Too many drawbacks hurt Envoy
(This review is representative of model years 2002 to 2006)

Envoy is the GMC version of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Pontiac Torrent, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender. These mid-sized SUVs vehicles all share the same basic sheet-metal design, dashboards and driveline components, such as engines and transmissions.

Envoy comes in a host of configurations, from standard wheelbase length of 113 inches to an extra-long 129-inch wheelbase for the Envoy XL. The Envoy XUV model with all-weather cargo area and power retractable rear roof has been discontinued for 2006.

Envoy and Envoy XL are offered in three models – SLE, SLT and top-of-the-line Denali – each with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive. XL models come standard with three rows of seats that accommodate seven passengers. We tested the Denali XL four-wheel-drive with a base price of $40,920, including shipping. All Envoy models come well equipped with features like four-speed automatic transmission, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power seats, fancy wheels and more equipment added as you move up to the SLT. The Denali package includes a 300 horsepower (up slightly for ’06) 5.3-liter V8, premium leather interior and unique exterior styling, primarily on the grille and headlamps.

Since its introduction in 2002, GM has continually upgraded the Envoy while maintaining the same overall body style. Last year, the Envoy line added side airbags as an option, upgraded the seats and introduced the Denali trim level.

New for 2006, the electronic stability control, known as “StabiliTrak” with Proactive Roll Avoidance, has been included as standard equipment. Other than minor badging placement, Envoy remains unchanged for 2006.

Envoy strikes a conservative exterior style; however, the Denali upgrade with its chromed honeycomb grille, body-colored bumpers and mirrors, and chrome 17-inch wheels certainly improves the basic look.

Inside, the seats are comfortable and the second row better than most in this size of vehicle. Even though our XL is just a foot shorter than a full-size Suburban, the third row seating is best left for the kids. My biggest complaint about the Envoy is the dash – too much plastic and a weird design that features bulging, oversized air vents. The faux wood trim looked cheap and, oddly, GMC chose to use a universal black steering wheel rather than choosing a complementary color to the light grey leather interior seating.

On the road, the Denali was smooth and quiet, even at highway speeds. The ride is more luxury sedan-like than a SUV. Unlike European SUVs, like BMW’s X-5, Volvo’s XC90 or VW’s Touareg, the Envoy exhibited noticeable lean on sharp curves and when cornering, but never to the point of feeling unsafe or unstable.

Our Denali came equipped with load-leveling and luxury-ride suspension that is operated by a dual-purpose air compressor. The 22-foot air hose in the rear cargo area can be used for filling tires or blowing up inflatable toys.

The all-wheel-drive Denali uses a system called “AutoTrac,” operated by a dial on the center console that features four settings: 2WD, Auto4WD, 4HI and 4LO. Switching to 4WD can be done on the fly. The brake pedal felt somewhat soft, but stops were sure and without incident.

Because Envoy is a large, heavy vehicle at 5,199 lbs, fuel economy is rated at 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. In our weeklong test (of mostly city driving), we averaged a dismal 13 mpg, but the Denali does have a 25-gallon gas tank that can be filled with regular unleaded fuel.

Safety features include dual-stage front air bags, stability control, traction control, and LATCH system for child safety seats. Front seat safety belts are mounted on the seats and are annoyingly hard to reach.

Frontal crash test results by the IIHS are unimpressive with Envoy earning a less than favorable “marginal” rating. However, Envoy scored the highest five-star rating in NHTSA side-impact crash test results. Overall vehicle reliability and satisfaction results, according to at least one independent consumer magazine, have not been favorable. There have been over a dozen potential safety issues subject to vehicle recalls. We were less than impressed with our Envoy Denali Xl. For about the same money, the full-sized GMC Yukon is a significantly better option and can carry up to nine passengers.

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