drops in the LT top version 2LT. Standards includes air conditioning, power windows and door locks, a MP3 player and six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, with options for a sunroof, leather seats, sport suspension plus big wheels and tires.

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