Rapid acceleration generates torque steer, a side-to-side tugging of the steering wheel. This occurs not only in the front-wheel-drive Freestyle, which is not uncommon, but also in the all-wheel-drive variation, which is unusual, or at least should be. Passing is necessarily somewhat more relaxed with a CVT, as there's no immediate kickdown to a lower, more aggressive gear.
Some wind noise leaks in around the side windows at freeway speeds, and there's a noticeable susceptibility to cross winds, which is no surprise given the Freestyle's uprightness. Commendably, though, the Freestyle's wide stance gives it reassuring stability around high speed curves and on winding roads. (Freestyle's front track is a fraction of an inch wider than the Freestar's and its rear track more than two inches wider.) Also, there's little of the body lean and occupant head toss associated with SUVs.
Braking is solid, although not entirely linear. The steering returns good on-center feel and turn-in is responsive. A nice touch is the subdued, wood-like, turn indicator click/click sound apparently borrowed from Jaguar. But even with the SEL's added sound insulation, pavement slap from the tires is clearly audible, although at steady-state cruise, powertrain sounds fade to a whisper. Next Page