2004 Envoy SLT XUV 4WD Road Test

Seating issues aside, long distance cruising is a specialty of the Envoy. GM took extra care in the design and engineering phases to ensure the Envoy would coddle its passengers in comfort, smoothness and tranquility. My loaded XUV tester was whisper quiet during routine operation, thanks in part to the midgate arrangement, which seals the

GM took extra care in the design and engineering phases to ensure the Envoy would coddle its passengers in comfort, smoothness and tranquility. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

cabin away from the noise generated in the cargo area. On smooth roads, at reasonable speeds, road and wind noises were close to being inaudible. Given that the Envoy is a 4-wheel drive SUV, I consider this achievement to be remarkable. And only under fierce acceleration was engine noise ever more than the heavily muted murmur of a well-muffled American V8.

The hushed tones within the Envoy's vault-like cabin are complemented by its very smooth ride. Much of which is attributable to a long wheelbase of 328 cm (129 in), coil springs all around, urethane jounce bumpers, front and rear stabilizer bars and Bilstein

With a suspension setup for ride comfort, handling and off-road ability suffer. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

shock absorbers. The overall suspension setup is oriented toward comfort. Road irregularities are absorbed with little more than minor jiggling. Rough surfaces, such as gravel roads also pose little challenge to the Envoy's ride quality.

Of course the paradox to a smooth ride is sluggish handling and impeded off-road ability. In the case of the Envoy, neither paradoxical is sufficient a detractor to concern me. Sure, there is some body lean in hard cornering and the hefty 2,287 kg (5,042 lb) curb weight makes itself evident in the form of unwelcome sway during emergency maneuvers - but not to the point of being inordinate.