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2009 GMC Envoy Review

February 24, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

looks like it's ready to tackle the tough jobs (and it is), but the styling is conservative and upscale
MyRide.com

takes a trip uptown with fancier styling
Edmunds

typical GMC: simple and clean...the instrument panel controls are handsomely adorned with wood trim and sturdy black plastic
Kelley Blue Book

Editors at TheCarConnection.com find that reviewers' reactions to the interior of the 2009 GMC Envoy are mixed—but most are satisfied with the exterior.

The GMC Envoy was last redesigned in 2002 and has seen few changes in styling since; 2009 brings some new exterior color choices but not much more.

Calling it an "upscale twin to sister division Chevrolet's TrailBlazer midsize SUV," Edmunds says the Envoy GMC 2009 "takes a trip uptown with fancier styling." MyRide.com contends that when compared with others in its class, "Envoy may be the best-looking of the bunch." Cars.com reports that "a shield-shaped grille helps give the four-door [GMC] Envoy a distinct identity." ConsumerGuide describes the Envoy GMC as having "a traditional truck-type design," and Kelley Blue Book proclaims the GMC Envoy "strikes a rugged yet refined pose that seems equally comfortable off-road or at valet parking." MyRide.com remarks that the 2009 GMC Envoy "looks like it's ready to tackle the tough jobs (and it is), but the styling is conservative and upscale."

Reviewers aren’t quite as fond of the interior of the 2009 GMC Envoy, although there are some exceptions. Kelley Blue Book has nothing but accolades for the Envoy GMC's interior, describing it as "typical GMC: simple and clean...the instrument panel controls are handsomely adorned with wood trim and sturdy black plastic." ConsumerGuide is less impressed with the 2009 GMC Envoy's interior: "mainstream Envoys use unimpressive imitation-wood trim," but nonetheless "are slightly more upscale than similar Chevrolet TrailBlazers for interior décor." Edmunds notes that "brushed metallic [dresses] up the interior" of the GMC Envoy but adds "that luxurious effect is sullied somewhat by the use of low-grade plastics on the dash and door panels." MyRide.com, however, reports that "the brushed nickel interior trim looks classy."

Conclusion

The 2009 GMC Envoy looks, not surprisingly, like an SUV inside and out.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:looks like it's ready to tackle the tough jobs (and it is), but the styling is conservative and upscaleMyRide.comtakes a trip uptown with fancier stylingEdmundstypical GMC: simple and clean...the instrument panel controls are handsomely adorned with wood trim and sturdy black plasticKelley Blue Book Editors at TheCarConnection.com find that reviewers' reactions to the interior of the 2009 GMC Envoy are mixed—but most are satisfied with the exterior. The GMC Envoy was last redesigned in 2002 and has seen few changes in styling since; 2009 brings some new exterior color choices but not much more. Calling it an "upscale twin to sister division Chevrolet's TrailBlazer midsize SUV," Edmunds says the Envoy GMC 2009 "takes a trip uptown with fancier styling." MyRide.com contends that when compared with others in its class, "Envoy may be the best-looking of the bunch." Cars.com reports that "a shield-shaped grille helps give the four-door [GMC] Envoy a distinct identity." ConsumerGuide describes the Envoy GMC as having "a traditional truck-type design," and Kelley Blue Book proclaims the GMC Envoy "strikes a rugged yet refined pose that seems equally comfortable off-road or at valet parking." MyRide.com remarks that the 2009 GMC Envoy "looks like it's ready to tackle the tough jobs (and it is), but the styling is conservative and upscale." Reviewers aren’t quite as fond of the interior of the 2009 GMC Envoy, although there are some exceptions. Kelley Blue Book has nothing but accolades for the Envoy GMC's interior, describing it as "typical GMC: simple and clean...the instrument panel controls are handsomely adorned with wood trim and sturdy black plastic." ConsumerGuide is less impressed with the 2009 GMC Envoy's interior: "mainstream Envoys use unimpressive imitation-wood trim," but nonetheless "are slightly more upscale than similar Chevrolet TrailBlazers for interior décor." Edmunds notes that "brushed metallic [dresses] up the interior" of the GMC Envoy but adds "that luxurious effect is sullied somewhat by the use of low-grade plastics on the dash and door panels." MyRide.com, however, reports that "the brushed nickel interior trim looks classy." ConclusionThe 2009 GMC Envoy looks, not surprisingly, like an SUV inside and out. 2009 GMC ENVOY STYLING | [7 out of 10] MyRide.com: "looks like it's ready to tackle the tough jobs (and it is), but the styling is conservative and upscale" Edmunds: "takes a trip uptown with fancier styling" Kelley Blue Book: "typical GMC : simple and clean...the instrument panel ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

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 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. Another possibility is the Kia Borrego, a truck-based SUV that is all-new this year, bucking the trend away from this type of vehicle. Compared to most of its rivals, the Borrego has a far quieter, more refined cabin and an interior that feels genuinely up-to-date. The 2009 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.

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See the GMC Envoy in Other Years:

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

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