It’s a good thing that not everyone realizes Buick Rendezvous and Pontiac Aztek share a sibling connection via utilizing the same vehicle platform. Rendezvous takes the understated approach to interior layout, radically departing from the Aztek’s overt interior treatment. With the Rendezvous, the accent is on Pleasantville amenities, such as footrests (pull-down bars) for second row passengers that are part of a luxury package. The Rendezvous – part minivan, part sport utility vehicle – maintains an aura of tasteful appeal whether the interior is brimming with seven-person seating or is hauling lumber on its flat-load floor (made possible via stow-away third row seating). Rendezvous, powered by a 3.4-liter, 185 horsepower V6 engine that mates to a four-speed automatic transmission, offers optional Rear Parking Assist. (Four ultrasonic sensors trigger a driver-alert that obstacles have been detected behind the vehicle.) All-wheel drive is standard on the upper level CXL version. Rendezvous provides a nice ride with unhindered rearward views, a vast improvement from the Aztek’s impaired rearward vision sights. Mileage estimates are 18 miles per gallon city/24 highway for the all-wheel-drive. Standard equipment includes cruise control, AM/FM/CD stereo, and a rear window defogger. The $5,015 CXL luxury package adds a theft deterrent system, heated seats, rear seat audio controls, and a head-up display – which when activated projects the speedometer gauge onto the windshield. Suggested base price is $27,552.