GMC Envoy

The GMC Envoy is an SUV from the GMC marque of General Motors. It was introduced as a luxury version of the Jimmy for the 1998 model year, the same year the Jimmy was restyled.

1998

For 1998, the Envoy was a luxury trim line of the GMC Jimmy SUV, itself a clone of the Chevrolet Blazer. This version used a 190hp (142kW) 4.3L L35 Vortec 4300 V6, and was retired after the 2001 model year.

2002

The new Envoy replaced the Jimmy name in GMC's lineup. While it still shares a platform with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, the styling is different. Early versions used the 270hp (201kW) straight-6 Vortec 4200 engine, while later Envoys stepped up to 275hp (205kW). This rating grew to 291hp (217kW) for the 2006 model year. All Envoys have 4-wheel disc brakes. A Displacement on Demand 5.3L V8 was used beginning in 2005.

The Envoy was Motor Trend magazine's Sport/Utility of the Year for 2002. The 4200 Vortec I6 engine has been named to Ward's 10 Best Engines list several times.

Engines:

• 2003-present LL8 4.2L (256in³) I6
• 2003-2004 5300 5.3L (323in³) V8
• 2005-present 5300 5.3L (323in³) V8 with Displacement on Demand

Safety features The GMC Envoy has a variety of safety features available as standard or optional.

The GMC Envoy received a 3-Star Frontal Crash Rating for the Driver and 4-Stars for the Front Passenger. All areas including side-impact crashes received 5 stars. These tests were conducted by the NHTSA. These ratings pertain to the model year of 2002 to present. When IIHS tested it, it earned an ADEQUATE for Front and a MARGINAL for the side test.

For 2006-present, GMC added standard stability control, or as they call it "Stabilitrak." And for 2008 it added side-curtain airbags as a standard.

Models

XL

The Envoy XL was the full-size counterpart to the five-passenger mid-size Envoy. One unique element of the Envoy was the availability of a usable 3-row that was comfortable for a 6-foot (1.83m) passenger in the, 7-passenger Envoy XL version. This vehicle is 16in (406mm) longer and has a higher roofline to allow easier access to the third row of seats. This roof is disguised by standard roof racks. The Envoy XL was larger than the short-wheelbase Yukon.