Buick Rendezvous Ultra

Buick Rendezvous Ultra - Now, a second engine choice is offered: the 3.6-liter all-aluminum V-6 found in the Cadillac CTS and SRX. This 24-valve double-overhead-cam engine has variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust cams, along with electronic throttle control and a dual-stage intake manifold. In the Rendezvous, the 3.6 makes 245 horsepower (a 60-hp increase over the pushrod 3.4-liter V-6) and 235 pound-feet of torque (25 more), all the while maintaining nearly the same fuel economy.

With the Ultra, you also get a body-colored grille and fascias, 17-inch wheels and tires, and monochromatic exterior paint instead of the clumsy two-tone paint scheme on base models. Also included are some interior upgrades that add touches of chrome and wood on the instrument panel, center console, and steering wheel. The standard leather seats now get solid headrests (no more doughnut holes) and faux-suede inserts to keep occupants where they belong.

Some minor annoyances in this new powertrain caught our attention. First, there is a slight delay to the driver's foot in the response of the electronic throttle at idle, but then the revs rise as expected. Second, the four-speed automatic is a bit reluctant to give the driver the one- or two-gear kickdown that his right foot is requesting. When piloting this Buick, plan for these flaws by not expecting any increased forward progress until you mash the gas pedal and count to one-one-thousand. We also noticed some low-pitched transmission hum, usually under highway cruising, which is a no-no in a luxury vehicle for this price.

We still think highly of this sport-ute's large cargo capacity; six-passenger, three-row seating; and capable audio system. But we continue to complain that dashboard info is difficult to see in sunlight, and the Rendezvous still has a lack of steering feel, excessive head toss over bumps, and reluctant handling, even with the upgraded wheel-and-tire package.

So, where would a Rendezvous Ultra finish if we held that comparison test again? Well, it wouldn't qualify to be in the test. With a substantial premium over its former competitors, Buick has priced itself right out of that comparo and into the luxury sport-ute market, which includes GM's own Caddy SRX.