What Is It?
2005 GMC Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali
What's Special About It?
Considering the prestige and profits the Denali name represents among GMC's full-size SUVs, it was only a matter of time before it made its way to the midsize Envoy and its long-wheelbase sibling, the Envoy XL. In addition to the distinctive honeycomb grille treatment and lowered front fascia, the Envoy Denali incorporates more substantive content like a standard V8, upgraded leather upholstery and wood grain and satin nickel-finish interior accents. It also benefits from most, if not all, of the noise reduction measures taken for the Buick Rainier, including additional sound-deadening material and laminated glass.
The engine is the same 290-horsepower, 5.3-liter V8 found in other GM trucks, but with one key difference — Displacement on Demand. Similar to the Cylinder Idling System in Honda's Civic Hybrid sedan, Displacement on Demand, or DOD, can shut down half of the V8's cylinders in less demanding driving situations — effectively creating a V4 engine, according to GMC. During cylinder deactivation, the intake and exhaust valves close, cutting off the combustion process. When more power is required for quick acceleration, the computer reactivates the cylinders in what GMC says is a seamless transition. During more grueling tasks, such as towing, all eight cylinders remain active at all times. Benefits of DOD include reduced emissions and an eight-percent improvement in fuel economy. How much of a difference does eight percent make? Currently, a V8-equipped Envoy XL has a combined mpg rating of 16.3; when equipped with DOD, it would have a combined rating of 17.6 mpg.
What's Edmunds' Take?
The Denali versions of the Envoy and Envoy XL will arrive at dealers in the early months of 2005. Although we're sure these will be the most enjoyable versions of the Envoy yet, we'd recommend waiting until 2006 when GMC plans to fit both Denali models with 18-inch wheels and StabiliTrak (which should provide some much needed stability for this SUV's skittish back end). Although still modest in its benefits, the Displacement on Demand system should make its way down both the GMC and Chevrolet truck lines in coming months to help GM meet tightening emissions and fuel economy standards. — Erin Riches
2005 GMC Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali
What's Special About It?
Considering the prestige and profits the Denali name represents among GMC's full-size SUVs, it was only a matter of time before it made its way to the midsize Envoy and its long-wheelbase sibling, the Envoy XL. In addition to the distinctive honeycomb grille treatment and lowered front fascia, the Envoy Denali incorporates more substantive content like a standard V8, upgraded leather upholstery and wood grain and satin nickel-finish interior accents. It also benefits from most, if not all, of the noise reduction measures taken for the Buick Rainier, including additional sound-deadening material and laminated glass.
The engine is the same 290-horsepower, 5.3-liter V8 found in other GM trucks, but with one key difference — Displacement on Demand. Similar to the Cylinder Idling System in Honda's Civic Hybrid sedan, Displacement on Demand, or DOD, can shut down half of the V8's cylinders in less demanding driving situations — effectively creating a V4 engine, according to GMC. During cylinder deactivation, the intake and exhaust valves close, cutting off the combustion process. When more power is required for quick acceleration, the computer reactivates the cylinders in what GMC says is a seamless transition. During more grueling tasks, such as towing, all eight cylinders remain active at all times. Benefits of DOD include reduced emissions and an eight-percent improvement in fuel economy. How much of a difference does eight percent make? Currently, a V8-equipped Envoy XL has a combined mpg rating of 16.3; when equipped with DOD, it would have a combined rating of 17.6 mpg.
What's Edmunds' Take?
The Denali versions of the Envoy and Envoy XL will arrive at dealers in the early months of 2005. Although we're sure these will be the most enjoyable versions of the Envoy yet, we'd recommend waiting until 2006 when GMC plans to fit both Denali models with 18-inch wheels and StabiliTrak (which should provide some much needed stability for this SUV's skittish back end). Although still modest in its benefits, the Displacement on Demand system should make its way down both the GMC and Chevrolet truck lines in coming months to help GM meet tightening emissions and fuel economy standards. — Erin Riches
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