New 2009 GMC Envoy

The 2009 GMC Envoy is a stylish midsize SUV that offers a blend of versatility, an excellent suspension, and robust engine performance.

Available in two trim lines – the base Envoy and the luxurious Envoy Denali – both feature powerful engines. Base models come with a standard 4.2-liter, 285-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine. It’s not as robust as the optional 5.3-liter, 300-horsepower V-8 with Active Fuel Management of the Envoy Denali, which deactivates half the cylinders to conserve fuel while cruising at highway speeds. The Envoy gets 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway and competes with the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner.

With standard two-wheel drive, it can tackle the city streets with ease. In four-wheel drive models, the Autotrac transfer case allows easy switching between high and low gears, depending on how much traction you need. Maximum towing capacity is 6,600 pounds in 2WD models equipped with either engine, which is competitive for this class. Envoy Denali models feature a load-leveling suspension, which automatically adjusts the ride height with an onboard compressor. Cargo volume behind the back seats measures 43.7 cubic feet. With the bench folded down, the Envoy offers 80.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which compares favorably to the Explorer and the Grand Cherokee.

Inside, premium cloth front bucket seats have 8-way power adjustment, while available premium leather-appointed seats coddle occupants. An available Bose® Sound System and 6-disc CD changer can be combined with an optional rear seat DVD player and available XM® Satellite Radio for the ultimate entertainment system. Bluetooth connectivity and touch-screen navigation are also available.

Standard safety features include dual front airbags and head-curtain side-impact airbags, along with four-wheel antilock brakes to stop the vehicle with authority. The standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control assists the driver in maintaining stability during emergency maneuvers.  General Motor’s OnStar service comes standard and includes: Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Vehicle Diagnostics, Remote Door Unlock, Hands-Free Calling, Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, Roadside Assistance and RideAssist, which will call you a cab if you are incapable of driving. The Envoy’s five-star side-impact crash-test rating is just another reason to feel safe.

As a solid competitor in the midsize SUV class, the 2009 GMC Envoy offers a lot of value, impressive cargo space, and solid performance for the money.