2004 GMC Envoy: Road Test

ACCELERATION

Regular-length 6-cyl Envoys unstressed in everyday driving, do fine in highway merging and passing. Seven-seat versions of Envoy and Ascender weigh about 350 lb more, XUVs about 430 lb more. In these, 6 cyl is still adequate, but V8 adds useful muscle for hauling or towing heavy loads. On downside, V8 adds about $1500.

RIDE QUALITY

Rear load-leveling air suspension available on Envoy, but not Ascender, is more composed than the coil-spring setup, which suffers float and wander at highway speeds. Envoy XL shares longer wheelbase with Ascender EXT. It 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.

QUIETNESS

It cruises quietly enough, but 6-cyl engine sounds gruff when cold and a touch ragged at full throttle. V8 is more refined. 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. Running Envoy XUV with both the cargo roof and midgate glass open generates wind roar as speed rises.

ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)

Good head and leg room, even for taller folks. Seats fairly comfortable and supportive. Driver's view to front and sides good, but obscured by headrests and roof pillars in lane changes and backing up. Available power-adjustable pedals may be helpful, especially to shorter drivers. XUV midgate no impediment to rear visibility.

CARGO ROOM

Generous in regular-length models, spacious in extendeds. The 60/40 split seat folds easily, helped by automatic-folding headrests. However, instead of a flat load floor with all seats folded, extended-length models, have a tiered floor that frustrates easy loading and packing. 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. No other SUV has Envoy XUV's roof design, which provides closed-wagon security or open-to-the-sky versatility. Roof section over cargo bay powers forward to accommodate extra-tall items, such as shrubs or large appliances. Midgate window nicely isolates cargo bay from cabin, and powers down for extra ventilation. Midgate wall between cargo bay and rear seat folds to lengthen carrying floor, though doing so eliminates use of rear seat. Cargo bay itself is plastic-lined and can be washed with a hose. In all, it's an imaginative package that expands the SUV's capabilities with minimal compromise.

Total Score