There are two buckets up front, a three-across bench or two more buckets in the middle, and that optional third row bench for two more adults. That bench can of course be removed for maximum storage or folded up to keep the seating versatility on tap while still delivering lots of space. Lots of SUVs deliver this much interior space, but Mark L. Reuss, the vehicle line executive for Rendezvous, pointed out that it's the first vehicle to also have seating for seven, a low and flat load floor, and independent rear suspension.
The low and flat load floor and the 48-inch rear door opening makes storage and seat removal even more attractive, but the independent rear suspension speaks to something just as important to the overall appeal of Rendezvous -- its comfort.
There are growing reports of unhappiness with the ride and handling of traditional SUVs amongst consumers, so making sure Rendezvous delivered a more car-like ride was a priority. Most SUVs ride on a rigid rear axle with leaf springs, which is a result of their being truck-based and which makes them ride, well, like a truck.
Rendezvous is also based on a truck (the first Buick to be so since 1923), but Buick's engineers created a short-and-long-arm independent rear suspension. Each rear wheel is attached to a cast aluminum rear crossmember by means of cast aluminum upper and lower control arms. To minimize total and unsprung weight, the knuckle assemblies are also cast aluminum. Curved coil springs fit between each lower control arm and the rear suspension crossmember.