Saturday, July 27, 2013
2007 GMC Envoy Preview
The GMC Envoy is an excellent choice among midsize sport utilities. Envoy is well-engineered and enjoyable to drive, stable and responsive with good brakes and a superb inline six-cylinder engine. The Envoy Denali models are luxuriously equipped and come with a more powerful 5.3-liter V8. The extra-long XL models are ponderous, lacking the handling and responsiveness of the standard-length models.News
Like Chevys TrailBlazer, Envoy loses extended-length models for 2007, due to lackluster sales. Other models are rumored to get a heavy makeover or full redesign for 2008, but weve also heard that GM may bail out of truck-based midsize SUVs as being out of step with current and projected market trends. Stay tuned.
Meantime, GMC is preparing to launch Acadia, its first-ever unibody truck. Due to arrive in late 06 or early 07, this large crossover wagon shares GMs new Lambda platform with the 2007 Saturn Outlook and upcoming 2008 Buick Enclave. Acadia will have its own styling and maybe some exclusive features, but will follow its siblings by offering V6 power allied to front-wheel drive and AWD. Three-row seating will available, if not standard. Well be learning more soon, so keep checking back with us.
New For 2007 GMC Envoy
GMCs midsize SUV loses its extended-length, seven-passenger models for 2007. Envoy shares a basic General Motors design with the Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7X; all are five-seaters for 07. Envoy comes in SLE, SLT, and Denali trim. All but the Denali have a 291-hp inline 6-cyl engine. Denalis use a 300-hp V8 with GMs Active Fuel Management, which shuts off four cylinders while cruising to save fuel. All Envoys come with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
They also offer rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and has low-range gearing. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. Curtain side airbags are optional. Other options include a load-leveling suspension, power-adjustable pedals, DVD entertainment, and navigation system. Denalis stand apart with a chrome grille and other styling touches inside and out, plus extra sound insulation. This evaluation covers Envoy and Ascender.
Safety features include anti-lock brakes (ABS) as standard equipment on all models. Head-curtain and side-impact airbags are optional ($495).
Options (and there are a lot of them) include power-adjustable pedals ($150), tilt-and-slide sunroof ($800), automatic load-leveling rear suspension ($375), DVD entertainment ($1,295), XM Satellite Radio ($325), and OnStar telecommunications ($695). Navigation ($1,995) and a Bose premium sound system ($495) are available for SLT models, along with an MP3 player. Discount packages bundle the sunroof with various audio and entertainment options. The 2WD models can be ordered with a locking rear differential ($270) and traction control ($175).
Denali ($36,435) and Denali XL ($37,865) upgrade with a premium leather interior, unique styling cues, new 18-inch aluminum wheels, and all of the features of the SLT.
Envoy SLT ($32,125) and Envoy XL SLT ($33,425) get leather upholstery, automatic climate control, eight-way power seats for driver and passenger with memory on the drivers side, a driver information center, audio controls on the steering wheel, separate rear-seat audio controls, heated outside mirrors with turn signals, a machined finish for the aluminum wheels, and other features.
Envoy SLE ($28,590) and Envoy XL SLE ($29,920) come with cloth upholstery, manually controlled dual-zone air conditioning, CD stereo, power windows and locks, keyless entry, an electric rear window defogger, 17-inch aluminum wheels and fog lights. An SLE Enhanced Package ($970) adds an eight-way power drivers seat, an overhead console with Homelink transmitter, illuminated vanity mirrors, and a compass in the rearview mirror.
GMC Envoy and Envoy XL are available in SLE, SLT, and Denali trim, each with a choice of two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive ($2,250). Envoy and Envoy XL models come with the six-cylinder Vortec 4200 engine. Denali models are equipped with the 5.3-liter V8. All models come with a four-speed automatic transmission.
Safety gets a major addition for 2006, as all Envoys come equipped with GMs StabiliTrak electronic stability control with Proactive Roll Avoidance. This system uses selective wheel braking and compensating shock absorber adjustments to help maintain vehicle control on slick and uneven road surfaces, as well as during emergency lane changes or avoidance maneuvers. Its a great system.
The Envoy Denali is equipped with a more powerful V8 engine that improves its performance and increases its cargo-hauling and trailer-towing capability. This optional 5.3-liter V8 features GMs Displacement on Demand technology, which idles half the cylinders when cruising to enhance fuel economy. Denali is also upgraded with luxury features and special trim, including 18-inch aluminum wheels for 2006.
2007 GMC Envoy Summary
The 2007 GMC Envoy is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in 8 trims, ranging from the SLE-1 2WD to the Denali 4WD.
Upon introduction, the SLE-1 2WD is equipped with a standard 4.2-liter, I6, 291-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. The Denali 4WD is equipped with a standard 5.3-liter, V8, 302-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 21-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.
