2005 GMC Envoy XUV Trims and Specs

The 2005 GMC Envoy XUV SLE gets few changes this year after its introduction in 2004. The rear-wheel drive SUV doubles as a pickup, with a retractable rear roof that uncovers a 40 cubic foot cargo bed. The tailgate folds down or to the side, for two extra feet, and the rear seats and Midgate divider also folds, to expand the capacity to 80 cubic feet. A roof rack is also standard. Tie-downs are included, and a cargo net can be added. Power comes from a 4.2-liter, 275-hp DOHC I6 with 275 lb-ft of torque or a 5.3-liter, 290-hp V8 with 325 lb-ft of torque. A 4-speed automatic is the only transmission. The XUV SLE rides on 17-inch wheels, with 4-wheel ABS brakes, automatic headlights, daytime running lights, foglights, and dual front-side airbags. Traction control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, side rails, and a self-leveling suspension are optional.

Full power features, cruise control, a CD player, intermittent front and rear wipers, OnStar, a tilt steering wheel, keyless entry, a security system, and a garage opener are nice accessories to keep drivers and passengers comfortable. The 2005 Envoy XUV SLE can be equipped with power front seats, leather upholstery, adjustable pedals, a DVD player, navigation system, CD/MP3 player and changer, satellite radio, and sunroof. Gas mileage runs only about 14/19, which is a big complaint for owners. Another downside is the cupholder location in front. Drivers praise the handling, smooth ride, cargo versatility, and standard features found in the 2005 Envoy XUV SLE.

For added security in tough weather conditions, the 2005 GMC Envoy XUV SLE 4WD adds full-time four-wheel drive with a locking center differential. This combines with the 17-inch wheels, 4-wheel ABS brakes, and dual front-side airbags to earn three and five stars in crash tests (the three go to frontal impact). Other safety measures include automatic headlights, foglights, and daytime running lights. Traction control, a self-leveling suspension, running boards, and skid plates are optional. Engine power to the SUV that converts into a pickup comes from a 4.2-liter, 275-hp DOHC I6 or a 5.3-liter, 290-hp V8 and 4-speed automatic.

Though considered the base model, the 2005 Envoy XUV SLE 4WD features a full power setup, CD player, cruise control, intermittent front and rear wipers, tilt steering wheel, OnStar, keyless entry, a garage opener, security system, and leather trim. A trailer hitch can tow up to 6400 pounds, in addition to the 80 cubic feet of cargo space. A roof rack adds more flexibility. Rear seats split-fold and the Midgate divider retracts its window and folds down to expand the trunk. Options include satellite radio, a navigation system, power front seats, power-adjustable pedals, a CD/MP3 player and changer, and a sunroof. Aside from gas mileage, drivers find little wrong with the XUV SLE. They particularly like the cargo bed's versatility and that it can be easily washed.

A bit more upscale than the SLE, the 2005 GMC Envoy XUV SLT is a rear-wheel drive SUV/pickup with a retractable roof. The cargo area features tie-downs, and a cargo net is optional. Drain holes and a hard plastic finish make the bed easily washable. Engine choices are a 4.2-liter, 275-hp I6 or 5.3-liter, 290-hp V8, both matched to a 4-speed automatic. The 2005 Envoy XUV SLT features 17-inch wheels, dual front and new full-length curtain airbags, automatic headlights, mirrors with turn signals, foglights, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Other safety options include skid plates, traction control, a self-leveling suspension, and a locking center differential.

Standard equipment in the SLT includes heated power front seats and heated mirrors, leather upholstery and trim, driver's memory settings, CD player, intermittent front and rear wipers, wheel-mounted and backseat audio controls, automatic climate control, keyless entry, a garage opener, a trip computer, and OnStar. In addition to the 40-80 cubic feet of cargo area, there is a standard roof rack and a trailer hitch to tow up to 6400 pounds. New options this year are wood accents, a DVD navigation system, and a CD/MP3 player. Other extras are satellite radio, running boards, power adjustable pedals, a CD changer, a sunroof, and rain-sensing wipers. Drivers like the handling of the 2005 Envoy XUV SLT, but dislike the center console.

Some extra standard features and full-time four-wheel drive capability are packed into the 2005 GMC Envoy SUV SLT 4WD. The SUV with a retractable roof over its cargo bed comes with automatic locking hubs and a locking center differential to go with the 4WD. Under the hood is a standard 4.2-liter, 275-hp DOHC I6 or a 5.3-liter, 290-hp V8 and 4-speed auto tran. It sits on 17-inch wheels and features 4-wheel ABS brakes, automatic headlights, foglights, mirrors with turn signals, and daytime running lights. In addition to dual front airbags, the 2005 Envoy XUV SLT 4WD gets side curtain bags. Options include a self-leveling suspension, skid plates, and traction control.

Heated leather seats and power front seats with driver's memory settings stand out in the SLT. Wheel-mounted audio and cruise control, a CD player, backseat audio controls, keyless entry, a security system, garage opener, OnStar intermittent front and rear wipers, dual front power outlets, heated mirrors, and leather trim are all standard. For a little extra, you can add a navigation system, satellite radio, rain-sensing wipers, a sunroof, and a CD/MP3 player with CD changer. Drivers love the retractable roof and Midgate, and the washable cargo bed. They also like the handling, but say the suspension feels too spongy and the cornering involves a lot of body lean. The center console needs reworking.