Called a crossover because it straddles the line between car and truck, the Outlook offers the passenger and cargo capacity of a big SUV with ride quality and fuel economy more like that of a car. While a Chevrolet Tahoe is built on a pickup truck platform, the Outlook is built with a unit-body chassis like that of a car. As a result, it offers a smoother ride and nimbler handling. And because its structure is much lighter than that of a truck (by about 600 pounds), it gets much better fuel economy.

Outlook is only one inch shorter than the Tahoe, but offers much more legroom in the third row, thanks to its front-wheel-drive layout, as well as its long wheelbase with short overhangs and wide track.

Outlook gets an EPA-rated 17/24 miles per gallon City/Highway with front-wheel drive and 16/23 mpg with all-wheel drive. That's significantly better than what many truck-based SUVs get.

We found the Outlook offers good acceleration performance, a smooth transmission, and a solid and comfortable ride. The Outlook benefits from GM's latest 3.6-liter V6 engine with variable valve timing and, for 2009, direct injection. It?s rated at 281 horsepower in the XE and 288 horsepower in the XR, thanks to its dual exhaust. Its six-speed automatic transmission provides good flexibility for good fuel efficiency and responsive performance.

The interior shows attention to detail, and the standard cloth seats are of a high quality and look stylish even in gray or black.

All the latest safety bits come as standard equipment, including large curtain airbags that protect the outboard passengers in all three rows of seating.

With lots of passenger and cargo space, teamed with pleasant ride and handling, the Outlook makes a lot of sense for families. In fact, it is a far better choice than a large, thirsty truck-based SUV for anyone who doesn?t need the excess towing capacity.

In addition to the engine upgrades, the 2009 Outlook adds some new available equipment. New features include a Bluetooth wireless cell phone link, real-time traffic information for the navigation system, a Bose surround sound audio system, and 20-inch wheels. A rear-view camera that projects its image on the rearview mirror is also new. And maximum towing capacity is upped from 4500 to 5200 pounds.