Buick Rainier GMT 360 4.2 i 24V AWD (295 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 3.7 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Buick Rainier:

The Buick Rainier is a mid-size luxury SUV that was manufactured by General Motors and marketed by Buick for the 2004 to 2007 model years. It was named after Mount Rainier, and with the Saab 9-7X served as the replacement for the Oldsmobile Bravada.
Built on the GMT360 platform, the Rainier was introduced on July 28, 2003, for the 2004 model year, in a 5-door, 5-passenger configuration, and was the first short-wheelbase GMT360 to offer a V8. Both rear and all-wheel drive models were offered. It was built in the Moraine Assembly plant in Moraine, Ohio along with other GMT3600 vehicles....(Read more on Wikipedia)

GMT 360 Overview:

Buick Rainier (GMT 360). With 375 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2150 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.2 s). The top speed reaches 175 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

4.2 i 24V AWD (295 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The smooth and capable inline-six provides good acceleration, with AWD adding valuable traction and stability in varied weather conditions.

Fuel Economy

Decent fuel economy for an AWD SUV of its size, though the AWD system introduces a slight penalty compared to the RWD variant.

Best Use Case: All-weather Daily Driving / Light Off-road

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Smooth and comfortable ride quality
  • • Available powerful V8 engine for strong performance
  • • Spacious interior and generous cargo capacity
  • • Good towing capability for its class
  • • Relatively quiet and refined cabin experience

Cons:

  • • Dated 4-speed automatic transmission limits performance and efficiency
  • • Poor fuel economy, especially with the V8 engine
  • • Interior quality and design could be more premium
  • • Generic styling due to shared GMT 360 platform
  • • Some common reliability issues (e.g., electrical, suspension components)

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(GMT 360: 2004 - 2006).

General:
Brand:Buick
Model:Rainier
Generation:GMT 360
Modification (Engine):4.2 i 24V AWD (295 Hp)
Start of production:2006
End of production:2007
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:295 Hp @ 6000 rpm.
Power per litre:71 Hp/l
Torque:375 Nm @ 4800 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:LL8 [Same engine] More details about the engine LL8
Engine displacement:4157
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:6.6 l
Coolant:10.2 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:93 mm mm
Piston Stroke:102 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.3:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:15.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:11.2 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:8.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:8.2 sec
Maximum speed:175 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:7.3 kg/Hp, 137.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.7 kg/Nm, 174.4 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7.8 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:2150
Max. weight:2608
Max load:458
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:2268 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:1127 l
Fuel tank capacity:83 l
Size:
Length:4871 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1894 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1894 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2869 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1603 mm
Rear (Back) track:1577 mm
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size245/65 R17
Wheel rims size6J x 17
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionTrailing arm

The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Buick Rainier!