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2006 GMC Envoy

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2006 GMC Envoy Review

An improvement over its predecessors.

Reviewed by Automotive on

Overview

The 2006 GMC Envoy sport utility vehicle (SUV) has made substantial improvements over its forerunners. Its attractive exterior and roomy interior now meet the needs of many consumers. Still, GMC could do a better job shoring up the handling and improving the Envoy’s interior materials. The 2006 GMC Envoy is available in three trim levels and has a ton of options to choose from.

The Range

Body Styles: SUV
Engines: 4.2-liter inline-six cylinder, 5.3-liter V-8
Transmissions: four-speed automatic
Models: Envoy SLE, Envoy SLT, Envoy Denali

What's New

The 2006 GMC Envoy models now feature OnStar and cruise control as standard equipment. Also this year, the GMC Envoy Denali trim receives the addition of stability control and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Exterior

The 2006 GMC Envoy comes in three trim levels: SLE, SLT, and Denali. All three share a shield-shaped grille, which helps to give the Envoy a distinctive look among its competition of mid-range SUVs. The Denali version rides on 18-inch tires, while the non-Denali models have cast-aluminum 17-inch wheels. The Envoy seats up to five passengers. The SUV has a wheelbase of 113 inches, while the extended-wheelbase Envoy XL is 129 inches. Respectively, it measures 191.6 inches and 207.6 inches in overall length.

Interior

Unfortunately, the 2006 GMC Envoy falls short in impressing anyone with its interior quality, but that seems to be typical for GMC vehicles. However, this shortcoming shouldn't necessarily deter potential buyers from considering the GMC Envoy. Since it has an adequate interior, but lacks in wow factor, it has numerous options that might help make up for that.

The SLE trim has a cloth interior, dual-zone, manual air-conditioning, a CD player, power windows, power mirrors, power locks, and keyless entry. Loaded with features, the SLT includes a driver information center, automatic climate control, leather seating, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with its own radio and climate controls. The 60/40-split rear seats fold flat to provide extra cargo room. With the seats folded flat, maximum cargo capacity is 80 cubic feet.

Step up to the Denali trim and you’ll get a unique wood and brushed nickel accent trim, heated seats, and a Bose audio system. Additional options include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a DVD-based navigation system, upgraded audio systems, and satellite radio.

Performance & Handling

The 2006 GMC Envoy performs well. The SLE and SLT models have a 291 horsepower, 4.2-liter, inline six-cylinder engine that puts out 277 lb-ft of torque. It manages to out-power most V-6s and V-8s from its competitors. The engine’s four-speed automatic transmission shifts easily and precisely. The SLE and SLT models are capable of towing 6300 pounds. The Denali is equipped with a 5.3-liter V-8 that cranks out 300 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 6600 pounds.

The Envoy gives a well-cushioned ride out on the road, even if the steering offers a less than desired road feel and sloppy cornering skills. Off-road, the GMC Envoy is quite capable of taking on any of the typical obstacles a consumer may encounter trying to access trailheads or campsites.

Safety

The 2006 GMC Envoy gets mixed safety reviews. Equipped with the optional full-length head curtain airbags, it earned five out of five stars for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) side-impact test for protection of front and rear passengers. However, frontal-impact tests earned the Envoy three out of five stars for driver and four out of five stars for front-passenger protection. It was rated ""marginal"" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) after frontal offset crash tests.

Four-wheel anti-lock disk brakes and stability control come standard on all Envoys. All five seating locations are equipped with three-point seatbelts as well.

EPA Fuel Economy

Envoy: 14/19 mpg city/highway

You'll Like

  • Available options list
  • Six-cylinder engine
  • Available V-8 engine
  • User-friendly interior design

You Won't Like

  • Unimpressive interior materials
  • Sloppy corner handling
  • Numb steering

Sum Up

An improvement over its predecessors.

If You Like This Vehicle

  • Buick Rainier
  • Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT
  • Ford Explorer
  • Honda Pilot
  • Toyota 4Runner
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