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2008 GMC Envoy Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

TheCarConnection.com’s vehicle experts have sampled what other critics have had to say regarding the 2008 GMC Envoy. Then the editors at TheCarConnection.com have incorporated their own driving impressions and firsthand experience with the vehicle, to make this review especially useful.

Likes:

  • Quite comfortable, cushy ride
  • Relatively low loading height and step-up

Dislikes:

  • Soft, vague handling not suited for curvy roads
  • Road and engine noise inside
  • Design has aged past its sell-by date
  • Not as safe as modern mid-size crossovers

Buying Tips:


Watch the sticker price, and weigh the Envoy versus the competition. The Denali model can total more than $40,000 when optioned; that's in the territory of some true luxury-brand vehicles.

The Envoy is GMC's mid-size sport-utility vehicle, closely related to the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7X. Unlike many new utility vehicles, the 2008 GMC Envoy has traditional truck-based underpinnings, which make it better suited for towing but less proficient at hauling passengers than car-based crossovers.

Performance from the Envoy's standard 291-horsepower, 4.2-liter six-cylinder engine is adequate for most needs, though it's not particularly perky from a standstill. The 2008 GMC Envoy is also rather coarse-sounding from inside the cabin. The 300-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 that's standard on top Denali models and optional through the rest of the lineup is strongly recommended for towing, as it has plenty of power on reserve, works especially well with the four-speed automatic transmission, and doesn't have any real-world fuel-economy penalty versus the six, due to the fitment of GM's Active Fuel Management technology on the V-8. Both engines can be equipped with either rear- or four-wheel drive. The Envoy's maximum tow rating is 6,600 pounds.

The extended-length XL models are no longer offered, so all Envoys have two rows of seating for five, but the overall interior space is disappointing compared to more modern designs. The ride is quite soft, but can be bouncy on the roughest roads; its handling isn't very crisp or secure, either. Interior appointments feel rather outdated and materials lack luster or a high-quality feel. The 2008 GMC Envoy has reasonably comfortable seating, but road and engine noise are prominent.

The top-of-the-line 2008 GMC Envoy Denali model gets a seemingly endless list of additional equipment, including upgraded mechanicals and plush luxury features, including a load-leveling rear suspension, upgraded wheels and tires, a stronger alternator, a luggage rack, heated mirrors, power heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, steering-wheel controls, power-adjustable pedals, and Bose speakers. XM Satellite Radio is now standard across the line. Major options include a navigation system, a sunroof, and DVD entertainment for the backseat.

Crash-test performance for the 2008 GMC Envoy has been hit-and-miss. The Envoy earned just three stars--the lowest score typically awarded--in the federal government's frontal crash tests for driver protection and four stars for passenger protection. And in the IIHS tests, the Envoy was given Acceptable ratings for frontal protection, Marginal for side protection (unusual for an SUV), and Poor for rear impact. However, it maintains five-star results from the feds in side-impact protection. GM's StabiliTrak stability control and anti-lock brakes are standard; curtain airbags are newly standard for '08.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 GMC Envoy, also consider:

Reason Why:

The 2008 GMC Envoy is closely related mechanically to the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, which is similarly priced but doesn't offer a model like the luxurious Denali; however, the TrailBlazer gets a sporty SS model with a 6.0-liter V-8 for those who want a musclecar-like experience. The Envoy is part of a dying breed of formerly top-selling truck-based SUVs that are gradually being replaced by safer, smoother-riding car-based crossovers; among those, the Envoy is particularly trucklike in its ride and handling. The Explorer, Pathfinder, and 4Runner especially all handle more securely, and their interiors have been kept better updated. The Pathfinder and 4Runner also offer some measure of off-road ability. The Durango provides more towing ability and is almost as large as the full-size GMC Yukon for those who want a little more truck instead. GMC's own Acadia crossover, though more expensive, may be the best alternative to the Envoy if you're looking for a high-utility family vehicle; it's roomier and safer, and it performs better in just about every way.

The Bottom Line:

If you have a load to pull on a regular basis, the 2008 GMC Envoy might make sense. Otherwise, you can do better when hauling passengers.

