2007 GMC Envoy Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

GMC's midsize SUV loses its extended-length, seven-passenger models for 2007. Envoy shares a basic General Motors design with the Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7X; all are five-seaters for '07. Envoy comes in SLE, SLT, and Denali trim. All but the Denali have a 291-hp inline 6-cyl engine. Denalis use a 300-hp V8 with GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. All Envoys come with a 4-speed automatic transmission. They also offer rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and has low-range gearing. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. Curtain side airbags are optional. Other options include a load-leveling suspension, power-adjustable pedals, DVD entertainment, and navigation system. Denalis stand apart with a chrome grille and other styling touches inside and out, plus extra sound insulation. This evaluation covers Envoy and Ascender.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buy choice is the Honda Pilot. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Dodge Nitro, Ford Edge, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-7, Mazda CX-9, Saturn Outlook, Suzuki XL-7, and Toyota FJ Cruiser.

News

Sources say Envoy and its cousins will be terminated at decade's end, possibly sooner. Factors include sluggish sales, uncertainty over future gas prices, and the market's general shift away from truck-type designs in the midsize SUV class. The new car-type Acadia effectively replaces Envoy in the GMC line.

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2007 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.	2WD Denali	Class Average
6	6	7	5.2

Envoys and Ascenders with 6-cyl engine unstressed in routine driving, do fine in highway merging and passing. Denali strong from a stop, has fine passing power. Active Fuel Management seamless in operation.

Fuel Economy

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

No opportunity to measure with 6-cyl. Test 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. Envoy and Ascender use regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

4WD SLT	4WD SLT w/air susp.	2WD Denali	Class Average
5	6	6	5.5

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.

Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD SLT	4WD SLT w/air susp.	2WD Denali	Class Average
3	4	4	4.5

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 control but spongy pedal action.

Quietness

4WD SLT	4WD SLT w/air susp.	2WD Denali	Class Average
4	4	7	5.6

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 in all conditions.

Controls

4WD SLT	4WD SLT w/air susp.	2WD Denali	Class Average
7	7	7	6.6

Envoy and Ascender share a user-friendly dashboard with smooth-acting switchgear. Combined navigation/audio relatively easy to use. Mainstream Envoys use unimpressive imitation-wood trim, but are more upscale than TrailBlazers for interior decor. 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.	2WD Denali	Class Average
7	7	7	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.	2WD Denali	Class Average
6	6	6	6.1

Six-footers have ample 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.

Cargo Room

4WD SLT	4WD SLT w/air susp.	2WD Denali	Class Average
9	9	9	8

The 60/40 split 2nd row seat with automatic-folding headrests converts easily to provide ample space.

Value within Class

4WD SLT	4WD SLT w/air susp.	2WD Denali	Class Average
6	7	4	5.9

We judge Envoy the best choice among GM-built midsize truck-type 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. Isuzu's Ascender shares the virtues of comparably outfitted Envoys, but suffers from a thinner dealer network and lower resale value.

Total Score

4WD SLT	4WD SLT w/air susp.	2WD Denali	Class Average
57	60	61	58.4

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		48
Average Score		58
High Score		69

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2007 GMC Envoy Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 04/16/2007

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD SLE 4-door wagon	$26,760	$25,021	$735

4WD SLE 4-door wagon	$28,950	$27,068	$735

2WD SLT 4-door wagon	$30,770	$28,770	$735

4WD SLT 4-door wagon	$32,960	$30,818	$735

2WD Denali 4-door wagon	$34,990	$32,716	$735

4WD Denali 4-door wagon	$37,190	$34,773	$735

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

SLE

Powertrain

4.2-liter 6-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensor, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual controls, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver-side lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, satellite radio, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Floormats, theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rails, fog lights, cornering lights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Platform hitch, 7-wire trailer harness, full-size spare tire, 245/65R17 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case .

SLT adds to SLE:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, 8-way power driver seat, driver-seat and mirror memory, dual-zone automatic climate controls, steering wheel radio controls, rear radio controls, heated power mirrors w/turn-signals, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, outside-temperature indicator, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Roof rack.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Polished alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.

