2005 GMC Envoy XL SLT Road Test

If the purpose of owning an SUV is to accommodate up to seven passengers in comfort while maintaining light-duty off-road

If, like most SUVs, heading to the ski hill on gravel roads is the most dramatic it gets, the Envoy is tough to beat. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

ability, the Envoy XL will definitely meet expectations. However if the objective is to transport up to seven adults into the most remote reaches of the continent, there may be better choices.

Frankly, for my money, I'd take the comfort of the Envoy's Luxury Ride suspension over a more rugged adversary any day. If, like most SUVs, heading to the ski hill on gravel roads is the most dramatic it gets, the Envoy is tough to beat. In spite if its cushy ride, it is competent at devouring curves and winding roads; however, it doesn't transition its weight particularly well when rapid directional changes are demanded.

These maneuvers can induce some disconcerting sway requiring a steady hand on the wheel, but of course we are talking about the upper end of the Envoy's handling threshold. That

Rapid directional changes, at the upper thresholds of the Envoy's limits, can induce some disconcerting sway requiring a steady hand on the wheel. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

said such handling capability is often exactly what is needed to avoid an accident. Fortunately, all future GM SUVs will include anti-roll technology, which will help keep the Envoy right-side-up when pushed past its current limits - incidentally, anti-roll technology will also be standard on all future Chrysler Group and Ford SUVs. Speaking of Ford, unlike the competing Explorer which benefits from an independent rear suspension setup, it must contend with a solid rear axle. Although the rigid axle may at times compromise ride and handling, it can improve vehicle stability when transporting hefty loads or towing heavy trailers. With the V8 purring beneath its long hood, the XL is tow-rated at 7,000 pounds.