DoD worked remarkably well during my test period. In fact, without the accompanying literature, I wouldn't have known it
A transfer case enables a selection between two-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, four-wheel drive high range and four-wheel drive low range. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
The power of both engines is fed through a four-speed automatic transmission equipped with overdrive. The autobox shifted imperceptibly, and downshifts were invoked with little hesitation.
Although the Envoy is available in a two-wheel drive format, the majority of units finding new homes will be furnished with a transfer case, enabling a selection between two-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, four-wheel drive high range and four-wheel drive low range.
A dash-mounted rotary switch allows the driver to engage whichever GM AutoTrac setting is appropriate given the road and weather conditions, without departing from the comfort of the Envoy's cozy cabin. The low range four-wheel
The Envoy has plenty of stopping power thanks to antilock disc brakes fitted to each wheel. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
On or off road, the Envoy has plenty of stopping power thanks to antilock disc brakes fitted to each wheel. These binders effortlessly brought the husky SUV to sure stops on wet and dry surfaces. I did, however, find pedal actuation somewhat on the spongy side. Nonetheless, braking effort was linear and well-modulated. Emergency anchor tosses were easily controlled and trouble-free despite some nosedive.