GMC Envoy Review

2008 GMC Envoy Denali SUV

Midsize SUVs are some of the best-selling vehicles on the market, as families and singles alike seek out their just-right compromise of space and maneuverability. The GMC Envoy has been among the eligible candidates in this segment since 1998. It was completely redesigned for 2002, and the result was additional size, power and refinement.

Always a platform twin to the Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC's Envoy is a traditional body-on-frame SUV offered in two-wheel-drive (2WD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) configurations. Apart from styling, there are subtle differences between the two, however. For example, the current Envoy can be equipped with an optional rear air suspension (that provides a more isolating ride and balances out heavy loads), while the TrailBlazer doesn't offer this feature.

Among midsize SUVs, the GMC Envoy gets lost in the pack. It has all the right features to compete in this segment, as well as a comfortable ride and decent power. But you have to weigh this against the Envoy's sloppy handing and below-average interior build and materials quality. For some, the Envoy may still be an appealing choice, but most shoppers will be better served by its more refined competition.

Current GMC Envoy

The current Envoy generation debuted for 2002 and now comes solely as a five-passenger SUV. However, through the 2006 model year, GMC also offered the extended-wheelbase Envoy XL, which provided seven-passenger seating and considerably more cargo capacity, but that vehicle was discontinued for 2007. In addition to the usual SLE and SLT trim levels, the Envoy is available in a top-line Denali model.

The Envoy SLE provides enough equipment to meet most buyers' needs, including dual-zone air-conditioning, a CD stereo, full power accessories, stability control, a trailer hitch and 17-inch alloy wheels. Shoppers wanting leather upholstery or a Bose sound system should go with the SLT or Denali. In addition to its styling distinctions, the Envoy Denali has a V8 engine, laminated glass, upgraded leather and extra sound insulation to give it a quieter ride. Full-length side curtain airbags and a rear entertainment system are available on all GMC Envoys.

Engine choices include a 291-horsepower, 4.2-liter inline six in the SLE and SLT and a 300-hp, 5.3-liter V8 in the Denali. The main difference between these engines is the 5.3-liter's extra torque, as a cylinder-deactivation feature allows the V8 to return similar mileage on the highway.

Although the current Envoy is reasonably roomy, seat comfort has never been a strong point, as both the front and rear seats are light on cushioning. With 80 cubic feet of cargo capacity, families of four will have adequate luggage space, but shoppers seeking a third-row seat will have to look elsewhere.

Aside from the cancellation of the seven-passenger version, not much has changed on the second-generation GMC Envoy since its debut. Initially, it was offered only with the inline-6 engine. The V8 became available on the Envoy XL the following year and on the regular Envoy for '05. The latter year also saw head curtain airbags replace the front side bags, while stability control joined the equipment list for '06.

In addition, an unusual model called the GMC Envoy XUV was offered in 2004 and 2005. A modern-day take on the Studebaker Wagonaire, the XUV was an Envoy XL stripped of its third-row seat and fitted with a retractable roof over its cargo bay. The result was a vehicle that could function as both a true SUV and a pickup. In practice, though, the multi-talented but odd-looking Envoy XUV proved to be a tough sell to consumers.

Past GMC Envoy Models

The first-generation GMC Envoy was sold from 1998-2000 (there was no '01 model). It was little more than an upscale version of the midsize GMC Jimmy, which debuted in '95, and was equipped much like today's Denali. The extra amount of features didn't mask its aged chassis and old-tech V6, however, and the two together delivered a mushy ride quality and lackluster acceleration at highway speeds. Other complaints included numb steering, a large turning radius and poor brake feel. Although these early Envoys are inexpensive to buy on the used market, subpar reliability keeps us from recommending them, even to buyers interested in an old-school, truck-based SUV.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.