2009 GMC Envoy

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The GMC Envoy provides a smooth and predictable ride, though it's not as smooth as crossover SUVs.

• "On the road, the 2008 GMC Envoy delivers a well-cushioned ride that most shoppers will like. Unfortunately, the steering offers little in the way of road feel, and handling is sloppy around corners due to the overly soft suspension." -- Edmunds
• "The 2008 GMC Envoy is a well-rounded SUV, but some observers think that the lack of independent rear suspension is a detriment." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Expect considerable wallow and wander with the SLE and SLT Envoys, not to mention body roll and lean in anything but the most relaxed cornering. The Denali's load-leveling suspension does much to combat this, but nothing to address the vagueness in the steering, the only good point of which seems to be the turning radius." -- Car Gurus

Acceleration and Power

Under the hood, the 2009 GMC Envoy SLE and SLT models pack a 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder Vortec engine that puts out 291 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The Denali model boasts a 5.3-liter V8 Vortec engine that pumps out 302 hp and 330 pound-feet of torque. According the EPA, most Envoy models achieve 14/20 mpg city/highway. However, the 2WD model with the V8 engine achieves a slightly better 15/21 mpg thanks to a cylinder deactivation feature.

• "Envoys with the 4.2-liter engine are unstressed in routine driving and do fine in highway merging and passing. Denali is strong from a stop and has fine passing power. The transmission is smooth and responsive." -- Consumer Guide
• "Adequate acceleration is supplied from the torque-rich engine, although it would be a stretch to call the six-cylinder Envoy quick." -- Automobile Magazine
• "When equipped with the V8 and the optional tow package, the Envoy can tow up to 6,600 pounds." -- Kelley Blue Book

Handling and Braking

Test drivers have mixed reviews on the Envoy's handling. Some find the firm base suspension comfortable, while others prefer the Denali model's more refined rear load-leveling suspension. Numb steering is a frequent complaint.

• "Trucky, with a tippy feel in aggressive cornering and an annoyingly vague steering feel. Envoy has a relatively tight turning radius that eases close-quarters maneuvering. Brakes have good stopping control but spongy pedal action." -- Consumer Guide
• "Though the Envoy exhibits some body lean in sharp turns, it does so gradually and never imparts the feeling of being top-heavy. This may be the Envoy's greatest attribute. It offers a car-like ride but still has the ground clearance and suspension settings to take it far off-road." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "The steering has the right gearing for a big, high, heavy vehicle." -- MSN

Off-Roading

The 2009 Envoy comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but any model is optional with an electronic Autotrac four-wheel drive system, which can be left engaged on dry roads but also includes low-range gearing for off-roading. The 4WD system's three modes are rear-wheel high, four-wheel high, and four-wheel low. A locking rear differential is optional.