Rainier is Buick’s mid-size, truck-based SUV. Its closest relative is the GMC Envoy. With its sliding rear roof and hose-friendly hold, Envoy XUV keys on cargo. With Buick, the priority is on the passenger compartment. Rainier is offered in 4x2 and all wheel drive versions, with two engine options (I-6, V-8) and two trim levels (CXL and CXL Plus). My test truck was a typically equipped Rainier; a V-8 powered CXL, with all wheel drive. With a few options added and the destination charge, the big Buick stickered for $40,815.

Because of the popularity of the breed, SUVs are a diversified lot. Count Rainier as an urbanite; it is far more likely to be found in the canyons of a city than it is rolling along a rocky trail. This class of ute is generally called upon to be equal parts station wagon, tow vehicle and all weather transport. It’s well suited for all roles. Rainier has an understated, well finished interior – at the top end among GM entries. Up front, the leather trimmed seats will adjust to fit most any size passenger.

The dash display is a clean looking design and an easy read, day or night. A GPS based navigation system is available optionally. My test truck was not so equipped, and the center dash cluster was uncluttered and straight forward, requiring little diversion from your driving to adjust temperature and sound. Speaking of sound, there’s a step-up Bose system available, it’s a healthy price bump - $495 – but also a nice quality unit. With six speakers, a six disc, in dash CD player and 275 watts of power, it’s worth a listen before deciding. A rear seat DVD system is also on the option sheet to keep those in back entertained. The second row will take two to three adults in good comfort. Rainier is a mid-size; no third row seat is offered. This frees the rear compartment to hold a generous amount of cargo. There is 39.8 cubic feet of room in back, accessible through a top swinging lift gate. The opening is wide, the hold is large and lift over height is low. Capacity expands to as much as 80.1 cubic feet, depending on how many of the split back seats you choose to fold.

Rainier is available with a standard, 275 hp, 275 lb. ft. of torque, 4.2 liter six cylinder engine or an optional, 5.3 liter V-8. The eight makes 290 hp and 325 lb. ft. of torque. Both are coupled to GM’s four speed automatic transmission. GM’s 4200 I-6 is adequate all around, but the 5300 V-8 feels far smoother and less stressed. There is a modest gas mileage giveback (comparing all wheel drive models, the six rates 15/21 city/highway, while the eight gets 14/18 mpg’s), and a not too modest price bump ($1,500 to step up to the V-8). However, amortized over the life of your car loan, I think that the dollars will matter less than the overall driving satisfaction of the larger motor. This is especially true if you tow. Rainier with the 4.2 will pull up to 6,200 lb. (4x2, 4.10 axle), while the 5.3 can be equipped to handle as much as 6,700 lb. (4x2, 3.73 axle).

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