2005 GMC Envoy | Review | Buying Guide
Last year, the Envoy XUV, a model with a power sliding roof panel, was unveiled. This year, the Envoy family grows even larger with the introduction of the premium Envoy Denali and Envoy Denali XL (all other Envoy models covered in separate reviews).
Still, at the heart of the lineup is the original Envoy, a sport utility vehicle with a full treasure chest of awards. Strong, rugged, roomy and comfortable, it hits all major points in the battle.
The midsize Envoy SUV shares a basic GM design with the Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer and Isuzu Ascender. Envoy offers five-passenger and extended-length seven-passenger XL wagons in SLE and upscale SLT trim. In other words, there’s quite a bit of diversity to this model lineup—not including the new Envoy offshoots.
Under the Hood
Both the Envoy and the Envoy XL have a standard 4.2-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed electronic automatic transmission with overdrive. It can generate up to 275 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 275 lb-ft of torque at 3600 rpm.
Larger Envoy XLs offer an optional 5.3-liter Vortec V8 engine as well. Meaner and stronger, it can dish out 290 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 325 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm and is mated to the same 4-speed automatic transmission. This gives the Envoy XL a towing capacity of 7,100 lbs.
Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations are both offered. Rear-wheel models offer available traction control, while 4WD models have GM's Autotrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
Spaciousness in an Envoy can mean passenger comfort or increased cargo capacity. For extra loading flexibility, all Envoy rear seats fold flat. On extended-length Envoys, it results in 107.4 cubic feet of flat-loading maximum cargo space.
Envoy customers will have yet another audio choice for 2005: an MP3 player, which comes in addition to AM/FM stereo and CD players. For 2005, Envoy’s navigation radio features a touch screen, making it more convenient to use, and OnStar will be included as part of an available option package. XM Satellite Radio also is available.
Options that can be had as stand-alone items include the following: a power sunroof, a DVD entertainment system, heated front seats, a Bose sound system and an in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
|
