Inside, the XL model is well thought out and features all the creature comforts wanted on a long drive. The steering wheel is full of buttons and switches for everything from the stereo to climate and cruise control. There's also separate climate controls in the rear, something that came in very handy during our long, hot drive.
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| The Envoy XL's interior is well thought out and features all the creature comforts wanted during a long drive. (Photo: General Motors) |
The extra large news for the Envoy in 2003 is already being eclipsed by future plans for the model. For 2004, an Envoy XUV will be added to the lineup. Essentially a gussied up XL model, the XUV will feature a power-sliding roof panel over the cargo bay and a drop-down interior midgate separating the cargo bay from the passenger cabin.
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| Will the 2003 XL stand the test of time? It's hard to say, but at the moment it's one of the better midsize SUVs on the market. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
In addition, GM has announced that the 2005 Envoy XL, Envoy XUV and Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT will be the first vehicles to showcase its much ballyhooed Displacement on Demand fuel-saving technology, a standard feature of the vehicles' optional Vortec 5300 V-8 engine.
The more efficient engine will boost fuel economy by about eight per cent (based on an EPA testing procedure). With more changes on the horizon for the Envoy, it's difficult to judge how the 2003 XL will hold up over time, but right now it's one of the better midsize SUVs in a very crowded marketplace.