Overview

What's New
Not much changes for the Envoy in 2007. Tire-pressure monitoring and the newest generation of OnStar are now standard on all models. New on the options list is an 18-inch high-polished forged aluminum wheel design available on SLE and SLT models. Also, the 7-passenger extended-length Envoy XL model has been dropped from the line.

Overview
The Envoy enters its sixth model year in 2007, but it may be discontinued soon along with several other truck-based sport utility vehicles (SUVs) from General Motors to make room for their more popular crossover counterparts. The 5-passenger Envoy is built on the same platform as the Buick Rainer, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Isuzu Ascender , and Saab 9-7X . For 2007, the Envoy is available in SLE, SLT, and Denali trim. With the discontinuation of the extended-length model, the midsize Envoy now comes exclusively in a 113-inch wheelbase. Four-wheel drive is optional.

All 2007 Envoy models feature OnStar Generation 7 with Advanced Automatic Crash Notification, which automatically notifies emergency services in the event of air bag deployment. Also standard is StabiliTrak stability control and the new tire-pressure-monitoring system. Other safety features include dual-stage frontal air bags and the availability of head curtain side air bags that inflate from the roof and side window header. The side bags deploy in the event of a side impact to protect passengers in both rows of seats.

GMC offers two engine configurations in the Envoy. Standard power for SLE and SLT models is a 291-hp, Vortec 4.2-liter 6-cylinder. A more powerful (300 hp) Vortec 5.3-liter V-8 is standard in the Denali model. The V-8 comes equipped with Active Fuel Management technology, which saves fuel by shutting down four of the engine's eight cylinders in light load situations. Both engines get a new fuel-enhancing regulated voltage control for 2007 and come with a 4-speed, electronically-controlled automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity for the Envoy is 6,300 pounds for the 6-cylinder engine and 6,600 pounds for the V-8.

The Competition
The GMC Envoy competes in the Midsize Utility segment, which consists of 16 models. Buyers in this segment look for performance, reliability, and comfort, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Honda Pilot (152,154 units sold), Jeep Grand Cherokee (139,148), and Ford Explorer (131,759). The GMC Envoy sold 49,072 units in 2006, a decrease of 26.9 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Midsize Utility segment include the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Commander, Nissan Pathfinder, and Dodge Durango. Joining the segment in 2007 is the Chrysler Aspen.