GMC’s
Envoy XUV has almost as many permutations as a Rubik’s Cube. It can be a
five-passenger SUV or an open air hauler. With the flip of a button, the back
roof slides forward to create a small, weatherproof cargo space almost like a
miniature pickup truck. This vehicle could be ideal for gardeners, cyclists or
other hobbyists who want the versatility of carrying tall or dirty objects
without trashing the interior of their SUV.
 GMC’s
accessory group even offers a tent that fits over the cargo space and tailgate.
Prices begin at ,890 for the two-wheel drive SLE or ,115 for the
four-wheel drive SLE. The two-wheel-drive SLT model begins at ,490 and
four-wheel drive starts at ,715.
The XUV is a derivative of the Envoy XL, but it is actually configured a lot
like Chevrolet’s Avalanche. The XUV has a 32-by-32-inch power sliding roof over
the cargo area whereas the Avalanche is open. A midgate with separate window is
located behind the back seat. It keeps the truck’s cabin separate from the cargo
area. The window retracts, however, and the midgate can then be folded into the
cabin, creating a load floor that is more than six feet long. The tailgate folds
out to extend that length to nearly eight feet. It also opens to the side if
that is a more convenient way to load.
The rear cargo area is designed to be weather-resistant. It has a drain
system that can channel up to 35 gallons of water per minute out of the cargo
area. It can also be hosed down. Four tie-down rings can be moved to different
locations for securing large items.
 The
XUV’s unique hauling ability shows just how useful technology and clever
engineering can be when it comes to designing a vehicle that is capable of
handling a wide variety of tasks.
The XUV is quite a luxurious model. Although the standard engine is the
4.2-liter, 275-horsepower, six-cylinder powerplant, the optional 5.3-liter V-8
is a better choice. The 290-horse V-8 moves the XUV with ease because it has
substantially more torque than the six cylinder. With the V-8, the XUV can tow
6,400 pounds.
The XUV rides on the same 129-inch wheelbase chassis as the Envoy XL. It is
16 inches longer than the standard Envoy. The extra length comes in handy for
hauling, yet the vehicle is still almost a foot shorter than its bigger sister,
the Yukon XL. Those are significant numbers when it comes time to wheel one into
a garage or a tight parking space. The XUV’s size did seem a bit confining when
I drove it through an underground parking garage. Aside from that, it is almost
as easy to manage as the smaller Envoy.
 The
XUV is very nicely equipped. The cabin has brushed silver trim accents and faux
carbon fiber inserts on the instrument panel. Dual-zone climate controls are
standard, and dual power outlets near the console are handy for cell phones and
other accessories.
The navigation system and XM satellite radio are operated with a small LCD
screen. The nav system’s maps are clear and easy to read, but programming a
destination is overly tedious and not very handy. The people that could really
profit from a nav system are the same ones who don’t have the patience, or
technical acuity to learn a system that is not as simple and intuitive as it
should be. I continue to wait for voice-activated systems that will
replace the hunt-and-peck method of putting in an address you need to find.
Buttons for operating the audio system flank the LCD screen, and they are
tiny and hard to hit with gloves on.
The test vehicle’s heated leather seats were very thick and plush. Front
legroom is good, and the longer wheelbase gives tons of room for the back seat.
There is no third seat available because of the cargo area.
Side airbags are provided for the front seats, and anti-lock, four-wheel disc
brakes are standard. Traction control is an option for two-wheel-drive models.
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Specifications
| |
6-Cyl. |
V-8 |
| Engine Type |
4.2-liter, double overhead cam (DOHC) Inline 6 |
Vortec 5300 5.3L overhead valve V8 |
| Horsepower |
275 @ 6,000 RPM |
290 @ 5,200 RPM |
| Torque |
275 @ 3,600 RPM |
325 @ 4,000 RPM |
| Fuel Recommended |
Regular Unleaded. |
| Transmission |
4-Speed Automatic |
| Tires - Standard |
All-season steel belted radial P245/65R17 tires. |
| Overall Length |
208.4" |
| Wheelbase |
129" |
| Width |
74.7" |
| Turning Diameter |
41.3 ft Curb to Curb |
| Curb Weight |
4,945 lbs. (5,042 lbs. w. AWD) |
| Fuel Tank |
22 Gallons |
Miles Per Gallon 2WD
Miles Per Gallon AWD |
EPA city 15, hwy 20
EPA city 15, hwy 19 |
EPA city 15, hwy 19
EPA city 15, hwy 18 |
| Base Sticker Price |
,240 plus 5 Destination Charge |
2004 GMC Envoy XUV Standard Equipment
- 5 person total seating capacity
- Cloth upholstery (Leather on SLT)
- Front and rear ventilated disc brakes
- 4-wheel ABS
- Automatic headlamps with auto delay off
- Cornering lights
- Dual zone climate control
- AM/FM cassette in-dash single CD player
with 6 speakers
- Power midgate window
- Power retractable roof
Major Available Options
- Vortec 5300 V-8 Engine
- All-wheel drive
- 8-way power driver seat
- 8-way power front passenger seat
- OnStar
- Load-Leveling Rear Suspension
- Power Adjustable Pedals
- GPS navigation system
- Power Glass Sunroof
- Bose Premium Sound System
- Side-Impact Airbags for Front Seats
- XM Satellite Radio
- Heated Front Seats
- Adjustable Pedals
For more information on the Envoy, visit
www.gmc.com Copyright © 2004, SmartTrac
Computer Systems, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
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