Nowadays, many car companies create new models by duplicating and super-sizing market rivals. But for 2004, GMC decided to try something different, the new Envoy XUV. This unique ÒX-tra Utility VehicleÓ combines the practicality of a standard Envoy SUV with a sliding roof so it can be quickly converted to haul like a pickup truck. A tantilizing concept for sure, but should consumers bite?

Why not? The 2004 GMC Envoy XUV is all things cargo meets carry-all. It neatly and cleverly fills a void between increasingly luxury oriented SUVs and working pickup trucks. Now there’s a new way to work and play, and the XUV is the only kid with the know-how.

Derived from the extended GMC Envoy XL, the XUV is equipped with the same full frame structure and most of the same basic components of its brother. However, the XUV’s form and function are decidedly different.

Though not the first crossover SUV pickup Ð think Chevrolet Avalanche and even the Subaru Baja Ð the XUV is the first one to really ‘‘seal the gap’’ between SUV and pickup with a sliding rear roof and weather tight cargo bay. After lowering the tailgate window, the touch of a button motivates the power rear roof to slide forward. We haven’t seen a roof like this since the Studebacker Lark Wagon of the early 1960s. The XUV’s open roof converts the fully closed space to a cargo bed with a 32 by 32 inch opening, more than large enough to carry tall furniture and trees upright.

Loading is eased by also bringing back the dual action tailgate: One that opens either downward or swings to the right side. A folding midgate with power window separates rear passengers from the new cargo space and the elements. For maximum hauling, lower the midgate window and fold it flat, then flip the rear seats forward to expand cargo space from 49 cubic feet to a total of 95.2 cubic feet. The easy-to-clean, all-weather bed features a unique quick drain system that allows the space to be easily washed out after even the most brutal garden haul.

Pretty neat. But with all the XUV’s unnatural utility, styling is still SUV smooth. The front fascia features a wide-flanked grille, large headlamp clusters and deep set fog lamps. Broad shoulders flow into sculpted wheel openings filled with standard 17-inch aluminum wheels accentuating its long 129-inch wheelbase. In the back, the full-width tailgate is well integrated with wrap around ruby-jewel taillights.

Inside, the XUV cabin features brushed nickel finish and wood accents on the console and instrument panel. The SLE trim includes dual-zone climate controls, a six-speaker audio system and OnStar communications. Our SLT trim adds leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats and a leather wrapped tilt wheel with controls, plus automatic climate. Unlike the Envoy XL, the XUV has only two rows of seats. But there is room back here for three adults with rear seat vent controls.

No matter what the load, depend on the standard 4.2-liter twin-cam, 24 valve in-line six-cylinder engine to get the job done. The inline-six pushes out 275 horsepower and an equal 275 pound feet of torque. Our XUV, with the available 5.3 liter V-8, boosts power to 290 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. With that, maximum towing capacity sails from the 6’s 5,800 pound limit to the V-8’s 6,500 pound limit. Both engines are linked to a rugged Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic and come standard in two-wheel drive with available on-demand four-wheel drive.

On the track, our XUV V-8 ran to 60 in an athletic 8.4 seconds, a second faster than the I-6, and took the quarter mile in 16.9 seconds at 75 miles-per-hour. The ‘‘8’’ is strong off the line and through the midrange, but runs out of steam well before top end. The exhaust note is pleasantly muted and the transmission is geared for low pulling power. Still shifts are smooth and overall quiet.

The 4-wheel vented ABS-equipped disc brakes proved stable and consistent, stopping from 60 in a reasonable 134 feet. There is significant nose dive and pedal feel is soft with little feedback.

In corners, the Envoy shows its body-on-frame truck roots, with slow turn ins and rather sluggish steering response. The rack-and-pinion steering also lacks feel, leaving the driver with little information about what the front tires are doing. The independent front and solid axle 5-link rear suspension, which delivers such a great ride on the street, also produces a lot of body roll, but lateral transitions are fairly smooth. Push it hard, and the tail will slide, but in a controlled and predictable manner. Hardly a sports car, but more than acceptable by truck standards.

Fuel economy, according to the EPA, for our 4-wheel-drive V-8 begs 14 city and 18 highway. On a mixed loop of everyday driving, expect 14 miles per gallon. Pricing for this 2004 GMC Envoy XUV starts at $31,925 for the Inline-6 2-wheel-drive, 4-wheel-drive pushes that to $34,150, or go for the XUV V-8 all-wheel-drive and the final tag reads $40,250 before options.

So, like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, the 2004 GMC Envoy XUV is a quick change artist, delivering rugged pick-em-up capabilities, and a soft, spacious and smooth sport-ute experience. By bringing back and improving on features of bygone people and thing movers, the XUV is very close to a one-truck-fits-all design, and it’s the first truck-SUV crossover vehicle that truly lives up to its billing.

Specifications

  • Engine: 5.3 Liter V-8
  • Horsepower: 290
  • Torque: 325 Lb Feet
  • 0-60 MPH: 8.4 Seconds
  • 1/4 Mile: 16.9 Seconds @ 75 MPH
  • 60-0 MPH: 134 Feet
  • EPA Mileage: 14 MPG City 18 MPG Highway
  • Motorweek's Mileage Loop: 14 MPG Mixed City/highway