As well, all Rendezvous models are also fitted with monotube gas-pressure rear shocks for more consistent damping characteristics over rough roads.
Reuss said that, "The benefits are no compromise between ride and handling and no loss of cornering adhesion in bumpy corners."
Beyond that standard equipment, there's also an automatic level-control system offered as an option, to maintain a level vehicle attitude when heavy loads are carried or a trailer is attached to the optional towing package.
The final piece in Rendezvous' ride and handling picture is its optional Versatrak all-wheel-drive system, which uses front-drive under normal road conditions and adds grip to the rear wheels on slippery roads.
"With Versatrak, there are no buttons to press or levers to throw," said Reuss. "No special driver action is needed beyond stepping on the accelerator. Versatrak is always poised to make the best use of the traction available."
Reuss and Adams think general ride comfort is assured by the suspension setup on Rendezvous, but they didn't stop there when it came to adding comfort. This is a Buick after all, and changing times or not, that suggests a certain level of creature comforts and luxury appeal.
After giving Rendezvous a look of "refined ruggedness" on the outside, chief designer Liz Wetzel and her team went after some elegance on the inside. So, there's a two-tone theme for all three trim levels, leather, flat-woven cloth with leather bolsters, and all-cloth with pile fabric. Instrument-cluster detailing is supposed to provide a look of precious stones set in polished metal, "like jewelry," and gauge needles and numbers are set in a silver face "to resemble an expensive watch or designer bracelet."