XL Unlimited Versatility
In today's acronym-crazy world of automotive nomenclature, I believe XUV is intended to represent, "crossover utility vehicle." Meaning that the vehicle's intended function crosses over multiple lines of traditional functionality. In the case of the 2004 GMC Envoy XUV, the "UV" part of the acronym may just as well stand for, "ultra versatility."
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| The XUV, like other crossover vehicles, blurs the lines between traditional functionality and classes. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
GM took a bold step in 2001 with the launch of Chevy's switch-hitting Avalanche 4x4 pickup. In this ambidextrous design, the rear wall of the cab and the rear seat fold flat enabling large items to be carried in the combined space of the rear portion of the cab and the vehicle's pickup style box. This combination granted the union of full-size cargo carrying dimensions with full-size human carrying capacity, sans the unmanageable length resulting from the more conventional union of a full size pickup bed with a crew cab.
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| The mid-size Envoy XUV converts from the ordinary to the extraordinary with the flick of a button or two. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Snapping at the heels of the successful Avalanche is GM's Envoy XUV, which ratchets-up the "utility quotient" to a new high. Essentially, this mid-size converts from the ordinary to the extraordinary with the flick of a button or two. All the action takes place in the rear cargo area of the Envoy. The rear window lowers itself into the two-way tailgate, following which the rear roof panel slides forward completely eliminating any height restriction on any payload that will fit within the rear cargo area. Imagine trying to haul a refrigerator in the upright position in a typical SUV. Unless we're talking bar fridge, the likelihood of success is diddley squat.