The standard Envoy is a five-passenger SUV with two rows of comfortable seats. The SLE and SLT models are compelling alternatives to the Ford Explorer and other mid-size SUVs. Stable and responsive with excellent road manners, the Envoy comes with a smooth, powerful inline six-cylinder engine that has been updated for 2006.

The Envoy Denali is equipped with a more powerful V8 engine that improves its performance and increases its cargo-hauling and trailer-towing capability. This optional 5.3-liter V8 features GM's Displacement on Demand technology, which idles half the cylinders when cruising to enhance fuel economy. Denali is also upgraded with luxury features and special trim, including 18-inch aluminum wheels for 2006.

The extra-long Envoy XL models are considerably longer, allowing seven-passenger seating and greater hauling versatility. Because it's longer and heavier, the XL doesn't handle as well as the Envoy nor does it feel as reassuring as the wider GMC Yukon. In short, we much prefer the Envoy and Yukon over the Envoy XL, though the latter does represent a value proposition.

Safety gets a major addition for 2006, as all Envoys come equipped with GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control with Proactive Roll Avoidance. This system uses selective wheel braking and compensating shock absorber adjustments to help maintain vehicle control on slick and uneven road surfaces, as well as during emergency lane changes or avoidance maneuvers. It's a great system.