Envoy returns for 2005 with newly available curtain side airbags and an available cylinder-deactivation feature for its V8. Released midyear were posh Denali and XL Denali models. This midsize SUV shares a basic GM design with the Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7X. Envoy offers 5-passenger and extended-length 7-passenger XL wagons in SLE and upscale SLT trim. The Envoy-exclusive XUV is a special 5-passenger extended with a power sliding rear roof section, plus a "midgate" that can be dropped with the rear seat to extend the cargo area. XUV also has a swing-open/drop-down tailgate with power window vs. other models' liftgate with separate-opening glass.

A 4.2-liter inline 6-cyl engine is standard on all except Denalis. Denalis come with a 5.3 V8 that's optional for XUV and the Envoy XL. New for the V8 is GM's Displacement on Demand system. It's designed to automatically shut down four cylinders in gentle driving to save fuel; the cylinders reactivate when more power is needed. The Displacement on Demand feature is not available on the regular-length Denali. All Envoys come with antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, 17-inch alloy wheels, and 4-speed automatic transmission. They also offer rear-wheel drive with available traction control or GM's all-surface Autotrac 4WD with low-range gearing. Head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover the first and second seating rows are optional. Other options include a rear load-leveling air-spring suspension, power-adjustable pedals, rear DVD entertainment, satellite radio, and a stereo/navigation system with control touch screen.

Envoy Denalis stand apart with a chrome grille, specific front/rear fascias, and body-color running boards. They also include leather upholstery, heated power front seats, unique interior trim, and extra sound insulation. This evaluation covers Envoy and Ascender.