The GMC Envoy XUV Was An American Swiss Knife For Freedom Lovers

"Margin Of Error" (marginoferror) 04/08/2015 at 11:15 • Filed to: FORGOTTEN CLASSICS, FC, ESSAY

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Founded in 1901, GMC has been General Motor's leading truck division for over a century, but this doesn't prevent them from innovating. As a matter of fact, at age 103, GMC presented one of the most innovative and clever vehicle of all time, the Envoy XUV.

Welcome to Forgotten Classics

As demonstrated in the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , the goal of this series of essays is be to bring cars that are getting no love back in the limelight. FC is also a thorough analysis of why such cars remained obscure and never got the praise they deserved.

Based on the revolutionary GMT360 platform, the Envoy XUV took the already competent class-leading Envoy and took it to the next level. SUV's are great to carry 5 people, or a standing clock, but they can't do both, unless it's a XUV. Want to tow a boat a the same time ? why not, because with the Envoy XUX, sky is the limit.

[ XUV offroad racing ]

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[ XUV moving tall objects ]

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[ XUV serving as a camper ]

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In order to achieve this masterpiece of versatility, GMC engineers sourced their inspiration from the past. The Studebaker Wagonaire from the 50's was used a base, but instead of half-assing it like Studebaker, they did the right thing and used a truck chassis.

The end result was impressive. A rugged SUV that can seat 7, tow a boat, move oversize cargo, go off-road serve as a spacious, safe and comfortable shelter.

Unfortunately, despite all its qualities, the XUV was not a huge success. As proven with the BMW X6, today's car buyers are good at taking poor decisions. While the far less practical regular Envoy was breaking sales records, the XUV was sitting in the dealers lots.

In addition to all of the above, the XUV offered some other really interesting features such as :

Sealed and waterproofed cargo area

Two-way tailgate that could either hinge sideways or drop down

Built-in drainage system that allowed the cargo area to be hosed

Retractable roof over the cargo area

The XUV was phased out in 2008, like its siblings and their Swedish cousin, the Saab 9-7X Aerio, when GM shut down the Moraine, Ohio plant. The closing of the last factory that manufactured the trucks was the subject of an emotional 2009 HBO documentary: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

In conclusion, the Envoy XUV was a brave but vain attempt at building an intuitive vehicle. Chances are that we won't something as versatile anytime soon.

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Vicente Esteve > Margin Of Error 04/08/2015 at 11:20

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I have a weird want for these things. I also think the Avalanche's bed design is brilliant.

Margin Of Error > Vicente Esteve 04/08/2015 at 11:23

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Also phased out :-(

BarryDanger > Margin Of Error 04/08/2015 at 11:25

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As proven with the BMW X6, today's car buyers are good at taking poor decisions

People will buy anything with a badge. ANYTHING.

Margin Of Error > BarryDanger 04/08/2015 at 11:28

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What is that ?

HammerheadFistpunch > Margin Of Error 04/08/2015 at 11:35

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It might have stood a better chance at success if:

1. It didn't look like a doped up Quasimodo

2. The GMT 300 series wasn't such a turdhole generally.

The engine, which lived and died only in this chassis, was the only good thing to come from this entire program, and even it got dumped on because it was too small for something so heavy and they eventually put a V8 in.

BorkBorkBjork > Margin Of Error 04/08/2015 at 11:36

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I always thought that idea was excellent, but executed on the wrong platform. I would have preferred a full-size version on the Suburban chassis. Basically an Avalanche that can turn into a 3 row SUV rather than just a slightly larger pickup.

Margin Of Error > HammerheadFistpunch 04/08/2015 at 11:37

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I will not agree with that. both the 4.2 and the 5.3 were awesome motors

Margin Of Error > BorkBorkBjork 04/08/2015 at 11:38

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Like a Yukon XUV ?

Yes, I agree.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Margin Of Error 04/08/2015 at 11:39

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This is how all tailgates should be.

HammerheadFistpunch > Margin Of Error 04/08/2015 at 11:39

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I know they were, I said that.

Margin Of Error > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 04/08/2015 at 11:42

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The XUV tail swings both ways.

Margin Of Error > HammerheadFistpunch 04/08/2015 at 11:43

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Oh, that wasn't clear.

HammerheadFistpunch > Margin Of Error 04/08/2015 at 11:48

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I've even looked at swapping out the 4.5 I6 in my cruiser for an atlas motor because it weighs so much less and has so much more horsepower.

BarryDanger > Margin Of Error 04/08/2015 at 11:53

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Some kind of BMW X4 XUV built by some whacked out design students http://mbacars.blogspot.com/2014/08/best-g…

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Margin Of Error 04/08/2015 at 11:53

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I'm not sure I could see myself in a GM of that era, but I will admit that I find something about that design absolutely enthralling. If Honda really wanted to make the "SUV with a bed" thing work for the Ridgeline, they should build something like this.

Margin Of Error > BarryDanger 04/08/2015 at 11:54

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Still more useful than a regular X4 !

Margin Of Error > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/08/2015 at 11:55

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Agreed

Janson Rodger > Margin Of Error 04/08/2015 at 12:54

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1. Debadge
2. Swap Saab front end
3. Laugh like a maniac when people stare.

Margin Of Error > Janson Rodger 04/08/2015 at 13:04

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I would make an excellent Saab "kombi"

Vicente Esteve > Margin Of Error 04/08/2015 at 13:59

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I know...

Blake Noble > Margin Of Error 04/09/2015 at 13:49

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Neat article. This really doesn't tell the full story of the Envoy XUV.

A couple of things:

Official word: GM was not influenced by the Studebaker Wagonaire when developing the Envoy XUV. The similarities are remarkable, though. There's no denying that. But if memory serves correct, when GM introduced the Envoy XUV, it boasted about being the first automaker to build an SUV with a retractable roof. Then it retracted that statement when someone — maybe Car and Driver I think — pointed out the Studebaker Wagonaire.

GM considered the Envoy XUV to be a "crossover" vehicle. Strange use of the term in today's context, but it isn't incorrect. The XUV was a sort of cross between an SUV and a pickup truck, like the Chevrolet Avalanche. For the record, GM also referred to the Avalanche as a crossover. (I should keep my mouth shut, but there's a really interesting story going on here... one I've been slaving over for the last few weeks and some change.)

People didn't buy the XUV because they had no idea what in hell what it was. Was it an SUV? Was it a pickup with a weird, permanently attached camper shell over the bed? To be fair, the XUV didn't know what in the hell it was, either. And I say this from personal experience when I say that people can't stand things that don't know themselves. Factor in that GM charged a $2,700 premium for the XUV, and it was doomed to die a sad and confused death.