It's a minivan that looks like an SUV!

The new vehicle hunt continues
My better half and I have been looking for something to replace her aging Neon. We tested out various compact and small cars within our price range, and though many of them are nice, she feels we're ready for something along the lines of an SUV. Something bigger for hauling gear for our camping trips, to get materials home for our various home renovation projects, and something to give our rapidly growing son the backseat legroom he needs.

Meet the SV6
One vehicle we happened upon which we thought was an SUV was the Montana SV6. In Canada, they offer a regular wheelbase size; it's this minivan that looks indistinguishable from an SUV, while the extended wheelbase version still looks like an SUV from the front, but shows its minivan roots with its long body. We decided to take it out for a test.

Seating Arrangements
We demanded to test out the base model, since that's the one that will fit in most people's budget. We were impressed with what it came with. The third row seats folds flat to the floor, or, if you need more floor-to-ceiling room, can be removed. Yes, there are two third row seats; they're split 50/50, and have a remarkably tall back with adjustable headrests. Passengers in the 3rd row seat aren't left in the dark, however; there's a map light for each of them, and a storage bin in the seat backs of the 2nd row seat. They also get a storage bin on the side armrests below the rear windows, and cupholders. There is lots of legroom and, for a 3rd row seat, it is remarkably comfortable. The seat fabric looks like it would be very easy to keep clean, which will make many parents happy. The 2nd row seats are just as comfy, with their own map lights (these ones on the overhead rail system), cup holders, and arm rests. There are very wide doors on either side, making it easy for 2nd and 3rd row seat passengers to enter and exit.

Cargo space
The cargo space holds many unique surprises. In the extended wheelbase version, there are storage bins in the floor to hide away things like that spare bottle of washer fluid and booster cables. On all models, there are access panels on the left and right; the left one hides a 12VDC power jack, and some models feature an air compressor. The right one hides the jack tools. The spare tire is located under the minivan, on the outside. The rear door lifts up and very high; I'm 6'4" and could stand under the door with adequate headroom. This is great for keeping people dry in the rain! The speakers are built in to this lifting hatch, so one could reasonably have a tailgate party, rain or shine.

Interior trim
Let's get behind the wheel. Again, remarkably comfortable seats, even on the base model. The steering wheel is the same one from the Grand Prix, which is a very nice and sporty steering wheel with good feel. The shifter is on the column, which frees up the floor space. With the base model, there is no console between the front seats; some people may prefer this, as it's easy for one to walk (hunched over in my case) from the front seat all the way to the back. The instrument cluster is very tastefully done, with a brushed aluminum insert. Every button and lever makes this vehicle feel very upscale. Clearly, this is not the budget plastic Pontiac of yesteryear! The innovative overhead rail system allows you to add or remove whatever features you want, and extends from the front seat into the 2nd row seats.

Driving impressions
The driving characteristics are definitely a blend of the best from both the minivan and SUV worlds. Like an SUV, you sit up high with a commanding view of the road. Like a minivan, you get the smooth, car-like ride and handling. It is remarkably easy to drive, given the size of this vehicle, and it feels real good driving down the highway, like you, the driver, really are king of the road. It takes corners competently and easily. Bumps are smoothed out, which the meaty 17" tires definitely help with. Road engine noise is absent. The ride is very solid, very smooth...and there's a healthy amount of power delivered from under the hood, and big 4 wheel disc brakes to bring it all to a halt in short time.

Engines
The base engine is a new design for GM vehicles; a 3.5L, which is a dramatically improved design of the economical 3.4L. The design of the engine is such that maintenance will be low with features such as no timing belt to change, long life engine coolant and an oil life monitor. The pushrod design not only makes for a low maintenance motor, but it also means you'll have lots of torque down low in the power band - which is where you need it for a hauler. You get 213 lb. ft. of torque at 3200 RPM's, down low where you need it...and higher up in the power band, the horsepower peaks at 201 horses at 5600 RPM's. The result is plenty of power everywhere you need it in the power band. We loaded up all the seats with full-sized adults, and there was plenty of power both hauling off the line and merging onto the highway. Considering the size and mass of this vehicle, the fuel economy is very respectable at 22 MPG city/32 MPG highway.

If the standard 3.5L isn't enough power for you; if you're looking for something that will let you shred your front tires as they tear up the asphault, there's a 3.9L engine option that delivers 240 horsepower and 240 lb. ft. of torque. It delivers the same fuel economy, but will embarass other sportier cars and more expensive import minivans.

Standard features
This minivan/SUV is bristling with features, even in standard trim. For safety, you get ABS brakes, traction control, and a vehicle stability control system. In the unlikely event that this can't keep you out of trouble, it features a 5 star frontal impact, and 5 star side impact rating for the back seat passengers, so you and your passengers will be well-protected. On-Star is standard, so your vehicle will call for help if you can't for an added layer of safety. Of course, it also comes with power windows, air, automatic, power door locks, and a stereo that sounds remarkably good for a base minivan stereo system. It's not hi-fi, but it does sound better than most. Yes, you even get the keyless remote entry standard.

Other options
There are other options that may interest certain buyers. There is an available all wheel drive system; something GM has perfected over the years. There's fun stuff like the DVD entertainment system, and driver-oriented options like a trip computer, steering wheel mounted controls, and remote start. One important feature that belongs in all minivans is a backup parking assist. If you wish to tow something big and heavy (which this van can easily do up to an impressive 3500 lbs), there's a load levelling option and towing package. Suffice it to say, there's an option for everyone for every need.

Conclusion
There's a lot to like about this minivan, and not much to not like about it. Its rugged SUV looks is what really sets it apart from so many other minivans on the market today. It's comfortable, smooth, and economical with more than enough power. I find myself trying to find something I don't like about it, and the only thing I can think of is the fact that the rail that the sliding door slides along isn't hidden like on some other minivans; though that's really nit-picking. If you're shopping for a minivan, do yourself a favour and take one of these out for a test drive. I think you'll agree that it's one great package.