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2004 GMC Envoy XUV
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| Thinking Inside the Box |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:50:39 |
| Rating |
 133 ( -18 -13.53% ) | | Author | Dan Lyons |
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Description:
2004 GMC Envoy XUV. Envoy XUV is a Sport Utility with the accent on utility.
2004 GMC Envoy XUV
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2004 GMC Envoy XUV. The cargo area is basically a weatherproofed, plastic box, with a retractable roof over the back, and a folding door up front.
2004 GMC Envoy XUV. GMC's electronic traction assist system is standard on 4x2's.
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2004 GMC Envoy XUV. XUV is offered in two trim levels - SLE and up-level SLT - and my tester was the former.
2004 GMC Envoy XUV. Back access is by way of a convertible tailgate; you've got your choice of either dropping it down or swinging it to the side.
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2004 GMC Envoy XUV. Ride quality is quite comfortable, and the cabin is well sealed from the cargo bay.
2004 GMC Envoy XUV. Standard is a 4.2 liter Inline 6, optional is a 5.3 liter V8.
It was a good idea. The roof over the rear compartment slid back, so that your cargo could be tall as well as long. The concept was solid, but the devil was in the details, and the horns sprouted when production started. The sliding roof leaked, and over time, where there was water, there was rust. The Engineers knew how to fix the design, but the company didn't have enough money to pay for the fix. So, the model flopped, and not long after, the company died. The year was 1963 and the car was the Studebaker Lark Wagonaire. It was a good idea, but it suffered from bad execution.
Fast forward forty years. The station wagon gave way to the minivan, and then the Sport Utility Vehicle (which now seems to be devolving back into the station wagon). The sliding roof idea is back again too. It's still a good idea, but this time, the Engineers and the company had the money to do it right.
Envoy XUV is a Sport Utility with the accent on utility. The cargo area is basically a weatherproofed, plastic box, with a retractable roof over the back, and a folding door up front. Since the box is plastic, it's able to hold the kind of soggy, dirty loads that you wouldn't dare drop anywhere else but in a pickup. And when you're done, hose it down, drain it out and you're good to go. The drainage system can shunt as much as 35 gallons of water per minute out of the cargo bay, so pull the plug, aim your hose and fire away. Back access is by way of a convertible tailgate; you've got your choice of either dropping it down or swinging it to the side. The window glass, like the top, is power retractable. Peel the top back, and the opening measures 32" x 32" - big enough so that tall items can stand upright. A quartet of tie-down rings can be moved wherever they're needed to secure your load. At the opposite end of the cargo area is a Midgate - a combination of retractable glass and folding panel that expands your hauling options. Open the Midgate, fold and flip the rear seats forward, and you can hold 4x8 sheet goods. They lay flat on rails found above the rear wheel wells. Overall, capacity ranges from 49 cubic feet to 95 cubic feet. Good capacity, great versatility.
As to the people portion of the interior, First row accommodations are comfortable and well appointed. XUV seats five, but tall people won't fare well for leg room in back if like size people are riding up front. XUV is offered in two trim levels - SLE and up-level SLT - and my tester was the former. The differences in trim levels inside translates to things like leather trimmed, heated seats instead of cloth, a sound system upgrade, memory settings for driver's seat and mirrors, and redundant controls on the steering wheel, for sound and climate control systems. In either model, the only out of the ordinary controls are the switches for Midgate window and rear sliding roof/ window, which are housed in the overhead console.
XUV is available with two or four wheel drive, but it's not expected that many owners will engage in any off-roading more serious than a rutted, dirt road. GMC's electronic traction assist system is standard on 4x2's. The Autotrac 4x4 system is engaged electronically, by punching up a dashboard button. Four wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard on all models.
Two engines and one transmission are available. Standard is a 4.2 liter Inline 6, optional is a 5.3 liter V8. The former makes 275 hp, 275 lb. ft. of torque. The latter is rated at 290 hp, 325 lb. ft. of torque. Coupled to either motor is GM's Hydra-Matic four speed automatic. Gas mileage is rated at mid/high teens, city/highway, and almost identical for the two motors. Big SUV's like Envoy are often called on to tow. Maximum pulling capacity for the six cylinder XUV is 5,800 lb. (4x2), while V8 models are good for 6,500 lb. (4x2).
Fitted with the standard six, XUV is a ten-second truck, from 0-60. Not rapid transit, but in 'round town maneuvering, the six feels fine. It's only under heavy load situations, like ramp merges and passes, where you wish you had more engine under foot. Considering the minimal giveback in gas mileage, buyers would do well to consider stepping up to the V8 for better all around performance, especially if you tow. XUV models weigh in at about 2 ½ tons, so they are not light, nor are they light on their feet. A fair amount of body lean is present when cornering. Ride quality is quite comfortable, and the cabin is well sealed from the cargo bay. XUV feels its size when braking; stopping distances are in the big truck range, driver's need to keep in mind that they can't stop on a dime.
With its size, luxury leanings and accent on utility (as opposed to sport), XUV is clearly more comfortable in the 'burbs than the boonies. While it's tough to stand out in a crowded field of sport utes, Envoy carves out a new niche by revisiting an old idea. The result: an SUV with a unique, versatile cargo area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of engines are offered with the Envoy XUV? Two engines and one transmission are available. Standard is a 4.2 liter Inline 6, optional is a 5.3 liter V8. The former makes 275 hp, 275 lb. ft. of torque. The latter is rated at 290 hp, 325 lb. ft. of torque. Coupled to either motor is GM's Hydra-Matic four speed automatic.
Is the XUV the first vehicle to have a sliding/removable roof in the back? No. In 1963, Studebaker built the Lark Wagonaire -- a great idea, but one that suffered from poor execution.
Can you go off-roading in the XUV?Yes. The XUV is available with two or four wheel drive, but it's not expected that many owners will engage in any off-roading more serious than a rutted, dirt road.
How many trims are available with the Envoy XUV?XUV is offered in two trim levels - SLE and up-level SLT - and my tester was the former. The differences in trim levels inside translates to things like leather trimmed, heated seats instead of cloth, a sound system upgrade, memory settings for driver's seat and mirrors, and redundant controls on the steering wheel, for sound and climate control systems.
What's the gas mileage and towoing capacity? Gas mileage is rated at mid/high teens, city/highway, and almost identical for the two motors. Big SUV's like Envoy are often called on to tow. Maximum pulling capacity for the six cylinder XUV is 5,800 lb. (4x2), while V8 models are good for 6,500 lb. (4x2).
2004 GMC Envoy XUV Reviewer's Notes
MSRP:
$31,240 SLE 4x2
As Tested:
$36,370 SLE 4x2
Plus: Versatile cargo hold design
Minus: Big truck handling, braking, six cylinder power
The Competition: Dodge Durango, Buick Rainier, Infiniti FX, Nissan Armada, Toyota Sequoia
---Story by Dan Lyons
---Photos by Dan Lyons
© Dan Lyons 2004. All Rights Reserved. |
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