Ruggedly midsize elegance - 2009 GMC Envoy Denali SUV
Setting the standard for sophistication and performance by delivering high levels of comfort, convenience and capability, the Envoy Denali includes the following upgrades and enhancements over the standard model: signature chrome-plated grille with honeycomb texture, and a body-color single-piece front fascia which includes a large, horizontal air intake flanked by round fog lamps that are set deeper in the fascia and accented with deep bright bezels.
A lower rear fascia is also part of the Denali design package. It is lower to visually conceal the vehicle's undercarriage components and, like the front fascia, features tighter gap tolerances for a precision look. Air deflector extensions surrounding the trailer hitch area also help create a lower look for the vehicle. The Envoy Denali also features integrated running boards painted body color and equipped with rubberized mats to prevent stones and other debris from being kicked up onto the vehicle exterior surface.
Other exterior design cues for the Envoy Denali include thin body-color side moldings, body-color outside mirrors (heated with integrated turn signal indicators), unique rear badging and high-polished forged aluminum 18-inch wheels.
The Envoy Denali is available as a four-door wagon in two- or four-wheel drive configurations. Power for the midsize upscale SUV is generated by a brawny Vortec 5.3L V8 prime mover joined to a Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission.
The Envoy Denali SUV combines the best of luxury car appointments, comfort and ride with the best of a rugged, built-for-work, body-on-frame truck underpinnings. The result is a winning combination that works in town and in the field. Body-on-frame construction serves as the bedrock on which the suspension hardware is connected.
The refined GMC SUV is equipped with a Luxury Ride suspension system which employs an independent double A-arm upfront and a load leveling air suspension at the rear. High pressure Bilstein shocks secure the four corners, while front and rear stabilizer bars and urethane jounce bumpers keep the vehicle connected and controlled.
Inside the cabin, occupants are coddled in comfort by the high level of luxury and standard equipment. Outward visibility is excellent, with a full complement of analog gauges -- speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, volts, fuel and water temperature. The odometer is digital.
Envoy Denali interior enhancements include: nuance leather seating and leather accents for the steering wheel, shift boot, and parking brake boot. Driver and front passenger seats feature eight-way power adjustment and are heated. A new burl wood grain accent surrounds interior components in the center stack, console, trim surrounding light switches and the switches in the door armrests. Satin nickel metallic accents are found around the instrument cluster, shifter base and HVAC vents. Entry and exit are enhanced by wide doors and strategically placed hand grips at each door.
Rear seat passengers enjoy special attention, with separate controls mounted at the back of the center console for ventilation, audio jacks for headphone, two power points and a dual cupholder. The 60/40 split rear seat is of the flip/fold variety -- the headrest flips back when folded flat with the cargo floor. It does not have to be removed and stored separately.
The Envoy Denali receives Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity for 2009.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 113.0; overall length: 191.6; width: 74.7; height: 71.9.
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 5.3L V8 -- 300 hp at 5,300 rpm and 321 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Transmission: four-speed controlled automatic.
Cargo capacity: 80.1 cubic feet.
EPA fuel economy: 14 city/20 hwy. (2WD); 13 city/19 hwy. (AWD).
Payload capacity: 1,389 lbs.
Towing capacity: 6,600 lbs.
Safety features
Dual front airbags, overhead side-impact curtain, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, battery saver, fog lights, universal garage door opener, automatic headlamps, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitors, automatic power door locks, OnStar communications system, PASSLock theft deterrent system, tool kit, StabiliTrak vehicle stability control system, traction control, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, and power adjustable pedals.
Optional safety features include navigation system.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile,,bumper-to-bumper.
Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile.
Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile.
Roadside assistance: 5-year/100,000 mile, 24-hour.
Pricing
The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2009 GMC Envoy Denali SUV starts from $36,535 for 2WD and $38,670 for the AWD model. Destination charges add $745.
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