Buick has a long-earned reputation for transporting families in a premium way. Terraza, the third entry in Buick's growing truck portfolio, continues this tradition, bringing Buick refinement into the growing premium end of the mid-van segment.

With its ability to carry seven people and plenty of cargo, the Terraza crossover sport van (CSV) complements Rendezvous and Rainier in the Buick truck lineup by combining SUV features like bold front-end styling with the functionality required by customers in the mid-van segment. Like Rendezvous and Rainier, Terraza is expected to continue the trend of bringing new and younger customers into Buick showrooms. Terraza, available in CX and uplevel CXL models, is expected to attract the attention of affluent married couples with children.

"Terraza positions Buick in the growth area of the mid-van market," said Roger Adams, Buick general manager. "Although the overall segment has declined slightly the last few years, sales of $30,000-plus vehicles have grown from 19 percent to 24 percent of the mid-van market.

"Terraza is another proof point of Buick's commitment to the truck market," added Adams. "Terraza will appeal to families who need mid-van functionality and also appreciate understated elegance on the inside and real style on the outside."

Buick's approach to trucks is to weave sedan values into the equation without compromising truck utility and functionality. The focus is on four attributes: power, ride, quiet and style. These distinguishing attributes are all part of the Terraza.

The horsepower and torque of the overhead valve 3500 3.5-liter V-6 provide excellent launch feel and responsive performance at all driving speeds. Its estimated power ratings -- 200 horsepower and 220 lb.-ft. of torque -- are highly competitive with those of other mid-vans.

A Terraza-exclusive standard independent long-and-short-arm rear suspension and a unique Ride and Handling package provide premium ride. These features, combined with the new world-class braking system that includes larger 16-inch brakes and four-wheel-discs, 17-inch tires, and the availability of StabiliTrak -- GM's advanced Vehicle Stability Enhancement System (VSES) -- provide superior handling and control in almost any driving conditions. Terraza's VSES maximizes handling, braking and acceleration dynamics by using a combination of systems, including stability enhancement, anti-lock braking system and traction control.

Terraza also offers as an option GM's Versatrak all-wheel-drive system (not available with VSES). If one or both front wheels lose traction, the Versatrak system automatically transfers torque not only from front to rear, but also from side to side between the rear wheels to help maintain grip.

GM's new CSVs were designed to provide class-leading quiet interiors. Terraza takes quietness to the next level with its exclusive QuietTuning acoustic package that includes a forged steel crankshaft, increased engine isolation and other interior acoustic treatments.

The blend of SUV and mid-van styling cues gives this new crossover sport van a distinctive appearance. Terraza puts an elegant spin on its rugged look with its monochromatic appearance combined with chrome highlights on body-side moldings, door handles, uplevel roof rail and the rear license plate brow.

Terraza's prominent grille is rendered in the characteristic Buick rounded oval design, with chrome surround and vertical bars reminiscent of the Buick Centieme concept vehicle. Chrome is dominant on the surround and the front emblem, with the dark grille recessed slightly to accent the chrome. A high-up chrome accent runs along the entire side of the vehicle for a rich appearance, and the "Buick" name is embossed into the rear license plate brow.

Standard 17-inch steel wheels continue the SUV theme, providing a higher, more aggressive stance. Besides the standard wheel-cover offering, two other uplevel sets of wheels are available: one, painted bright aluminum with cylindrical spokes carved out at the bolts; the other featuring a cladded bright chrome finish.

Terraza's interior provides premiere styling for customers who value fine craftsmanship. Unique Buick interior features include wood trim with chrome accents throughout.

The dark, burled wood spokes (with matching shifter knob on the CXL) coordinate with a matching wood grain for the "spear" dividing its upper and lower instrument panel and for the radio and HVAC trim plate. The radio controls feature unique chrome detail. Sill plates with chrome inserts featuring the "Buick" name are standard on the CXL. The spear trim plate and door switch plate all feature chrome trim accents.

Terraza's color-keyed, leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel features rich, dark burled wood spokes. Secondary steering-wheel-mounted audio controls are standard on the CXL, and the Buick logo is featured on the horn pad.

Interior color selections include medium gray and a rich new cashmere color.