New Car Review of 2005 GMC Envoy Denali Full-Size Sport Utility Pickup Truck

Base MSRP Range:$36,880- $40,235

Base Invoice Range:$33,376- $36,413

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MSRP As Tested: $33,795

Versions: 4.2 I-6, 5.3 V-8

Vehicle Category: Full-Size Sport Utility Pickup Truck

Engine Location: Front Engine

Drive Wheels: Real-Wheel Drive, Four-wheel drive.

Engine as Tested: 4.2-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, 24-valves, ">I-6, 275 - horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 275 lb-ft torque at 3,600 rpm.

Engine as Tested: 5.3-liter, Overhead Valve, 16-valves, V-8, 300 - horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 330 lb-ft torque at 4,400 rpm.

Transmission: Four-speed automatic.

Fuel Economy (city/hwy): I6 15/20, V8 14/19.

Standard Safety Features: Driver and passenger airbags, Front side airbags, "> Antilock Brake System, Tire-pressure monitor.

Competition: Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition, Honda Pilot, Toyota Land Cruiser.

With so many variations of the Envoy available, it seems GMC is trying to make an SUV for everybody.

After starting with the basic Envoy in 2002 -- a solid, mid-size SUV with a nice ride and quiet cabin -- the honchos at General Motors decided it wasn't big enough. So a longer version was created and dubbed the Envoy XL.

Then, for 2004 the honchos decided the Envoy XL would be better with a pickup truck bed, and they built the Envoy XUV. It comes with a big, retractable roof for hauling trees and other bulky cargo in the convertible bed.

Finally, for 2005 the honchos decided none of the Envoys were quite fancy enough. Thus, they created the Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali, which are more like Cadillacs and less like workaday SUVs.

The result is a family of very different SUVs that all share one name.

There are lots of differences between the various models, but the biggest is between the standard-length Envoy and the extra-long versions.

While the normal Envoys are a breeze to maneuver in parking lots and have a remarkably silky highway ride, the stretched versions seem like totally different vehicles. They have a bouncier, more truck-like ride and feel like an steering an aircraft carrier in the parking lot.

On the upside, the longer Envoys offer a third row of seating and more cargo space, something people with families should appreciate.

Two engines are available: a 4.2-liter I-6 and a 5.3-liter V8. The 275-horsepower, six-cylinder engine is a better choice unless you need serious towing capability, as it feels smoother and more refined, has better gas mileage, and accelerates nearly as well as the V8.

If you do need the V-8, rest assured it's a good one. It makes 300 horsepower, 330 foot-pounds of torque and has GM's Displacement on Demand technology that essentially turns off up to four of the eight cylinders when they're not needed. That's important in a period of high gas prices.

Fuel consumption ranges from 16/21 city/highway miles per gallon in the Envoy with a six-cylinder engine to 15/18 in the Envoy XL with a V-8. It's no Prius, but it's not awful considering the size, weight and capability the Envoy offers.

While pain at the pump is the Envoy's major weakness, its interior has to be its best feature.

Materials used in the cabin are outstanding, especially compared to GM's SUVs a few years ago. Everything fits well, most materials are soft to the touch, and its color scheme gives it a slightly upscale feel.

It's also a surprisingly quiet SUV, as little wind and road noise filters into the cabin. Denali models feature even more acoustic materials to make them quieter than the standard Envoys, including laminated glass, a sound absorber in the dash, a quieter exhaust resonator, and sound-absorbing insulation.

All in all, the Envoy family has enough variants to satisfy most needs and wants. Whether you need basic family transportation or a luxury yacht for the highway, it's all available behind the Envoy badge.

Makes you wonder why GMC even makes the Yukon.

Pros: It's got a very quiet and roomy cabin. It also comes in enough varieties and sizes to meet most families' needs.

Cons: Like all big SUVs, gas mileage isn't great.

Ratings (1-10)

• Style: 10
• Performance: 10
• Price: 3
• Handling: 4
• Ride: 4
• Comfort: 6
• Quality: 9
• Overall: 8

More Data

Where Built: USA

Major Options: Entertainment package ($1,370), luxury package ($790), V-8 Power Play Package ($1,770), navigation radio system ($1,600), Onstar Plus package ($970), curtain air bags ($495), polished aluminum wheels ($495), running boards ($375), special paint ($165), adjustable pedals ($150). Total (including $3,150 option package discount and $685 destination charge): $39,560.

Seating: 5.

Number of Rows: 2

Length in Inches: 191.6

Warranties: 3/36,000 miles bumper to bumper, 6/100,000 miles corrosion protection, 3/36,000 miles Roadside assistance.

Weight in Pounds: 2WD 4626 lbs., 4WD 4783 lbs,.

Cargo Capacity in Pounds: 2WD 1375 lbs., 4WD 1218 lbs,.

Gross Maximum Vehicle Weight in Pounds: 6,001 lbs,.

Towing Capacity in Pounds: 6,600 lbs.

Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 22 gal.

Destination Charge: $685