2006 GMC Envoy Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2006 GMC Envoy includes a full evaluation of the 2006 GMC Envoy from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 GMC Envoy, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 GMC Envoy help you decide if a 2006 GMC Envoy is right for you.

2006 GMC Envoy Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Steering/handling

Towing ability	Fuel economy

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

4WD SLT	4WD SLT w/air susp.	4WD XL SLT	2WD Envoy Denali	Class Average
6	6	5	7	5

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. In these, 6-cyl is only adequate. Test regular-length 2WD Denali strong from a stop, has fine passing power. New cylinder-deactivation feature is seamless in operation.

Fuel Economy

4WD SLT	4WD SLT w/air susp.	4WD XL SLT	2WD Envoy Denali	Class Average
4	4	4	4	3.8

Extended-use-test 4WD 2003 Envoy XL with 6-cyl averaged 15.8 mpg over 21,677 miles. Test regular-length 2WD Denali averaged 15.2 mpg in mostly city driving. GM claims V8's cylinder-deactivation system improves fuel economy by up to eight percent in certain light-load driving conditions.

Ride Quality

4WD SLT	4WD SLT w/air susp.	4WD XL SLT	2WD Envoy Denali	Class Average
5	6	6	6	5.4

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 seven-passenger Ascenders. This helps smooth out bumps, but the seven-seat models also porpoise through dips and swells without the air suspension.

Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD SLT	4WD SLT w/air susp.	4WD XL SLT	2WD Envoy Denali	Class Average
3	4	3	4	4.1

Trucky, with a tippy feel in aggressive cornering and annoyingly vague steering feel. Relatively tight turning radius eases close-quarters maneuvering. Brakes have good stopping power, but spongy pedal action.

Quietness

4WD SLT	4WD SLT w/air susp.	4WD XL SLT	2WD Envoy Denali	Class Average
4	4	4	7	5.2

The 6-cyl cruises quietly enough, but sounds 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. Denali markedly quieter under all conditions.

Controls

4WD SLT	4WD SLT w/air susp.	4WD XL SLT	2WD Envoy Denali	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.3

Envoy and 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. Denali's leather and unique trim bits do little to improve interior ambience.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD SLT	4WD SLT w/air susp.	4WD XL SLT	2WD Envoy Denali	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 view to front and sides, but headrests and roof pillars hamper lane changes and backing up. Available power-adjustable pedals help tailor a comfortable position, especially for shorter drivers.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD SLT	4WD SLT w/air susp.	4WD XL SLT	2WD Envoy Denali	Class Average
6	6	7	6	6.2

Six-footers have ample 2nd-row head and knee room, plus adequate underseat foot space despite uneven floorboard. Split bench seat comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing. On seven-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 SLT	4WD SLT w/air susp.	4WD XL SLT	2WD Envoy Denali	Class Average
9	9	9	9	8.3

Ample in regular-length models, bountiful in extendeds. The 60/40 split 2nd row seat with automatic-folding headrests converts easily, but extendeds have a tiered floor that complicates packing.

Value within Class

4WD SLT	4WD SLT w/air susp.	4WD XL SLT	2WD Envoy Denali	Class Average
6	7	6	4	5.7

We judge Envoy the best choice among GM-built midsize SUVs. It has a pleasing enough interior, and a good ride/handling mix with the optional rear air suspension. Truck-tough engineering is a plus for towing. Still, car-type SUVs remain more sensible for most everyday users. Iuszu Ascender shares the virtues of comparably outfitted Envoys, but suffers from a thinner dealer network and potentially lower resale value.

Total Score