The MPV is fun to drive on a winding road. It handles much better thana sport-utility vehicle. Ride quality is also superior on pavement and
on smooth dirt roads.
Rough dirt roads pose few problems for the All-Sport as long as speeds
are kept to reasonable levels. The four-wheel drive system works well on
slippery surfaces and handling is predictable. Our MPV climbed a steep,
silty hill that would have left a sedan in the dust, and it cut through
snow and ice with no worries. The 4WD system automatically splits power
between the front and rear wheels as needed. When the going gets really
sloppy, the center differential can be locked by pushing a button. This
locks the traction split equally between the front and rear wheels, which
helps when driving up a steep slope of mud, snow or ice.
All-Sport or not, a 4WD MPV is not designed for trekking along the Continental
Divide. It lacks the suspension travel, tires and the low-range set of
gears found on most sport-utilities, so knowing its limits and slowing
down for big obstacles is important.
Plenty of power is on tap and the V6 engine works well with the four-speed