Power is meted-out through a six-speed autobox featuring an electronically controlled manual-mode. A small rocker switch on the side of the shift knob allows the thumb to easily move up or down the gear range once the shift lever has been placed into "L." This function can be very handy when pulling a trailer or dealing with undulating roads.
The engine and transmission combine to produce a seamless, pleasant driving experience around town and on the highway. Power is sufficient to move the large vehicle with confidence but not passion. One small annoyance was the Outlook's tendency to downshift when encountering slight inclines.
The transmission seems programmed to maximize fuel efficiency by using its higher gears to drop the engine's rpm. This leaves the transmission inserting smaller gears to bring the revs up when the engine labors to maintain the vehicle's speed up nothing more than a minimal grade. A reward is gained at the pumps however.
The Outlook is rated at 13.0-L and 8.3-L of regular octane fuel per 100 kilometres of city and highway driving respectively (22/34-mpg).
On the road
I found the Outlook very relaxing to drive, especially when factoring-in its substantial size and its ability to transport eight adults. Ride comfort is car-like rather than SUV-rigid. The Outlook's body structure is solid, producing no discernible rattles or excessive suspension thump while transporting its occupants in hushed serenity.
The Outlook's handling dynamics are well suited to its mission. It tracks straight and true with no evidence of FWD torque-steer. Steering inputs are quickly complied with, making the Outlook an easy rig to maneuver in tight situations or city traffic. Thanks to strong four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stopping the Outlook is a reassuring event as well.
Plenty of standard equipment adds to the Outlook's pleasurable disposition. More importantly, the list of standard wares holds a comprehensive array of occupant protection, including side-impact airbags for the driver and front passenger and head-curtain side impact airbags for all three rows of seating. Also on the tally sheet is GM's StabiliTrak, vehicle stability control program. These are "must have" items in high-occupancy vehicles.
Outlook replaces yesterday's big wagons
The FWD Outlook is a modern iteration of the big family wagons that dominated early mall parking lots a couple of decades ago. This is truly a family haul'er. It provides realistic seating for eight along with plenty of versatility and cargo capacity.
On the road, the Outlook is sure to win-over its personnel with outstanding ride quality, quiet operation and expansive side glass through which the world will pass safely and delightfully by.
8 occupant capacity
Smooth ride / quiet operation
Abundant versatility
Agreeable fuel economy
Gears down to contend with minor inclines
No steering wheel audio control (XE trim level)
Price ($33,900 base XE) climbs quickly with options ($38,135 as tested XE)
None
photo:Rob Rothwell
The engine and transmission combine to produce a seamless, pleasant driving experience around town and on the highway. Power is sufficient to move the large vehicle with confidence but not passion. One small annoyance was the Outlook's tendency to downshift when encountering slight inclines.
The transmission seems programmed to maximize fuel efficiency by using its higher gears to drop the engine's rpm. This leaves the transmission inserting smaller gears to bring the revs up when the engine labors to maintain the vehicle's speed up nothing more than a minimal grade. A reward is gained at the pumps however.
The Outlook is rated at 13.0-L and 8.3-L of regular octane fuel per 100 kilometres of city and highway driving respectively (22/34-mpg).
 |
| The Outlook feels at ease on the road. |
On the road
I found the Outlook very relaxing to drive, especially when factoring-in its substantial size and its ability to transport eight adults. Ride comfort is car-like rather than SUV-rigid. The Outlook's body structure is solid, producing no discernible rattles or excessive suspension thump while transporting its occupants in hushed serenity.
The Outlook's handling dynamics are well suited to its mission. It tracks straight and true with no evidence of FWD torque-steer. Steering inputs are quickly complied with, making the Outlook an easy rig to maneuver in tight situations or city traffic. Thanks to strong four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stopping the Outlook is a reassuring event as well.
Plenty of standard equipment adds to the Outlook's pleasurable disposition. More importantly, the list of standard wares holds a comprehensive array of occupant protection, including side-impact airbags for the driver and front passenger and head-curtain side impact airbags for all three rows of seating. Also on the tally sheet is GM's StabiliTrak, vehicle stability control program. These are "must have" items in high-occupancy vehicles.
Outlook replaces yesterday's big wagons
The FWD Outlook is a modern iteration of the big family wagons that dominated early mall parking lots a couple of decades ago. This is truly a family haul'er. It provides realistic seating for eight along with plenty of versatility and cargo capacity.
On the road, the Outlook is sure to win-over its personnel with outstanding ride quality, quiet operation and expansive side glass through which the world will pass safely and delightfully by.
 |
Smooth ride / quiet operation
Abundant versatility
Agreeable fuel economy
 |
No steering wheel audio control (XE trim level)
Price ($33,900 base XE) climbs quickly with options ($38,135 as tested XE)
 |
None
photo:Rob Rothwell
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