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2008 GMC Envoy Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2008 GMC Envoy Review:
2008 GMC Envoy Review
The 2008 GMC Envoy gains standard curtain side airbags and trims down its model lineup. This five-passenger midsize SUV is a traditional truck-type design that is shared with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7X. SLE, SLT, and uplevel Envoy Denali trim levels return. Base versions use a 285-hp 4.2-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. Denalis have a 300-hp 5.3-liter V8 with GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. Maximum towing capacity is 6600 lb. All Envoys have a 4-speed automatic transmission and are available with rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes a low-range gear for off-roading. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Options include power-adjustable pedals, DVD entertainment, and navigation system. Denalis stand apart with a chrome grille and other styling touches inside and out, plus load-leveling suspension and extra sound insulation.
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 choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
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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2008 GMC Envoy Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Steering/handling |
| Towing ability | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Envoys and Ascenders with the 4.2-liter engine are unstressed in routine driving and do fine in highway merging and passing. Denali is strong from a stop and has fine passing power. The transmission is smooth and responsive.
| 4WD SLT | 2WD Denali | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 5.5 |
Envoys and Ascenders with the 4.2-liter engine are unstressed in routine driving and do fine in highway merging and passing. Denali is strong from a stop and has fine passing power. The transmission is smooth and responsive.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD Denali averaged 15.2 mpg. We've not had the opportunity to measure a 6-cylinder Envoy or Ascender. All use regular-grade gas.
| 4WD SLT | 2WD Denali | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 3.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD Denali averaged 15.2 mpg. We've not had the opportunity to measure a 6-cylinder Envoy or Ascender. All use regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
A load-leveling suspension is standard for Envoy Denali but not available on SLE, SLT, or Ascender. It is more composed than the standard setup, which allows float and wander at highway speeds.
| 4WD SLT | 2WD Denali | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 5.5 |
A load-leveling suspension is standard for Envoy Denali but not available on SLE, SLT, or Ascender. It is more composed than the standard setup, which allows float and wander at highway speeds.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Trucky, with a tippy feel in aggressive cornering and an annoyingly vague steering feel. Envoy and Ascender have a relatively tight turning radius that eases close-quarters maneuvering. Brakes have good stopping control but spongy pedal action.
| 4WD SLT | 2WD Denali | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 4.4 |
Trucky, with a tippy feel in aggressive cornering and an annoyingly vague steering feel. Envoy and Ascender have a relatively tight turning radius that eases close-quarters maneuvering. Brakes have good stopping control but spongy pedal action.
Quietness
The 6-cylinder engine cruises quietly enough but sounds ragged at full throttle. The V8 is more refined. Some tire noise is audible at highway speeds, though that's drowned out by considerable wind noise, especially from around the sunroof--even when it's closed. Envoy Denali is markedly quieter in all conditions.
| 4WD SLT | 2WD Denali | Class Average |
| 4 | 7 | 5.4 |
The 6-cylinder engine cruises quietly enough but sounds ragged at full throttle. The V8 is more refined. Some tire noise is audible at highway speeds, though that's drowned out by considerable wind noise, especially from around the sunroof--even when it's closed. Envoy Denali is markedly quieter in all conditions.
Controls
Envoy and Ascender share a user-friendly dashboard with smooth-acting switchgear. The available navigation system is relatively easy to use; it absorbs, but doesn't complicate, audio functions.
| 4WD SLT | 2WD Denali | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Envoy and Ascender share a user-friendly dashboard with smooth-acting switchgear. The available navigation system is relatively easy to use; it absorbs, but doesn't complicate, audio functions.
Details
Mainstream Envoys use unimpressive imitation-wood trim and are slightly more upscale than similar Chevrolet TrailBlazers for interior decor. Denali's leather and unique trim bits do little to improve the interior ambiance.
| 4WD SLT | 2WD Denali | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Mainstream Envoys use unimpressive imitation-wood trim and are slightly more upscale than similar Chevrolet TrailBlazers for interior decor. Denali's leather and unique trim bits do little to improve the interior ambiance.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Good headroom and legroom, even for taller folks. The seats are fairly comfortable and supportive. The driver has a good view to the 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.
| 4WD SLT | 2WD Denali | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.1 |
Good headroom and legroom, even for taller folks. The seats are fairly comfortable and supportive. The driver has a good view to the 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)
Six-footers have ample headroom and legroom, plus adequate under-seat foot space despite an uneven floorboard. The split bench seat is comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing.
| 4WD SLT | 2WD Denali | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Six-footers have ample headroom and legroom, plus adequate under-seat foot space despite an uneven floorboard. The split bench seat is comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing.
Cargo Room
The 60/40 split 2nd row seat with automatic-folding headrests converts easily to provide ample space.
| 4WD SLT | 2WD Denali | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 8.6 |
The 60/40 split 2nd row seat with automatic-folding headrests converts easily to provide ample space.
