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Driving Impressions
Chevy Uplander comes standard with a big 3.9-liter V6 with variable valve timing that delivers 240 horsepower. That's strong power, placing it between the 244-hp Honda Odyssey and the class-leading 266-hp Toyota Sienna. In torque, the three are closer, however, and torque is what you feel when you accelerate from an intersection. In short, the Uplander should keep up with the quickest in the class.
GM continues to take pushrod-overhead-valve engine technology to new heights. Uplander's 3.9-liter V6 is the first cam-in-block engine with fully variable valve timing. This technology delivers a nice, broad power curve, with lots of acceleration-producing torque at all engine speeds.
The 3.9-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated City/Highway 17/25 mpg rating, comparable to the Honda and Toyota, which both rate 19/26 mpg. Uplander's 25-gallon fuel tank translates to an impressive 625 miles between fill-ups, while the other two have smaller 20-gallon tanks.
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 quickly and appropriately to the driver's commands via the gas pedal. Shift quality (smoothness) is as good as it gets.
Uplander's handling, however, 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 to get it they'll tolerate side-to-side sway in any corner taken faster than parking-lot speed. We prefer more responsive handling and don't mind putting up with a little road vibration as the price of it. Uplander's steering has too much power assist for our taste, and it feels numb. 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 prefer the softer ride.
StabiliTrak, GM's electronic stability control, helps prevent skidding in corners in wet or slippery conditions. Uplander's anti-lock braking system works great. The computer keeps the brakes precisely at the point of lockup without any shuddering through the pedal, and stops the vehicle as quickly as possible while leaving the driver control of the steering.
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