Some might not consider this unusual-yet-classy-looking Buick a true SUV, but the Rendezvous skirts close enough to the ever-morphing definition of a sport-utility vehicle to be a viable competitor to many of the SUVs included in this guide.

For example, the Rendezvous gives you that high-up vantage point that lures so many buyers out of their low-slung cars. An optional all-wheel drive system enhances traction in all kinds of weather, just like an SUV, although its low ground clearance and street tires encourage you to stay off the rocky trails.

If the slab-sided Rendezvous looks a little tallish to you, it's partly due to the front-wheel-drive minivan platform on which it's based. Its resultant low center of gravity and soft suspension tuning bestows the Rendezvous with driving characteristics devoid of any semblance of truckiness. The only available engine is a 185-hp V-6, which is adequate but pales in comparison to the stronger engines in most other mid-size SUVs.

Other benefits of the Rendezvous' minivan roots include a low step-in height (no need for running boards), lots of elbow and hip room, cathedral ceilings and a cargo capacity that rivals some moving vans (a full 20% larger than that of the next-biggest mid-sizer, the Honda Pilot). Also, Rendezvous buyers have the choice of 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-passenger configurations, as one can specify captains chairs instead of a pew in the second row, as well as an optional 2-person third-row seat. The well-designed dashboard features a pleasing mix of materials as well as abundant storage areas for all of those little things that would otherwise clutter up your driving environment.

The Rendezvous, then, may not have the imposing road presence that strikes fear in other drivers the way that some other SUVs do, but when you're picking up the washer/dryer at Home Depot on a Saturday, it may strike a little envy.