Scraped or not, there is no ambiguity in concluding that the unique midgate and opening roof of the Envoy XUV sets it well apart from the many other SUVs cluttering today's marketplace. But to be a class leader, an SUV needs more than unsurpassed practicality. Like contestants in a beauty pageant, it needs grace, poise and polish. Although the Envoy XUV may not lead in each of these categories, it makes a strong showing.
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| The Envoy's clean lines and non-muddled appearance remain stylish and modern looking, although not groundbreaking. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
It is nearly identical in looks to the Envoy XL, which is slightly larger than the standard Envoy. Although the Envoy design has changed little since its introduction in 2002, its clean lines and non-muddled appearance remain stylish and modern looking, albeit not a design breakthrough by my easily impugned standards.
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| The XUV's tailgate folds down like a pickup truck or alternatively opens horizontally, bringing back a truly handy feature from '70s era station wagons. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Classed as a mid-size SUV, the Envoy XUV pushes the boundaries of this category. Although the revered practicality of its XUV contrivance eliminates the possibility of a third-row seat, this buggy is not miserly when it comes to passenger imbued space. Four passengers can ride in fine comfort with decent legroom and ample head and shoulder room. If a fifth passenger is contemplated, the unlucky fare will find themselves bottoms down on a poorly padded, less supportive center portion of the split rear bench. Not a great locale for long distance cruising, regardless of one's age or place in the car-seating hierarchy.