Driver's Log.(News)(Product/Service Evaluation)

2004 GMC Envoy XUV

Date in fleet: Dec. 12-22 As-tested price: $41,950 Powertrain: 4.2-liter I6; 4wd, four-speed automatic Output: 275 hp @ 6000 rpm, 275 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm Curb weight: 4954 pounds

GRITZINGER: If you thought the extended (third-row model) TrailBlazer/Envoy was tail-heavy, try this XUV. Dropping the weight of the third row of seats isn't anywhere near an offset for all the Midgate/power window/ power roof/bracing stuff they added to make this vehicle do its transformer magic. And the cost of all this makes the XUV a reasonable option to only a very select few who really feel that their sport/ute must be capable of being an SUV, truck and luxury sedan all rolled into one. Personally, I'd take two capabilities out of three and save $10,000 to $15,000.

Yes, it is quite a sight to see, the rear windows powering down while the rooftop slides open. I like the idea of a Midgate in a smaller vehicle (fergoshsakes, put it in the Canyon/Colorado, will ya?). It all seems pretty well put together with no apparent squeaks and rattles at just over 1000 miles on the odometer. But my bet is that regular road use, not to mention any off-roading or harsh use, will make this dude wiggle like a puppy down the road.

My biggest issue though, is that the XUV is a very weighty piece to drag around town for that occasional too-tall item that you need to carry home standing upright. Toss it into a corner and the rear end just wallows, while the already soft-pedal brakes feel positively overwhelmed in this configuration. Funny, the engine still does a good job, though remains a touch noisy for the luxo crowd.

And even though it's a hose-out-able truck bed in the back, how many owners of such an expensive and plush SUV are going to take the chance with really dumping a load of dirt in there? Besides, how the heck are you gonna get that dirt back out without putting a shovel handle through a side window?

Again, as much as I love practical, do-every- thing transformer vehicles, I think what most people want when they buy the XUV is either a nice pickup or a nice SUV. If they want both, they should buy an Avalanche.