2002 GMC Envoy: Road Test
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2002 GMC Envoy ▼
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- MSRP: $29,575 -$36,245
- Invoice: $26,765 -$32,802
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Our road test for the 2002 GMC Envoy includes a full evaluation of the 2002 GMC Envoy from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 GMC Envoy, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 GMC Envoy help you decide if a 2002 GMC Envoy is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Envoy 4WD w/coil springs | Envoy 4WD w/air suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.7 |
GM says the new inline-6 gives its midsize SUVs V8 power and 6-cyl fuel economy. In practice, the engine is moving over two tons of SUV, so it doesn't feel as potent as its 270-hp rating might imply, but it does provide strong acceleration off the line and from all speeds. In our tests, it felt quicker than the Ford Explorer's 210-hp V6, if not quite as strong as Explorer's 240-hp V8. Have not tested extended-length TrailBlazer EXT or Envoy XL, but they add some 400 lb to curb weight, so acceleration and fuel economy could suffer.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Envoy 4WD w/coil springs | Envoy 4WD w/air suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Test 4WD TrailBlazers and Envoys averaged 16.2-17.4 mpg, depending on driving conditions. By comparison, test 4WD Explorers averaged 17.1 mpg with V6, and 14.1-15.4 with V8.
RIDE QUALITY
| Envoy 4WD w/coil springs | Envoy 4WD w/air suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 4 |
Firm, but absorbent enough for good comfort. Rear air suspension stays more composed than standard coil-spring setup, which can feel floaty at highway speeds.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Envoy 4WD w/coil springs | Envoy 4WD w/air suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 3.5 |
Trucky, despite all-new platform. Feels tippy in hard cornering. Steering is vague. Tight turning radius makes for fairly easy maneuvering in small spaces. Standard 4-wheel ABS discs have good stopping power.
QUIETNESS
| Envoy 4WD w/coil springs | Envoy 4WD w/air suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 |
Some tire noise at highway speeds, and that's drowned out by considerable wind noise, especially from around the sunroof--even when it's closed. New engine is smooth, noticeably more-refined than previous V6.
CONTROLS
| Envoy 4WD w/coil springs | Envoy 4WD w/air suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 |
Clear and handy. Switchgear has a smooth, quality feel, except for loose, flimsy headlamp knob. Imitation-wood trim looks conspicuously artificial, but interior materials are otherwise satisfying, more upscale than those of TrailBlazer/Bravada. Visibility good overall, though headrests and thick pillars can block aft sightlines.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Envoy 4WD w/coil springs | Envoy 4WD w/air suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Good head and leg room, even for taller folks. Leather seats fairly comfortable and supportive. We did not have an opportunity to try cloth versions.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Envoy 4WD w/coil springs | Envoy 4WD w/air suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Ample head and knee room for 6-footers. Generous foot clearance beneath front seat. Rear seat is comfortable and fairly supportive. Cabin wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing. Static displays of an XL revealed that 2nd-row seats tilt and slide forward to allow easier access to 3rd row, which is large enough for two adults.
CARGO ROOM
| Envoy 4WD w/coil springs | Envoy 4WD w/air suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.7 |
Generous. The 60/40 split folding seat is easy to operate, has automatic-folding headrests. Cabin has a good array of pockets and compartments for small items.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Envoy 4WD w/coil springs | Envoy 4WD w/air suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 4.5 |
If you're shopping GM for a midsize SUV, we recommend the Envoy over the TrailBlazer and Bravada. The GMC version has the best interior design details, but more important, offers the rear air suspension, which firms up road manners and avoids the sloppy ride/handling feel you're stuck with on the TrailBlazer. And the demise of the Olds brand does not make the costly-to-begin-with Bravada a sound investment. Lack of curtain side airbags is a shortfall in today's SUV environment, but Envoy matches most any rival for power, and both regular and extended-length bodies are roomy relative to the competition.
Total Score
| Envoy 4WD w/coil springs | Envoy 4WD w/air suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 57 | 60 | 49.5 |
Total Score: 59
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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