For those keeping score, Honda's Odyssey has a reconfigurable third seat but no all-wheel-drive system, and Chrysler's Town & Country has an all-wheel-drive system but no reconfigurable rear seat.
"The introduction of Versatrak enables GM to offer its customers the best of two worlds," Merchant says. "You get the driving benefits of a state-of-the-art all wheel drive system, without encroaching into the cargo space of the cabin or affecting the flat load floor design of our interiors."
Merchant says the all wheel drive system engagement is so smooth and automatic that it's nearly indiscernible to the people inside the vehicle. "If one or both front wheels start to lose traction, the system activates automatically, with no buttons to push or levers to throw. Just step on the gas pedal."