As the SUV segment continues to evolve, customers are trying to get greater utility from family haulers. Automakers like GMC know that the rear third-row seat, which offers seating for two or three passengers, is one of the main draws. So, the GMC Envoy XL is an adaptable, smart, and capable SUV, offering comfortable three-row seating for seven passengers and excellent towing capacity. Here is everything you need to know about the GMC Envoy XL:

About GMC
GMC, a division of the automaker General Motors, primarily offers SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and light-duty vehicles. It was previously known as the General Motors Truck Company or the GMC Truck & Coach Division.

Engine and performance
The GMC Envoy XL’s basic 4.2-liter six-cylinder engine offers smooth and strong performance, which is crucial for sports utility vehicles. This engine is a contemporary inline-6 that generates 291 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque and comes with twin overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and variable phasing for the exhaust cam. In the Envoy 2WD variant, the 4.2-liter six-cylinder engine can earn up to 16 and 21 mpg in the city and on highways, respectively. So, you get a great engine, and the transmission does not need to downshift much to provide power, as you also get abundant torque. When you step on the gas, the engine feels like it is simply striding, not screaming, and you can expect the full-throttle upshift at roughly 6000 rpm. Further, you can also get a 5.3-liter V8 engine on the Denali trim. This variant generates 300 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque.

Interiors
The GMC Envoy XL has cozy seats, although the seat bottoms could use additional support. Nevertheless, the seat cushions are substantially longer, wider, and thicker and offer great side bolstering. The SUV’s large body can easily seat up to seven passengers. As for the cabin design, the console and instrument panel comes with brushed nickel highlights, and the upgraded Denali trim has wood elements to give a luxurious feel to the interiors. However, you may find plastics on the dash and door panels. A key feature of the car is that it offers more cargo space than other midsize SUVs. The area behind the third-row seats is 23 cubic feet, and when the second and third rows are folded, the capacity increases to a maximum of 107 cubic feet.

Technology
A key convenience in modern cars, especially on hot summer days, is the ability to set your own temperature. The GMC Envoy XL offers this functionality with its dual-zone climate control, automatic or manual, depending on the trim you choose. You get a six-disc in-dash CD player and an optional Bose audio system for exceptional sound quality and a wide range of customization options. RDS (Radio Data Systems) technology is a feature you can find in all Envoy audio systems. The RDS displays song and artist information and provides traffic and weather updates. Additional features in the SUV’s overhead console are a sunglasses holder, Homelink universal transmitter, and a Travelnote digital recorder (add-on) that enables the driver to record phone numbers while on the phone. Further, you get numerous interior lights, including reading lights.

Safety
Stability control and four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard equipment on the Envoy XL, and head curtain airbags are an optional feature. The standard-wheelbase Envoy received a five-star rating for its protection of the front and rear passengers in the side-impact test when equipped with optional airbags. Despite the XL not having undergone NHTSA testing, the regular Envoy received three stars and four stars for driver and front passenger protection, respectively, in frontal crash tests.

The GMC Envoy XL undoubtedly outperforms the competition in terms of cargo space and comfort for its passengers. It also makes a case for its powerful performance when equipped with a strong V8 engine.