Chevrolet has re-aligned the Uplander model line for 2006. There are two basic models for consumers, sharing the same 121.1-inch wheelbase, standard 3.5-liter overhead valve V6 engine, four-speed automatic transmission and 17-inch tires and wheels.
The base Uplander has been dropped for 2006, making the well-equipped Uplander LS ($26,995) the entry level model. The LS comes standard with air conditioning, power windows and locks, tilt steering column, cruise control, a rear-window defroster and wiper, dark-tinted rear glass, remote keyless entry, power rear vent windows and a decent stereo with a single CD player and MP3 capability. Its second-row seat is a two-place bench, and its third-row seat splits 50/50 to increase passenger/cargo flexibility.
The Uplander LT ($29,385) is more elaborately equipped, with a power driver's seat, second-row captain's chairs with a folding utility table between them, a power rear sliding door on the passenger side, brushed aluminum roof rails and a single-screen DVD entertainment system with two infrared headphone sets. In Chevy's dealer nomenclature, there are actually three subdivisions for the Uplander LT: 1LT, 2LT and 3LT. The 2LT and 3LT are essentially option groups that add more equipment.
All-wheel drive, which GM calls VersaTrak ($2000), is now optional only on Uplander LT. Chevy also offers a front-drive, empty-box cargo Uplander for commercial use and conversion companies.
Our favorite option is the remote starter ($175), which allows the Uplander to be started from inside the house or across a parking lot. The aftermarket has made a mint with remote starters for years, and it's a welcome feature when it's cold. Other stand-alone options include rear Cargo Convenience storage bins ($285), XM Satellite Radio ($325), traction control ($195), roof rails ($50) and the towing package ($170). Popular option groups include a Premium Seating Package ($1,350) with leather surfaces for the first and second row, power front passenger seat and front seat heaters, a six-CD changer with XM ($620), and a Convenience Package with a power sliding rear door on the driver's side and rear parking assist ($545).
Safety features include optional side-impact airbags ($350) for the second row seats. Front passenger side-impact airbags are standard on the LT and optional on the LS. Front airbags come standard. GM's StabiliTrak skid-control system ($450) is an option on front-drive Uplanders. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) come standard. Also standard is a one-year subscription to OnStar, which features automatic notification when airbags deploy, a great feature. Uplander falls short of best in class when it comes to safety equipment, however, because it still does not offer curtain-style head-protection airbags, which are now available in some other minivans.