Posts tagged GMC

With the number of Chevrolet TrailBlazer/GMC Envoy variants out there—seven at last count, not counting powertrain options–you’d be forgiven for stifling a yawn when we tell you there’s another one.  But pay attention; those big chrome hockey sticks on the D-pillar of this SUV mean that this is a very special Envoy indeed.

The 2004 Envoy XUV is a sport-ute with a retractable rear roof section for carrying pickup truck-sized loads.  It’s not fair to call it the first vehicle of its kind; Studebaker got there first with its Wagonaire in 1963.  There’s certainly nothing else like the Envoy XUV on the market now, though.  For carrying passengers or groceries, it’s just like an SUV.  Touch a button on the overhead console, and the rear window lowers into the tailgate.  Touch another, and a 32″ x 32″ section of the roof over the cargo area slides forward, allowing the Envoy XUV to haul stuff that won’t fit in the back of a normal sport-ute, like washing machines or small trees.  Why would you want to haul a tree in your SUV?  We don’t know; ask GMC.

A second innovation/blast from the past is the Envoy XUV’s dual-purpose tailgate.  Just like full-size station wagons of the ’60s and ’70s, this tailgate can fold downward for carrying long items, or swing to the side for easier loading.  To further extend cargo capacity, the Envoy XUV has a Midgate, similar to that found on the Chevrolet Avalanche.  There’s actually a window separating the cargo area from the second row of seats, to keep the elements out when the roof section is open.  Lower the glass and fold the rear seats, and the XUV becomes a two-seater with a 76-inch cargo bed.  The cargo area is lined with plastic, has drain holes to let rainwater out, and four pickup-style cargo tiedowns to help secure whatever you’re carrying.  Close the Midgate, and the XUV seats five.

GMC has done a good job integrating the hardware necessary for the sliding roof into the existing design.  Rather than cutting into rear-seat headroom, the Envoy XUV is taller at the rear, with what appear to be a second set of roof rails cradling the slider.  The rest of the body is familiar; the XUV shares the Envoy’s good-looking oval-look jeweled headlamps and bold GMC grille.  It’s arguably the best-looking of GM’s various mid-size SUVs.

Inside, it looks just like any other Envoy, except for the window behind the rear seats.  The XUV’s roof doesn’t encroach on sunroof space.  Unlike the Midgate in the Chevrolet Avalanche however, the Envoy XUV’s center glass is power-operated.  The front seats are wide and comfortable, with a business-like instrument panel and driver compartment.  In practice, the XUV is equal parts fancy and fussy.  The roof works very slowly; to open it, press the button and hold, and wait…and wait…and wait.  Eventually the XUV is open to the sky.  We found that when driving with the top open on a dusty road, the Midgate’s window tends to get dirty very quickly too, and it lacks a windshield wiper.

Straight-six and V8 engines are offered.  The 275-horsepower 4.2 liter Vortec 4200 I-6 is a smooth, torquey motor in the standard Envoy, but we’d opt for the optional 5.3 liter V8.  Although it’s about 200 pounds heavier than an Envoy XL, the Envoy XUV doesn’t have any problems in the get-up-and-go department when equipped with the 290-horse V8.  It does feel somewhat clumsy in tight situations, because of its longer wheelbase.  A four-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment, and the XUV will tow up to 6400 pounds in four-wheel drive trim.  Two-wheel drive XUVs add a hundred pounds to that rating.

Suspension-wise, the XUV is identical to the standard Envoy, with double A-arms up front and a five-link rear.  The ride is more trucky than some of the competition, but smooth and quiet nonetheless, and we didn’t hear any rattling from the sliding roof or feel any body flex.  Four-wheel disc brakes and ABS are standard.

Wow!  It’s pricey though.  Our test truck was heavily optioned, with the 5.3 V8 engine, locking differentials, sunroof, a navigation system and more.  Considering that the multi-capable XUV starts at $38,065, it’s not a surprise that the window sticker was pushed well past the $45,000 mark.  The Envoy XUV is a unique beast, but prospective buyers would do well to watch the options list.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2004 GMC Envoy XUV, which we tested.
Length:         208.4 in.
Width:            74.7 in.
Height:            77.0 in.
Wheelbase:        129.0 in.
Curb weight:        5042 lb.
Cargo space:        95.2 cu.ft. (Midgate open)
Payload:        1358 lb.
Towing capacity:    6400 lb.
Base price:        $38,065
Price as tested:        $45,390
Engine:         5.3 liter V8
Drivetrain:         four-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Horsepower:         290 @ 5200
Torque:         325 @ 4000
Fuel capacity:        25 gal.
Est. mileage:        15/19