2004 Buick Rainier CXL Road Test

With regards to exterior styling Buick did an admirable job separating the Rainier from its GM stable mates - from frontal view at least. While in the flesh I don't find the Rainier's grille the most attractive of the GM siblings, it sure is distinctive;

Rainier buyers will either love the new SUV's styling or simply want a GMC Envoy with a Buick nameplate. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

looking nowhere near like an Envoy or Trailblazer, or anything else in the entire class for that matter. From the back there's little to tell the difference between models, but at least all of GM's midsize SUVs benefit from being attractive from behind.

So when it comes right down to it, Rainier buyers will either love the new SUV's styling or simply want a GMC Envoy with a Buick nameplate. While it seems to offer a more compliant ride, there's not much that differentiates the two. In the end the customer gets more options, while Buick dealers are at least happy now that they've got an SUV to sell. That's not really a bad deal at all.

Specifications:

• Price Range: $49,245 - $ 58,330
• Body Type: 5-door SUV, steel side-rail frame
• Layout: front engine, AWD
• Engine: 275-hp, 275 lb-ft of torque, 4.2-L SOHC I-6
• Optional Engine: 285-hp, 325 lb-ft of torque, 5.3-L OHV V8
• Transmission: 4-speed auto
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
• Curb Weight: 2,015 - 2,099 kg (4,442 - 4,628 lb)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Cargo Cap (min/max): 1,127 / 2,269 L (39.8 / 80.1 cu ft)
• Ground Clearance: 203 mm (8.0 in)
• Towing Capacity (min/max): 2,812 / 2,903 kg (6,200 / 6,300 lb)
• Fuel Economy (estimated city/hwy): 15.4 / 10.2 L/100 km
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive
• Direct Competitors: Acura MDX, Chevy Trailblazer, Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer / Expedition, GMC Envoy, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Pilot, Infiniti QX4 / FX 35/45 / QX56, Isuzu Ascender, Land Rover Discovery, Lincoln Aviator / Navigator, Lexus RX 330 / GX 470, Mitsubishi Montero, Nissan Pathfinder / Armada, Toyota 4Runner / Highlander / Sequoia, Volvo XC90
• Web Site: www.gmcanada.com