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2009 GMC Envoy Quality Review

February 24, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

we'd like more places to put stuff in the center console area
MyRide.com

maximum cargo capacity of 80 cubic feet
Edmunds

plush interior
Kelley Blue Book

cargo space [is] similar to the Explorer but more than the 4Runner ... and Grand Cherokee.
Cars.com

Editors at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 GMC Envoy offers reasonable comfort for driver and passengers.

Cars.com reports that the five-seat 2009 Envoy GMC "contains reclining front bucket seats and a split, folding rear seat." Edmunds comments that the 2009 GMC Envoy offers "a roomy cabin and plentiful features ... [it] easily accommodates five adults, but there is no third-seat option." ConsumerGuide touts "good headroom and legroom, even for taller folks" and "seats [that] are fairly comfortable and supportive," while "available power-adjustable pedals help tailor a comfortable position, especially for shorter drivers."

Cargo capacity in the 2009 GMC Envoy generally gets good reviews. ConsumerGuide reports that the "60/40 split 2nd row seat with automatic-folding headrests converts easily to provide ample space." Edmunds gives the specifics: "with those seats folded, the Envoy has a maximum cargo capacity of 80 cubic feet." Cars.com notes that "cargo volume behind the back seat measures 43.7 cubic feet. With the bench folded down...cargo space [is] similar to the Explorer but more than the 4Runner...and Grand Cherokee." In terms of cabin storage in the 2009 GMC Envoy, MyRide.com points out that the "center console features an enclosed compartment, an open storage bin, with a pair of superb cup holders forward of the shifter." The one downside is that "we'd like more places to put stuff in the center console area."

The interior quality of the Envoy GMC is a mixed bag; on one hand, the GMC Envoy's "mediocre interior materials prevent it from seriously challenging the class leaders" says Edmunds. On the other hand, "backlit power-window buttons and steering wheel-mounted controls are two of the Envoy's finer features—details too often overlooked by other manufacturers," according to Kelley Blue Book. KBB also notes that the Envoy has a "plush interior."

Ride quality is, according to several reviewers, a strong point for the Envoy. MyRide.com states that "once underway, the Envoy feels smooth and stable, even at high speeds." Editors note that the Envoy "rides smooth and car-like at lower speeds without being overly soft in corners. Yet it's sufficiently compliant for stable handling on bumpy roads." Cars.com reports that the "regular-suspension Envoy rides similar to a car on smooth surfaces."

Noise aboard the GMC Envoy is a problem; "tire noise is audible at highway speeds, though that's drowned out by considerable wind noise, especially from around the sunroof—even when it's closed," according to ConsumerGuide. This source also notes "the six-cylinder engine cruises quietly enough but sounds ragged at full throttle." That’s an assessment shared by the editors of TheCarConnection.com, and it’s another reason to opt for the V-8.

Conclusion

The 2009 GMC Envoy is quite noisy—but it's also reasonably comfortable.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:we'd like more places to put stuff in the center console areaMyRide.commaximum cargo capacity of 80 cubic feetEdmundsplush interiorKelley Blue Bookcargo space [is] similar to the Explorer but more than the 4Runner ... and Grand Cherokee.Cars.com Editors at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 GMC Envoy offers reasonable comfort for driver and passengers. Cars.com reports that the five-seat 2009 Envoy GMC "contains reclining front bucket seats and a split, folding rear seat." Edmunds comments that the 2009 GMC Envoy offers "a roomy cabin and plentiful features ... [it] easily accommodates five adults, but there is no third-seat option." ConsumerGuide touts "good headroom and legroom, even for taller folks" and "seats [that] are fairly comfortable and supportive," while "available power-adjustable pedals help tailor a comfortable position, especially for shorter drivers." Cargo capacity in the 2009 GMC Envoy generally gets good reviews. ConsumerGuide reports that the "60/40 split 2nd row seat with automatic-folding headrests converts easily to provide ample space." Edmunds gives the specifics: "with those seats folded, the Envoy has a maximum cargo capacity of 80 cubic feet." Cars.com notes that "cargo volume behind the back seat measures 43.7 cubic feet. With the bench folded down...cargo space [is] similar to the Explorer but more than the 4Runner...and Grand Cherokee." In terms of cabin storage in the 2009 GMC Envoy, MyRide.com points out that the "center console features an enclosed compartment, an open storage bin, with a pair of superb cup holders forward of the shifter." The one downside is that "we'd like more places to put stuff in the center console area." The interior quality of the Envoy GMC is a mixed bag; on one hand, the GMC Envoy's "mediocre interior materials prevent it from seriously challenging the class leaders" says Edmunds. On the other hand, "backlit power-window buttons and steering wheel-mounted controls are two of the Envoy's finer features—details too often overlooked by other manufacturers," according to Kelley Blue Book. KBB also notes that the Envoy has a "plush interior." Ride quality is, according to several reviewers, a strong point for the Envoy. MyRide.com states that "once underway, the Envoy feels smooth and stable, even at high speeds." Editors note that the Envoy "rides smooth and car-like at lower speeds without being overly soft in corners. Yet it's sufficiently compliant for stable handling on bumpy roads." Cars.com reports that the "regular-suspension Envoy rides similar to a car on smooth surfaces." Noise aboard the GMC Envoy is a problem; "tire noise is audible at highway speeds, though that's drowned out by considerable wind noise, especially from around the sunroof—even when it's closed," according to ConsumerGuide. This source also notes "the six-cylinder engine cruises quietly enough but sounds ragged at full throttle." That’s an assessment shared by the editors of TheCarConnection.com, and it’s another reason to opt for the V-8. ConclusionThe 2009 GMC Envoy is quite noisy—but it's also reasonably comfortable. 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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