2004 Envoy SLT XUV 4WD Road Test

The versatility of the XUV doesn't stop with a disappearing roofline. Behind the rear seats, in the spacious cabin, is a midgate wall similar to that found in the Avalanche but much easier to operate. With the touch of another button, the window drops into the midgate wall. After the 60/40 split rear

Unlike so many SUVs, the Envoy is built to get dirty, even on the inside, featuring an easy to hose down cargo area. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

bench is folded and tumbled forward, the midgate unlatches effortlessly and drops forward creating a lengthy flat bed capable of swallowing items up to 193 cm (76 in) long and 122 cm (48 in) wide. But the length adaptation gets even better when the two-way tailgate is flipped down and over-length cargo is allowed to extend beyond the inner confines of the Envoy.

Now I don't know about you, but the contemplation of placing a load of topsoil or manure in a high-end SUV causes me great consternation and anxiety. Many of today's SUV's beat out my living room when it comes to resplendence and lavishness. Such luxurious cargo holds tend to restrict their usefulness, not so with the XUV. You see, with the sealing

The Envoy's unique backend unfortunately reduces visibility, so parking can be a challenge. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

midgate in place the cargo area can be hosed out, literally. Turn the tap on, point the nozzle and let it go - industrial man-size cleaning at its best. Its rugged walls and floor are impervious to water. Special one-way drains allow water and crud to flow like oil from the Exxon Valdez, minus the tragic consequences of course.

The only fly in the XUV ointment is diminished visibility out of the tailgate window and rear side windows due to their reduced size. This hindrance is in attendance when parallel parking or backing into a garage. After some practice or a few body panel scrapes, with the use of the large side mirrors this complication is easily overcome.