Offsetting the auditory factor of the engine is its willingness to propel GM's midsize crossover. There isn't the
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| Although the spec sheet lists the Ultra with 245 horsepower and 235 foot-pounds of torque, regrettably these ratings sound more impressive than the performance they deliver. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
sort of torque on tap that stretches the face and flattens the ears, but when get-up-and-go is needed 245 horsepower and 235 foot-pounds of torque come to the rescue. Regrettably these ratings sound more impressive than the performance they deliver. Hill climbing and highway passing is certainly adequate, especially given the 1,890 kg (4,167 lb) curb weight of the AWD Rendezvous, but owners accustomed to V8 torque could be disappointed by the Ultra's V6 ability. Still, the 3.6-liter powerplant ups the standard 3.4-liter (207 cu-in) V6 engine's output by a significant 60-horsepower and 25 foot-pounds of torque, benefiting from cubic inches, of course, as well as variable valve timing. The larger engine delivers strong about town performance, as its torque, or twisting force, is dispatched early in the powerband, spiking noticeably when the tachometer needle swings past 3,500 RPM thanks to its VVI technology.
Both Rendezvous V6 engines are fused to a 4-speed automatic transmission, which in my test unit performed reliably, shifting when appropriate and employing suitable smoothness to justify the Ultra badging. Downshifts were smartly executed when immediate passing power was demanded as well. The only
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| A concerning trend I noticed was a tendency for the transmission to engage harshly if placed into Drive when the engine was cold and revving high. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
eyebrow raiser was a tendency for the transmission to engage harshly if placed into Drive when the engine was cold and revving high. Although this issue only pertains to a cold start-up, other premium 'utes I have tested were not so afflicted. If Buick really wants to run with the high-end crowd they will need to address some non-premium Ultra behavioral traits.
Not in need of remedial attention is the strong 4-wheel disc brake setup, standard on AWD Rendezvous models. I found the brakes to be very predictable and linear in their application. They require low levels of effort to actuate and were fade-free following several emergency stops. The only braking limitation sensed was a marginalization of road grip attributable to the chunky tread pattern on the Goodyear mud and snow boots.
