The 2006 Chevrolet Uplander is a 4-door, up to 7-passenger mini van. It is available in 6 trims, ranging from the LS FWD Regular Wheelbase 1LS to the LT AWD Extended Wheelbase 3LT. Although the 2006 Chevrolet Uplander features a slick interior and distinctive styling, it doesn't have the on-road finesse of its minivan competitors.
The LS FWD Regular Wheelbase 1LS is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 201hp engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. The LT AWD Extended Wheelbase 3LT is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 196hp engine. However, the 3.5-liter V6's power and refinement not up to class leaders. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims. For the 2006 Uplander, a shorter regular-wheelbase version has been added to the lineup, and a 3.9-liter V6 with 240 hp is now an option on front-wheel-drive.
The Chevrolet Uplander seats seven, and the fold-flat third-row seat offers a 50/50 split. An overhead rail system provides rear-seat access to climate and entertainment functions. The LS offers power windows, air conditioning, a sound system with a CD/MP3 player and the OnStar communications system.
Uplander minivans come standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes. Side-impact airbags for first- and second-row occupants are optional. The V6 manages to provide adequate acceleration, but the performance trails the segment. However, the 3.9L engine should effectively address this weakness.
Overall, the Uplander is certainly a capable vehicle, but it faces tough competition that is better in the dynamics department.