Denali adds to SLT:

Powertrain

5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation, limited-slip differential.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, 8-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, Bose sound system, rain-sensing wipers, cargo cover.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Running boards, headlight washers.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Air-inflator kit, load-leveling rear air suspension, 245/60R18 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Preferred Equipment Group 3SB
SLE	$925	$768
8-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, overhead console, illuminated visor mirrors, compass, outside-temperature indicator, roof rack.

Sun, Sound, and Entertainment Pkg.
SLE, SLT	$1,690	$1,394
Denali	$1,195	$992
Power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer. SLE requires Preferred Equipment Group 3SB.

Cargo Convenience Pkg.
SLE	$200	$166
SLE w/Group 3SB, SLT	$155	$129
Cargo cover, cargo mat, cargo net, roof rack.

Powertrain
Limited-slip rear differential
SLE, SLT	$270	$224


Special axle ratio
Denali, SLE, SLT	$50	$42


Safety
Curtain side airbags
Denali, SLE, SLT	$495	$411


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
SLT, Denali	$2,145	$1,780
SLT/Denali w/Sun, Sound, Entertainment	$1,750	$1,453
Requires Bose sound system or Sun, Sound and Entertainment Pkg.

Power sunroof
Denali, SLE, SLT	$800	$664
SLE requires Preferred Equipment Group 3SB, universal garage door opener.

DVD entertainment system
Denali, SLE, SLT	$1,295	$1,075
w/Sun, Sound, Entertainment	$495	$411
SLE requires Preferred Equipment Group 3SB. NA w/power sunroof. Deletes power sunroof from Sun, Sound, and Entertainment Pkg.

AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
SLT, Denali	$135	$112


AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
Denali, SLE, SLT	$395	$328
SLE requires Preferred Equipment Group 3SB.

Bose sound system
SLE, SLT	$495	$411
SLE requires Preferred Equipment Group 3SB.

Leather upholstery
SLE	$975	$809
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 3SB.

8-way power passenger seat
SLE, SLT	$275	$228
SLE requires Preferred Equipment Group 3SB, leather upholstery.

Heated front seats
SLT	$275	$229


Power-adjustable pedals
SLE, SLT	$150	$125


Universal garage door opener
SLE	$100	$83
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 3SB, power sunroof.

Cargo-management system
Denali, SLE, SLT	$165	$137


Smoker's Pkg.
Denali, SLE, SLT	$30	$25
Ashtray, lighter.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Running boards
SLE, SLT	$375	$311
SLE requires Preferred Equipment Pkg. 3SB.

Grille guard
SLE, SLT	$315	$261


Hitch-receiver cover
Denali, SLE, SLT	$30	$25


Engine-block heater
4WD	$50	$42


Special paint
Denali, SLE, SLT	$295	$245


Headlight washers
SLT	$75	$62


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates
4WD SLE/SLT	$200	$166
Requires 245/65R17 on/off-road tires. NA w/rear load-leveling suspension.

Load-leveling air suspension
SLT	$375	$311
Includes air-inflator kit.

245/65R17 on/off-road tires
4WD SLE/SLT	$95	$79
Requires skid plates.

Polished alloy wheels
SLE	$495	$411


18-inch polished alloy wheels
SLE	$695	$577
SLT	$200	$166
Includes 245/60R18 tires.

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2007 GMC Envoy Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	GMC Envoy 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	113.0

Overall Length, in.	191.6

Overall Width, in.	74.7

Overall Height, in.	71.9

Curb Weight, lbs.	4612

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	80.1

Standard Payload, lbs.	1138

Fuel Capacity, gals.	22.0

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	40.2

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.4

Rear Head Room, in.	39.6

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	37.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I6	ohv V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	4.2 /256	5.3 /325

Horsepower @ rpm.	291 @ 6000	300 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	277 @ 3600	330 @ 4000

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	15/21	15/21

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	GMC Envoy 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	3

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	3

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/100,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	5/100,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

< 2007 GMC Envoy Photos

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Also in the 2007 GMC Envoy Review:

GMC Envoy

GMC Envoy Road Test

GMC Envoy Prices & Equipment

GMC Envoy Specs & Safety

GMC Envoy Photos

GMC Envoy Full Review