2005 GMC Envoy XL SLT Road Test

Not only will the Envoy XL impress with its smooth ride and decent pulling power, it will do so while ensconcing its

The "V8" emblem on the back of my tester meant 5.3 liters (325 cubic inches) of displacement eagerly awaited a push of the throttle. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

occupants in a shroud of near-silent ambience. Road noise is banished from the Envoy's cab and wind noise, although present at highway speeds, is quite acceptable for hurtling something so large down the highway.

The "V8" emblem standing proud on my tester meant that 5.3 liters (325 cubic inches) of displacement eagerly awaited a push of the throttle. Unless it is being pushed hard, the XL's heavily muffled engine is barely audible. Under full acceleration, some baritone truck sounds seep into the living space from the optional mill, especially when the tachometer needle passes 4,000 rpm.

In addition to a stout 300 horsepower, an increase of 10 horsepower over the 2004 version, the creamy smooth eight-cylinder

The Vortec 5300 V8 delivers respectable fuel economy ratings thanks to GM's Displacement-On-Demand (DoD) technology. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

produces 330 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm, which is up by 5 lb-ft of torque over last year's 5.3 liter. When the V8 option is passed up, powering the Envoy is a very smooth inline-six capable of 275 horsepower and 275 pounds-feet of torque, both of which are very respectable figures.

The Vortec 5300 V8 not only produces power capable of enthusiastically moving this two and a half ton sled, it also delivers respectable fuel economy ratings thanks to GM's Displacement-On-Demand (DoD) technology, which deactivates four of the eight cylinders when the need for power has diminished.