2003 GMC Envoy XL

Once you hit the road in the XL, you'll realize why Motor Trend named the full Envoy lineup its 2002 Sport/Utility of the Year. While the XL is a little more cumbersome in corners than the more petite Envoy, both are adequate people movers should the road get curvy. If you really want your Envoy to handle, then spend $375 for the optional electronically controlled air suspension. It helps limit body roll and offers a smoother ride compared with the regular non-air suspension Envoy. Another positive chassis component are the ABS-equipped disc brakes at all four corners, which provide great stopping feel and good fade resistance. The XL's longer wheelbase may improve ride quality, but it also limits how tightly the XL can make a U-turn. The Envoy can turn curb-to-curb in just under 37 feet, while Envoy XL needs just over 41 feet to make the same maneuver.


While many people in the Sunbelt of the U.S. will do just fine with a two-wheel drive Envoy XL, it's nice to know that GMC offers a very capable four-wheel drive model that can tackle almost any tough backcountry trail. We spent an afternoon in the XL at our favorite off-road area outside Los Angeles, and it went everywhere you'd expect a 4x4 to go, tackling terrain that some may classify as too difficult. Expect to pay a little over $2,000 more for a 4x4 version.

The optional 5.3-liter V-8, the same proven OHV engine that GM uses in its pickups and full-size SUVs, pumps out 290 hp and 325 lb.-ft. of torque.

The interior of the XL is where GMC made some of the biggest strides over the previous midsize GMC SUV, the Jimmy. While not up to Audi or BMW interior standards, the GMC has eliminated virtually all of the ill-fitting plastic parts with the Envoy. In their place are leather, plastic made to look like wood and brushed aluminum. The seats are comfortable, yet could use a touch more lateral support. One of the best options is the $1,000 rear-seat DVD video system. It's sure to keep the kids occupied during those long road trips. The cargo capacity of the XL is more than adequate, offering 100.2 cubic feet of room behind the front seat with the other rows folded flat. This represents a 20 cubic foot improvement over the standard Envoy.


In the end, you should buy the Envoy (base price $28,245) if you can live with seating for five. It's an all-around better vehicle. Even though the Envoy only comes with the I-6, the power of the I-6 is matched well with the size of the smaller vehicle. However, if you need the third row of seats for your sizable clan, then step up to the XL (base price $30,545). However, if you do go for the XL, be sure to give serious consideration to the V-8. (www.gmc.com)