Both SUVs run on the Vortec 5300 V8, which is estimated at 290 hp and 325 lb.-ft. of torque, but later on in the year the Displacement On Demand (DOD) version of this engine will be standard on the Envoy XL Denali.
DOD is a fabulous new technology which allows an engine to operate on all of its cylinders when the driver or the situation demands full power, and on half of its cylinders the rest of the time to improve fuel economy.
There is zero difference in any kind of performance (including towing) with DOD, and an improvement in fuel economy that ranges from decent to very good, depending upon your driving mode. Urban driving will deliver a decent saving, while constant-speed highway touring will show a big decrease in fuel use.
To make a hard point, there's no reason in the world to buy an Envoy XL Denali without DOD, unless you want to spend more on gas.
Bunnell says the standard equipment list for the Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali includes electronically controlled air suspension, 17-inch polished forged aluminum wheels, an interior noise reduction package, Nuance leather on eight-way adjustable and heated front seats, Bose premium audio system, headlamp washers, power-adjustable pedals, and content theft deterrent.
There's a cargo shade/cargo net Envoy Denali, third-row floor mats on the Envoy XL Denali, traction assist on 2WD models, and Autotrac all-wheel-drive on the 4WD models.
Looking further down the road to the 2006 model year of Envoy, a vehicle stability enhancement system will be optional, and 18-inch wheels and tires will be standard.
Inside the cabin, the leather is used to accent additional interior items, including the steering wheel, shift boot, parking brake boot, center console cover and in the door panels above the armrests. Selective use of satin nickel and burl wood grain accents are meant to complement the upscale passenger compartment.
A new, burl wood grain accent that's richer and darker in appearance surrounds interior components in the center of the instrument panel and console. It also is used in trim surrounding the light switches and the switches on the door armrests.
Along with being nicer inside, says Bunnell, every Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali should be quieter inside as well. ''To that end, these new models have up to 20 additional applications of acoustic material treatments designed to deliver exceptionally low interior noise levels.''
Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali are scheduled to arrive in showrooms in the first quarter of 2005.