TheCarConnection.com’s vehicle experts have sampled what other critics have had to say regarding the 2008 GMC Envoy. Then the editors at TheCarConnection.com have incorporated their own driving impressions and firsthand experience with the vehicle, to make this review especially useful. Likes:Quite comfortable, cushy rideRelatively low loading height and step-upDislikes:Soft, vague handling not suited for curvy roadsRoad and engine noise insideDesign has aged past its sell-by dateNot as safe as modern mid-size crossoversBuying Tips: Watch the sticker price, and weigh the Envoy versus the competition. The Denali model can total more than $40,000 when optioned; that's in the territory of some true luxury-brand vehicles. The Envoy is GMC's mid-size sport-utility vehicle, closely related to the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7X. Unlike many new utility vehicles, the 2008 GMC Envoy has traditional truck-based underpinnings, which make it better suited for towing but less proficient at hauling passengers than car-based crossovers. Performance from the Envoy's standard 291-horsepower, 4.2-liter six-cylinder engine is adequate for most needs, though it's not particularly perky from a standstill. The 2008 GMC Envoy is also rather coarse-sounding from inside the cabin. The 300-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 that's standard on top Denali models and optional through the rest of the lineup is strongly recommended for towing, as it has plenty of power on reserve, works especially well with the four-speed automatic transmission, and doesn't have any real-world fuel-economy penalty versus the six, due to the fitment of GM's Active Fuel Management technology on the V-8. Both engines can be equipped with either rear- or four-wheel drive. The Envoy's maximum tow rating is 6,600 pounds. The extended-length XL models are no longer offered, so all Envoys have two rows of seating for five, but the overall interior space is disappointing compared to more modern designs. The ride is quite soft, but can be bouncy on the roughest roads; its handling isn't very crisp or secure, either. Interior appointments feel rather outdated and materials lack luster or a high-quality feel. The 2008 GMC Envoy has reasonably comfortable seating, but road and engine noise are prominent. The top-of-the-line 2008 GMC Envoy Denali model gets a seemingly endless list of additional equipment, including upgraded mechanicals and plush luxury features, including a load-leveling rear suspension, upgraded wheels and tires, a stronger alternator, a luggage rack, heated mirrors, power heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, steering-wheel controls, power-adjustable pedals, and Bose speakers. XM Satellite Radio is now standard across the line. Major options include a navigation system, a sunroof, and DVD entertainment for the backseat. Crash-test performance for the 2008 GMC Envoy has been hit-and-miss. The Envoy earned just three stars--the lowest score typically awarded--in the federal government's frontal crash tests for driver protection and four stars for passenger protection. And in the IIHS tests, the Envoy was given Acceptable ratings for frontal protection, Marginal for side protection (unusual for an SUV), and Poor for rear impact. However, it maintains five-star results from the feds in side-impact protection. GM's StabiliTrak stability control and anti-lock brakes are standard; curtain airbags are newly standard for '08. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 GMC Envoy, also consider:Ford ExplorerDodge DurangoGMC AcadiaNissan PathfinderToyota 4RunnerReason Why:The 2008 GMC Envoy is closely related mechanically to the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, which is similarly priced but doesn't offer a model like the luxurious Denali; however, the TrailBlazer gets a sporty SS model with a 6.0-liter V-8 for those who want a musclecar-like experience. The Envoy is part of a dying breed of formerly top-selling truck-based SUVs that are gradually being replaced by safer, smoother-riding car-based crossovers; among those, the Envoy is particularly trucklike in its ride and handling. The Explorer, Pathfinder, and 4Runner especially all handle more securely, and their interiors have been kept better updated. The Pathfinder and 4Runner also offer some measure of off-road ability. The Durango provides more towing ability and is almost as large as the full-size GMC Yukon for those who want a little more truck instead. GMC's own Acadia crossover, though more expensive, may be the best alternative to the Envoy if you're looking for a high-utility family vehicle; it's roomier and safer, and it performs better in just about every way. The Bottom Line:If you have a load to pull on a regular basis, the 2008 GMC Envoy might make sense. Otherwise, you can do better when hauling passengers. TheCarConnection.com’s vehicle experts have sampled what other critics have had to say regarding the 2008 GMC Envoy. Then the editors at TheCarConnection.com have incorporated their own driving impressions and firsthand experience with the vehicle, to make this review especially useful. ...

Other Choices:

The 2008 GMC Envoy is closely related mechanically to the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, which is similarly priced but doesn't offer a model like the luxurious Denali; however, the TrailBlazer gets a sporty SS model with a 6.0-liter V-8 for those who want a musclecar-like experience. The Envoy is part of a dying breed of formerly top-selling truck-based SUVs that are gradually being replaced by safer, smoother-riding car-based crossovers; among those, the Envoy is particularly trucklike in its ride and handling. The Explorer, Pathfinder, and 4Runner especially all handle more securely, and their interiors have been kept better updated. The Pathfinder and 4Runner also offer some measure of off-road ability. The Durango provides more towing ability and is almost as large as the full-size GMC Yukon for those who want a little more truck instead. GMC's own Acadia crossover, though more expensive, may be the best alternative to the Envoy if you're looking for a high-utility family vehicle; it's roomier and safer, and it performs better in just about every way.

Next Steps:

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for the 2008 GMC Envoy

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for a 2008 GMC Envoy near you

See the GMC Envoy in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998

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