Acceleration

SLT 4WD	SLT 4WD w/air suspension	XL SLT 4WD 6 cyl	XL SLT 4WD V8	Class Average
6	6	5	6	4.9

Regular-length 6-cyl models are not overworked in everyday driving, including highway merging and passing. XLs add about 350 lb, and though 6 cyl is still adequate, the V8 engine adds some useful muscle when hauling or towing heavy loads. Unfortunately, the V8 costs $1500, more than the V8 option in rivals such as the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Fuel Economy

SLT 4WD	SLT 4WD w/air suspension	XL SLT 4WD 6 cyl	XL SLT 4WD V8	Class Average
4	4	3	3	3.7

Test regular-length 2WD and 4WD models averaged 12.1-17.4 mpg, depending on driving conditions. Our extended-use Envoy XL with 6 cyl and 4WD is averaging 14.6 mpg over its first 9810 miles; a test V8 version averaged 15.2 mpg. By comparison, test 4WD Explorers averaged 17.1 mpg with V6, 14.1-15.4 with V8.

Ride Quality

SLT 4WD	SLT 4WD w/air suspension	XL SLT 4WD 6 cyl	XL SLT 4WD V8	Class Average
5	6	6	6	4.4

Envoy's available rear load-leveling air suspension is more composed than the base coil-spring setup, which suffers float and wander at highway speeds. XL's longer wheelbase helps smooth out bumps, but without the air suspension, these 7-seat models also porpoise through dips and swells. Note that GM uses a solid rear axle vs. Ford's independent rear suspension.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SLT 4WD	SLT 4WD w/air suspension	XL SLT 4WD 6 cyl	XL SLT 4WD V8	Class Average
3	4	3	3	3.5

Trucky, with a tippy feel in aggressive cornering and annoyingly vague steering feel. Tight turning radius makes for fairly easy close-quarters maneuvering. Standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes deliver good stopping power, but spongy pedal action. Optional traction control available on 2WD models works well in the snow.

Quietness

SLT 4WD	SLT 4WD w/air suspension	XL SLT 4WD 6 cyl	XL SLT 4WD V8	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4.1

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. The 6-cyl engine cruises quietly enough, but sounds gruff when cold and a touch ragged at full throttle. XL's optional V8 is more refined.

Controls

SLT 4WD	SLT 4WD w/air suspension	XL SLT 4WD 6 cyl	XL SLT 4WD V8	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.1

Clear and handy. Switchgear has a smooth, quality feel, but one test model had a loose, flimsy headlamp knob. Envoy's imitation-wood trim looks cheap, but interior materials are otherwise satisfying, more upscale than those of TrailBlazer/Bravada.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SLT 4WD	SLT 4WD w/air suspension	XL SLT 4WD 6 cyl	XL SLT 4WD V8	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.3

Good head and leg room, even for taller folks. Leather seats fairly comfortable and supportive. We've not yet tested Envoys with cloth upholstery. Driver's view to front and sides good, but obscured by headrests and roof pillars in lane changes and backing up.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SLT 4WD	SLT 4WD w/air suspension	XL SLT 4WD 6 cyl	XL SLT 4WD V8	Class Average
6	6	7	7	5.4

Six-footers have ample 2nd-row head and knee room, plus adequate under-seat foot space despite uneven floorboard. Split bench seat comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing. XL's 2nd-row seats slide forward and tilt up for accessing the 3rd-row seat, which is roomy enough for two adults and more comfortable than those in most midsize SUVs.

Cargo Room

SLT 4WD	SLT 4WD w/air suspension	XL SLT 4WD 6 cyl	XL SLT 4WD V8	Class Average
8	8	9	9	7.8

Generous in regular Envoys, almost cavernous in XLs, and the 60/40 split seat folds easily, helped by automatic-folding headrests. Instead of a flat load floor with all seats folded, XL's suffers three distinct levels. Liftgate's separate-opening glass is relatively high, making it difficult to load some items. Cabins have a good array of pockets and compartments for small items.

Value within Class

SLT 4WD	SLT 4WD w/air suspension	XL SLT 4WD 6 cyl	XL SLT 4WD V8	Class Average
7	8	7	7	5

The lack of curtain side airbags is a minus in today's SUV market, but these GM-built midsizers match most rivals for pace and space. We think Envoy is a better overall value than its Chevy/Olds/Isuzu siblings. Compared to the TrailBlazer, Envoy has better interior decor, and its optional rear load-leveling air suspension avoids the sloppy ride and handling you're stuck with on the Chevy. Bravada shapes up as a questionable investment due to stiff prices and the imminent demise of the Olds brand, and Isuzu's Ascender sells in very low volume.

Total Score

SLT 4WD	SLT 4WD w/air suspension	XL SLT 4WD 6 cyl	XL SLT 4WD V8	Class Average
57	60	58	59	51.2

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		35
Average Score		51
High Score		66