StabiliTrak, GM's electronic stability control, is also available. Buyers must choose between the stability system and all-wheel drive, however, because StabiliTrak is only offered on front-drive Uplanders. In the northeast or mountain states, we'd choose the all-wheel drive. It brings a slight penalty in fuel mileage (1 mile per gallon according to EPA figures), but in the right climate it's well worth it.
Uplander's most obvious weaknesses compared to the best minivans come in the driving. The fundamental design of Chevy's 3.5-liter V6, with its old-fashioned cast-iron engine block, dates back decades. That doesn't necessarily mean it's bad. At freeway speeds this 200-horsepower V6 is smooth and quiet, and there's enough quick-burst acceleration for safe merging onto busy freeways. The engine is aided by first-rate performance from the automatic transmission. GM makes some of the best automatics anywhere, and while the Uplander's has four speeds (compared to five in some competitors), it responds almost perfectly to the driver's commands via the gas pedal, and shift quality (smoothness) is as good as it gets.
That said, the Uplander's V6 isn't likely to stir much emotion, and we wouldn't relish the thought of towing something at the rated capacity of 3500 pounds. In short, Uplander's engine delivers less horsepower and torque than any in the class, and it's noticeable on the road. It simply can't match the power, smoothness or fuel economy of the overhead cam engines in some competitors, nor the torque of cam-in-block engines in others. The engine more or less sets the tone for Uplander's driving dynamics in general.
Handling is reminiscent of old-school GM. This is no doubt by design, because GM is perfectly capable of building vehicles with a more contemporary ride-handling balance. In other words, Chevy thinks Uplander buyers want a soft ride and side to side sway in any corner taken faster than parking-lot speed. We prefer more responsive handling. Uplander's steering has too much power assist for our taste, and it feels numb. This minivan will eventually turn, but sometimes it seems it doesn't want to. While the ride is soft, the suspension can also be loud and clunky on rough surfaces. Uplander simply does not respond as crisply as some other minivans, though some drivers may appreciate the softer ride and never know the handling difference.
On the positive side, Uplander's anti-lock braking system works great. It keeps the brakes precisely at the point of lockup without any shuddering through the pedal, and stops this minivan as quickly as possible while leaving the driver full directional control. The 25-gallon fuel tank is another plus. Based on our real-world mileage figures, highway range of more than 550 miles is within reach. Next Page