2005 GMC Envoy: Road Test
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2005 GMC Envoy ▼
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- MSRP: $28,525 -$40,235
- Invoice: $25,815 -$36,413
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Our road test for the 2005 GMC Envoy includes a full evaluation of the 2005 GMC Envoy from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 GMC Envoy, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 GMC Envoy help you decide if a 2005 GMC Envoy is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 4WD Envoy SLT | 4WD Envoy SLT w/air susp. | 4WD Envoy SLT, 6-cyl | 4WD Envoy XUV w/air suspension, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 4.9 |
Regular-length 6-cyl Envoys and Ascenders unstressed in routine driving, do fine in highway merging and passing. Seven-passenger Envoy XLs and Ascenders weigh about 350 lb more, Envoy XUV about 430 lb more. In these, 6-cyl is only adequate, making V8 virtually mandatory for hauling or towing heavy loads. New cylinder-deactivation feature is seamless in operation. No opportunity yet to test Envoy Denali, but performance and accommodations of regular-length model should mirror those of Buick Rainier.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 4WD Envoy SLT | 4WD Envoy SLT w/air susp. | 4WD Envoy SLT, 6-cyl | 4WD Envoy XUV w/air suspension, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Test regular-length 2WD and 4WD Envoys averaged 12.1-17.4 mpg, depending on driving conditions. Extended-use-test 2003 Envoy XL with 6-cyl and 4WD averaged 15.8 mpg over 21,677 miles. Test V8s averaged 15.2-15.7 mpg. Test V8 Envoy XUV averaged 14.8 mpg. GM claims Displacement on Demand system improves fuel economy by up to 8 percent in certain light-load driving conditions.
RIDE QUALITY
| 4WD Envoy SLT | 4WD Envoy SLT w/air susp. | 4WD Envoy SLT, 6-cyl | 4WD Envoy XUV w/air suspension, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Rear load-leveling suspension, available for Envoy but not Ascender, is more composed than conventional coil-spring setup, which allows float and wander at highway speeds. Envoy XLs share longer wheelbase with 7-passenger Ascenders. This helps smooth out bumps, but the 7-seat models also porpoise through dips and swells without the air suspension. Note that GM uses a solid rear axle vs. Ford's independent rear suspension.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 4WD Envoy SLT | 4WD Envoy SLT w/air susp. | 4WD Envoy SLT, 6-cyl | 4WD Envoy XUV w/air suspension, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3.8 |
Trucky, with a tippy feel in aggressive cornering and annoyingly vague steering feel. Relatively tight turning radius eases close-quarters maneuvering. Standard ABS 4-wheel disc brakes have good stopping power, but spongy pedal action. Available traction control for 2WDs works well in snow.
QUIETNESS
| 4WD Envoy SLT | 4WD Envoy SLT w/air susp. | 4WD Envoy SLT, 6-cyl | 4WD Envoy XUV w/air suspension, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
The 6-cyl cruises quietly enough, but 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. Opening cargo roof and midgate glass on Envoy XUV means marked wind roar as speed rises.
CONTROLS
| 4WD Envoy SLT | 4WD Envoy SLT w/air susp. | 4WD Envoy SLT, 6-cyl | 4WD Envoy XUV w/air suspension, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Envoy, Ascender share a user-friendly dashboard with smooth-acting switchgear, though a test model had a loose, flimsy headlamp knob. Mainstream Envoys use unimpressive imitation-wood trim, but are more upscale than TrailBlazers for interior decor. Combined navigation/audio relatively easy to use. XUV's midgate window and sliding rear roof operate from overhead front console; roof also operates by turning ignition key in tailgate lock.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 4WD Envoy SLT | 4WD Envoy SLT w/air susp. | 4WD Envoy SLT, 6-cyl | 4WD Envoy XUV w/air suspension, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Good head and leg room, even for taller folks. Seats fairly comfortable and supportive. Driver has good views to front and sides, but headrests and roof pillars hamper lane changes and backing up. XUV midgate no impediment, though. Available power-adjustable pedals help tailor a comfortable position, especially for shorter drivers.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 4WD Envoy SLT | 4WD Envoy SLT w/air susp. | 4WD Envoy SLT, 6-cyl | 4WD Envoy XUV w/air suspension, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
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. On 7-passenger models, 2nd-row seats slide forward and tilt up for accessing 3rd-row seat, which is roomy enough for two adults and more comfortable than those in most midsize SUVs.
CARGO ROOM
| 4WD Envoy SLT | 4WD Envoy SLT w/air susp. | 4WD Envoy SLT, 6-cyl | 4WD Envoy XUV w/air suspension, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7.8 |
Ample in regular-length models, bountiful in extendeds. The 60/40 split seat with automatic-folding headrests converts easily, but extendeds have a tiered floor that complicates packing. Liftgate's separate-opening glass is relatively high, not that convenient; XUV's dual-action tailgate more convenient. Cabins have plenty of small-item storage spaces. XUV's unique power sliding roof offers closed-wagon security with pickuplike load carrying. Midgate window nicely isolates cargo bay from cabin and powers down to enhance ventilation, but dropping the midgate to extend the load deck precludes using the rear seat. Cargo bay itself is plastic-lined and can be hosed out.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 4WD Envoy SLT | 4WD Envoy SLT w/air susp. | 4WD Envoy SLT, 6-cyl | 4WD Envoy XUV w/air suspension, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
We judge Envoy the best choice among GM-built midsize SUVs. It has a pleasing enough interior and its good ride/handling mix with the optional rear air suspension is shared only with Buick Rainier and Saab 9-7X among this GM family. Truck-tough engineering is a plus for towing, and Envoy XUV offers unique utility. Still, car-type SUVs remain more sensible for most everyday users. Ascender shares the virtues of comparably outfitted Envoys, but suffers from a thinner dealer network and potentially lower resale value. Note that in response to softening demand for its midsize truck-type SUVs, GM cut prices midyear on all Trailblazer, Envoy, and Rainier models by $1500-$2000. Ascender prices have not been reduced.
Total Score
| 4WD Envoy SLT | 4WD Envoy SLT w/air susp. | 4WD Envoy SLT, 6-cyl | 4WD Envoy XUV w/air suspension, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56 | 59 | 57 | 58 | 55.1 |
Total Score: 58
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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