Can't decide between a family-friendly SUV or a work-oriented practical pickup truck? GMC hopes to allay your fears by offering the new 2004 GMC Envoy XUV, a five-person SUV that features a retractable rear roof to uncover a small cargo bed. This adds versatility when you need to store tall or oversized items. The 2004 Envoy XUV slightly longer than the Envoy XL, which has three rows of seats. The XUV loses the third row in favor of a three-and-a-half foot cargo bed. A Midgate wall behind can folded down and the rear seats folded to add another three feet. With the tailgate open as well, the full cargo bed extends to eight feet, with cargo capacity of up to 80 cubic feet.

Available in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the 2004 XUV comes in a base SLE or more luxury SLT (luxury basically adds leather and a power driver's seat to the package). All come with a standard 4.2-liter, 275-hp 6-cylinder engine or an optional 5.3-liter, 290-hp V8 with 325 lb-ft of torque. A 4-speed automatic is the only transmission. Equipped with the V8, the XUV can tow up to 6400 pounds. Both trims feature ABS brakes, dual front-side airbags, full power features, a CD player, dual-zone climate control, and two power outlets. Options add on luxury extras such as satellite radio and a navigation system. The cargo area features movable tie-downs and drainage holes, and there is an optional tent cover and mattress offered in a camping package.

The 2004 Envoy XUV wasn't a quick sell, perhaps because its "hybrid" nature confused prospective buyers. But those who own one love its cargo versatility, its smooth and sturdy handling, and V8 power. Gas mileage is not the greatest, and the process of removing the Midgate and folding the rear seats can be arduous, according to some drivers. Some don't like the plastic look of the interior materials.