Acceleration
"Regular-length 6-cyl Envoys and Ascenders unstressed in routine driving, do fine in highway merging and passing. Seven-passenger Envoy XLs and Ascenders weigh about 350 lb more. In these, 6-cyl is only adequate. Test regular-length 2WD Denali strong from a stop, has fine passing power. New cylinder-deactivation feature is seamless in operation. "

Value
"We judge Envoy the best choice among GM-built midsize SUVs. It has a pleasing enough interior, and a good ride/handling mix with the optional rear air suspension. Truck-tough engineering is a plus for towing. Still, car-type SUVs remain more sensible for most everyday users. Iuszu Ascender shares the virtues of comparably outfitted Envoys, but suffers from a thinner dealer network and potentially lower resale value. "

Ride
"Load-leveling suspension, available for Envoy but not Ascender, is more composed than conventional coil-spring setup, which allows float and wander at highway speeds. Envoy XLs share longer wheelbase with 7-passenger Ascenders. This helps smooth out bumps, but the 7-seat models also porpoise through dips and swells without the air suspension. "

Economy
"Extended-use-test 4WD 2003 Envoy XL with 6-cyl averaged 15.8 mpg over 21,677 miles. Test regular-length 2WD Denali averaged 15.2 mpg in mostly city driving. GM claims V8's cylinder-deactivation system improves fuel economy by up to 8 percent in certain light-load driving conditions."

Noise
"The 6-cyl cruises quietly enough, but sounds ragged at full throttle. V8 is more refined. Some tire noise at highway speeds, and that's drowned out by considerable wind noise, especially from around the sunroof--even when it's closed. Denali markedly quieter under all conditions. "

Comfort - Front
"Good head and leg room, even for taller folks. Seats fairly comfortable and supportive. Driver has good view to front and sides, but headrests and roof pillars hamper lane changes and backing up. Available power-adjustable pedals help tailor a comfortable position, especially for shorter drivers."

Comfort - Rear
"Six-footers have ample 2nd-row head and knee room, plus adequate under-seat foot space despite uneven floorboard. Split bench seat comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing. On 7-passenger models, 2nd-row seats slide forward and tilt up for accessing 3rd-row seat, which is roomy enough for two adults and more comfortable than those in most midsize SUVs."

Controls
"Envoy and Ascender share a user-friendly dashboard with smooth-acting switchgear, though a test model had a loose, flimsy headlamp knob. Mainstream Envoys use unimpressive imitation-wood trim, but are more upscale than TrailBlazers for interior decor. Combined navigation/audio relatively easy to use. Denali's leather and unique trim bits do little to improve interior ambience. "

Cargo Room
"Ample in regular-length models, bountiful in extendeds. The 60/40 split 2nd row seat with automatic-folding headrests converts easily, but extendeds have a tiered floor that complicates packing. "