2008 GMC Envoy Safety Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 47 Envoy reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 GMC Envoy gets a mediocre safety score partially because of its somewhat unfavorable crash test ratings. Some standard safety equipment includes StabiliTrak electronic stability control and a tire pressure monitoring system.
In government crash tests, the 2008 Envoy scores just three out of five stars for driver safety in frontal crashes and four stars for passenger safety. In side crash tests, the Envoy gets top five-star ratings for both front and rear seat protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 2008 Envoy an "Acceptable" rating for frontal offset tests (second best on a four-point scale) and "Marginal" for side impact tests (second worst on a four-point scale).
Accident Avoidance
One of the Envoy's most important standard accident avoidance systems is GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control with Proactive Roll Avoidance. As explained by New Car Test Drive, "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. It's a great system."
In addition to stability control, all models come standard with a tire pressure monitoring system, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, and daytime running lamps.
Crash Protection
To protect occupants in an accident, all Envoys feature dual-stage front driver and passenger air bags, which include a passenger sensing system that determines if air bags should be deployed--and how quickly--based on crash severity. A head curtain side-impact air bag system is optional on all models. These air bags deploy from the roof to help protect front- and second-row outboard occupants in side-impact collisions.
Another standout safety feature that is included at no extra cost is OnStar, which comes with one complimentary year of Safe and Sound services. The comprehensive service includes AccidentAssist (step-by-step guidance during a crash), advanced automotive notification of air bag deployment (meaning rescue teams will contact the vehicle if the air bags deploy), emergency services, RideAssist (taxicab assistance), roadside assistance, stolen vehicle location assistance, and vehicle diagnostics (a check of certain vehicle operating system with monthly e-mail reports).
