DoD worked remarkably well during my test period. In fact, without the accompanying literature, I wouldn't have known it

A transfer case enables a selection between two-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, four-wheel drive high range and four-wheel drive low range. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

was in operation. Look for fuel economy ratings in the realm of 16.8 liters per 100 kilometers in the city and 12.3 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway using regular octane juice. While not cute 'ute efficient, the V8-powered Envoy measured very close to that of the inline-six, which churns out significantly less grunt.

The power of both engines is fed through a four-speed automatic transmission equipped with overdrive. The autobox shifted imperceptibly, and downshifts were invoked with little hesitation.

Although the Envoy is available in a two-wheel drive format, the majority of units finding new homes will be furnished with a transfer case, enabling a selection between two-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, four-wheel drive high range and four-wheel drive low range.

A dash-mounted rotary switch allows the driver to engage whichever GM AutoTrac setting is appropriate given the road and weather conditions, without departing from the comfort of the Envoy's cozy cabin. The low range four-wheel

The Envoy has plenty of stopping power thanks to antilock disc brakes fitted to each wheel. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

drive capability combined with a skid plate package certainly gives the bountiful Envoy an element of ruggedness, although a moderate ground clearance of 203 millimeters (8.0 inches) undermines its true off-road potential.

On or off road, the Envoy has plenty of stopping power thanks to antilock disc brakes fitted to each wheel. These binders effortlessly brought the husky SUV to sure stops on wet and dry surfaces. I did, however, find pedal actuation somewhat on the spongy side. Nonetheless, braking effort was linear and well-modulated. Emergency anchor tosses were easily controlled and trouble-free despite some nosedive.