2006 Buick Rainier Model Update

The Buick of SUVs

Named for one of the tallest peaks in the U.S., the Rainier's strength lies in luxury, not off-road prowess.

Debuting for the 2004 model year, the Rainier shares its platform, powertrains and other components with General Motor's Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender and the new-for-2006 Saab 9-7X.

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While it bears a strong resemblance to its corporate cousins, save for its trademark Buick oval grille and front-end treatment, the Rainier remains among the best-looking and most luxurious of the pack. But unlike its relations, the Rainier is offered only in a five-passenger version, with no extended wheelbase or third-row seating available.

For 2006, GM's StabiliTrak stability and traction-control system becomes standard. It helps drivers maintain control during sudden maneuvers or when traction is low. Exterior updates for 2006 include chromed accents on the side roof-rails and exterior door handles, along with a new, bolder grille design.

Dark Garnet Metallic and Dark Jewel Tintcoat are two new exterior paint colors. A rollover protection sensing system is now included with the $495 optional side-curtain airbags. Given this vehicle's price and family orientation, side-curtain airbags should be standard.

The Rainier rates well in most National Highway Safety Administration crash tests, except for driver safety in frontal collisions and passenger safety in rollovers (the latter for two-wheel-drive models only), where it receives three out of five stars (defined as a 21 percent to 35 percent chance of injury). Consumer Reports predicts worse-than-average reliability for this vehicle.

The Rainier's base inline six-cylinder engine makes 291 horsepower and has more muscle than some competing models' V8 engines. Fuel economy is fair for a midsize SUV: 16 miles per gallon in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.

An optional 300-hp, 5.3-liter V8 uses GM's Displacement on Demand technology, which shuts down half of the engine's cylinders under light acceleration and cruising speeds to save fuel. A four-speed automatic transmission is the only available gearbox. While adequate, it lacks the refinement and response of newer five-speed automatics offered by much of the competition.

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As befits the brand, the Rainier's ride tends toward soft, able to soak up potholes and pavement imperfections with ease. The optional SmartTrak all-wheel-drive system provides continuous power to all four wheels and can boost the juice to one or more wheels if slippage is detected. Because Buick is a more upscale GM brand targeting consumers less likely to engage in extreme off-road activity, the Rainier does not have, nor can it be optioned with, the low-range gearing and other equipment designed for serious off-road duty and available on other GM SUVs.

The Rainier can tow between 5,700 and 6,700 pounds, depending on engine and drivetrain.

Buick has been playing up its "QuietTuning" system in all of its vehicles, which is meant to improve the sense of refinement and sophistication inside the cabin by reducing interior noise and vibrations. An instrument panel with black-on white chrome-trimmed gauges highlights a plush wood- and leather-trimmed interior. An extensive list of comfort and convenience features is standard, and as with other Buicks, various systems, from the power seats and mirrors to the radio, door locks, lighting and climate control, can be personalized to suit multiple tastes.