GMC Envoy XL

[rogerwa]

Does anyone have any expereince with this model?? How does the I6 perform versus the V8. We are looking to downsize from our Expedition and this looks like a good model. I need the additional seating of the XL or trailblazer EXT model.<br /><br />Any reviews would be apppreciated. I am looking at something a year or two old with 25K or less in miles on it..

 

[POINTER94]

Re: GMC Envoy XL

Roger,<br /><br />Those have an Inline 6 cyclinder. They make a lot of hp, but CID plays into getting a boat out of the ramp. <br /><br />The reviews as far as trailering have been overall pretty good, but the last one I read indicated that it could use a little more umpf...<br /><br /> http://www.autosite.com/buyersguide/2004-chevrolet-trucks.asp <br /><br /> http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/gmc_envoy_slt4wd_2004/12665/style_review_article.html?source=cg <br /><br />FWIW reviews are always subjective.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: GMC Envoy XL

They do come with an optional 5.3l V8 which should be more than adequate for towing. My current Expedition has the 4.6l V8 which could use some more oomph.<br /><br />I would opt for the V8 but I figure the mileage would suffer. Oh, to have it all..

 

[gaugeguy]

Re: GMC Envoy XL

I (the wife) just got one. It's the XL with the third row seating (SLT package, I think). It does have the inline 6, and quite a bit of pep. It is a really comfortable ride, and she absolutely loves it. Too many bells and whistles for me. The only thing that I can honestly say that I really love about the Envoy is the very tight turning radius.<br /><br />I haven't towed with it yet. The deal was that she gets the new Envoy and I get a new offshore rig--so I am looking for something that will look nice towed behind it.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: GMC Envoy XL

That's a 4.2 liter, right? That's more than enough CI for towing a boat up a ramp. My Jeep's 4.0 inline 6 has almost as much torque and HP as many V8s, and mildy modified will kick their ***. I believe the chevy 4.2 is rated slightly higher than my 4.0.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: GMC Envoy XL

zmoz,<br /><br />4.0L I6 Jeep engine spec's (1996)<br /><br />185hp (rated)<br />220ft llbs at 2800rpm<br />242" displacement<br /><br /><br />4.2L Vortec Envoy, 2004<br /><br />275hp (rated)<br />275lbs at 3600rpm<br />256" displacement

 

[ZmOz]

Re: GMC Envoy XL

Yeah, that will be plenty of engine. That's more than many V8s, though I've heard all the HP is up pretty high.<br /><br />Don't know where you got those specs, but my '96 Cherokee is rated at 190hp at 4600 RPMs, 225lbft at 3000 RPMs.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: GMC Envoy XL

GG how much space do you have behind the third seat?? Also, does the rear seat fold down into a hole so the deck is flat or do you have to pull it out to be flat. I have four kids and would need that back row. Would it be comfortable for young kids??<br /><br />Sounds like the I6 would be sufficient considering my 4.6 V8 only has like 220 Hp, not sure of the torque though..

 

[POINTER94]

Re: GMC Envoy XL

zmoz,<br /><br />Just messin around while at work. Found it on some Jeep site, can't remember which one, sorry. Seemed about right by my figuring, but you know these vehicles, I was just pickin on the web. Your #'s are far more reliable..<br /><br />Roger, what are you towing?

 

[rogerwa]

Re: GMC Envoy XL

Towing a 17ft Sea Ray usually with a lot of stuff and the kids.. I'd say roughly 2500-3000lbs.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: GMC Envoy XL

Hook er up. I think you will be fine. 3000lbs should be light work for this unit. Low windage, and medium weight, I would have a receiver hitch and a balanced load and away you go...

 

[gaugeguy]

Re: GMC Envoy XL

With the third row of seats up, there is probably 24 inches of space from the hatch to the back of the seat. They are not cargo seats, they are full size and very comfortable, even for adults. They fold down, not removable and when they are down it has a normal sized SUV cargo area. The SLT is either 16 or 18 inches longer than the normal XL.<br /><br />My boys are 7 and 6 and they love to ride in the "way back" seats, makes them feel like they are in a limo or something.

 

[fishhunter911]

Re: GMC Envoy XL

I have a 2002 TRAILBLAZER WITH THE 4.2L I tow a 19' wellcraft, usually loaded full with fuel coolers. She pulls it very nicely. Just keep it in 3rd gear and you wont have a problem. I usually put her in 4wd at the ramp for peace of mind but never got any slippage. I get pretty decent mileage too. Had a 96 tahoe with a 5.7L in it and pulled the same rig. Trailblazer pulls it much harder. Hope this helps!