Value within Class
We judge Envoy the best choice among GM-built midsize truck-type SUVs. It has a pleasing enough interior and a good ride and handling mix. Truck-tough engineering is a plus for towing. Still, crossover SUVs remain more sensible for most everyday users. Isuzu's Ascender shares the virtues of comparably outfitted Envoys, but we don't recommend them, as Isuzu is slated to stop selling light-duty vehicles in North America.
| 4WD SLT | 2WD Denali | Class Average |
| 6 | 4 | 5.8 |
We judge Envoy the best choice among GM-built midsize truck-type SUVs. It has a pleasing enough interior and a good ride and handling mix. Truck-tough engineering is a plus for towing. Still, crossover SUVs remain more sensible for most everyday users. Isuzu's Ascender shares the virtues of comparably outfitted Envoys, but we don't recommend them, as Isuzu is slated to stop selling light-duty vehicles in North America.
Total Score
| 4WD SLT | 2WD Denali | Class Average |
| 62 | 65 | 63.7 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 53 | |
| Average Score | 63 | |
| High Score | 76 |
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2008 GMC Envoy Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/29/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
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| 2WD SLE 4-door wagon | $27,620 | $25,825 | $745 |
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| 4WD SLE 4-door wagon | $29,755 | $27,821 | $745 |
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| 2WD SLT 4-door wagon | $31,525 | $29,476 | $745 |
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| 4WD SLT 4-door wagon | $33,660 | $31,472 | $745 |
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| 2WD Denali 4-door wagon | $34,610 | $32,360 | $745 |
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| 4WD Denali 4-door wagon | $36,475 | $34,357 | $745 |
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, curtain side 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, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver-side lumbar adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, satellite radio, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, 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, heated 8-way power front seats, driver-seat and mirror memory, dual-zone automatic climate controls, Bose sound system, 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
Headlight washers, roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
245/60R18 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, power-adjustable pedals, cargo cover.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Running boards.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Air-inflator kit, load-leveling rear air suspension, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Preferred Equipment Group 3SB
|
||
|
SLE
|
$1,175
|
$975
|
|
8-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, overhead console, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, roof rack, polished alloy wheels.
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Sun and Sound Pkg.
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||
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SLE
|
$1,295
|
$1,075
|
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Power sunroof, Bose sound system. Requires Preferred Equipment Group 3SB.
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Sun and Navigation Pkg.
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SLT, Denali
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$2,945
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$2,444
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Navigation system, power sunroof.
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Sun and 6-Disc Pkg.
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SLT, Denali
|
$1,195
|
$992
|
|
Power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
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Cargo Convenience Pkg.
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SLE, SLT
|
$155
|
$129
|
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Cargo cover, cargo mat, cargo net, roof rack.
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|
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Powertrain |
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Limited-slip rear differential
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|
SLE, SLT
|
$270
|
$224
|
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SLE requires Preferred Equipment Group 3SB.
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Special axle ratio
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Denali, SLE, SLT
|
$50
|
$42
|
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SLE requires Preferred Equipment Group 3SB.
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|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Navigation system
|
||
|
SLT, Denali
|
$2,145
|
$1,780
|
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
Denali, SLE, SLT
|
$800
|
$664
|
|
SLE requires Preferred Equipment Group 3SB.
|
||
|
DVD entertainment system
|
||
|
Denali, SLE, SLT
|
$1,295
|
$1,075
|
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SLE requires Preferred Equipment Group 3SB.
|
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
|
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Denali, SLE, SLT
|
$395
|
$328
|
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SLE requires Preferred Equipment Group 3SB. NA w/navigation system.
|
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Bose sound system
|
||
|
SLE
|
$495
|
$411
|
|
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 3SB.
|
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|
Leather upholstery
|
||
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SLE
|
$975
|
$809
|
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Requires Preferred Equipment Group 3SB.
|
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8-way power passenger seat
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SLE
|
$275
|
$228
|
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Requires Preferred Equipment Group 3SB, leather upholstery.
|
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Power-adjustable pedals
|
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SLE, SLT
|
$150
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$125
|
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SLE requires Preferred Equipment Group 3SB.
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Smoker's Pkg.
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||
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Denali, SLE, SLT
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$30
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$25
|
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Ashtray, lighter.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Running boards
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SLE, SLT
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$375
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$311
|
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SLE requires Preferred Equipment Pkg. 3SB.
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Roof rack
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SLE
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$45
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$37
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Engine-block heater
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4WD
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$95
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$79
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Special paint
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Denali, SLE, SLT
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$95
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$79
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Premium paint
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Denali, SLE, SLT
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$295
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$245
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Polished alloy wheels
|
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SLE
|
$495
|
$411
|
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2008 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. | 4540 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 80.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| 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. | 285 @ 6000 | 300 @ 5300 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 276 @ 4800 | 321 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 4-speed automatic | 14/20 | 13/19 |
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 |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| 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
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Also in the 2008 GMC Envoy Review:
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