Which GMC Envoy Version Should You Buy?
The GMC Envoy version to choose depends chiefly on whether you value lower kerb weight, stronger performance, or a choice between RWD and AWD. The first-generation 4.3 AT is the lightest measured version at 1,890 kg, but it produces only 192 hp. In the second generation, the 4.2 AT develops either 273 hp or 279 hp, while the 5.3 AT reaches 294 hp and 441 Nm.
The GMC Envoy version to choose depends chiefly on whether you value lower kerb weight, stronger performance, or a choice between RWD and AWD. The first-generation 4.3 AT is the lightest measured version at 1,890 kg, but it produces only 192 hp. In the second generation, the 4.2 AT develops either 273 hp or 279 hp, while the 5.3 AT reaches 294 hp and 441 Nm. The most favorable measured weight-to-power ratio belongs to the second-generation 4.2 AT with 273 hp, AWD, and a 2,045 kg kerb weight: 7.49 kg per hp. Buyers prioritizing maximum output should consider the 5.3 AT, whereas the 4.2 AT offers the higher power-per-litre figure.
GMC Envoy Generations: What Changed?
The first-generation GMC Envoy was produced from 1997 to 2000 as an SUV 5-doors. Its sole listed version is the 4.3 AT, combining AWD with a 4-speed Automatic transmission. Its naturally aspirated 4,300 cc Gasoline engine produces 192 hp and 339 Nm.
The second-generation GMC Envoy ran from 2001 to 2009, also as an SUV 5-doors. The catalogue contains 10 versions, including repeated 4.2 AT and 5.3 AT entries distinguished by power, drive, weight, acceleration, and suspension data. Compared with the first-generation 4.3 AT, even the 273 hp 4.2 AT adds 81 hp and 34 Nm despite having 143 cc less displacement. The 294 hp 5.3 AT adds 102 hp and 102 Nm over the first-generation version.
GMC Envoy Engine Options and Specs
All listed engines are naturally aspirated, front-mounted longitudinally, use Distributed injection (multi-point), and are paired with a 4-speed Automatic gearbox. Exact duplicate configurations are consolidated below; entries sharing a version name remain separated whenever power, drive, weight, acceleration, or suspension specifications differ.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 4.3 AT | 192 hp | 339 Nm | 4,300 cc | Gasoline, 80 | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation 4.2 AT, 279 hp | 279 hp | 373 Nm | 4,157 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation 4.2 AT, 279 hp | 279 hp | 373 Nm | 4,157 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation 4.2 AT, 273 hp | 273 hp | 373 Nm | 4,157 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation 4.2 AT, 273 hp | 273 hp | 373 Nm | 4,157 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation 5.3 AT, 294 hp | 294 hp | 441 Nm | 5,327 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation 5.3 AT, 294 hp | 294 hp | 441 Nm | 5,327 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
The first-generation 4.3 AT delivers 44.65 hp per litre. The second-generation 4.2 AT produces 65.67 hp per litre in 273 hp form and 67.12 hp per litre in 279 hp form. The 5.3 AT produces 55.19 hp per litre. Therefore, the 279 hp 4.2 AT has the greatest specific output, while the 5.3 AT provides the highest absolute power and torque.
The 4.2 AT reaches maximum power at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque at 3,600 rpm. The 5.3 AT reaches its 294 hp at 5,200 rpm and 441 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The first-generation 4.3 AT produces 192 hp at 4,400 rpm and 339 Nm at 2,800 rpm.
GMC Envoy Performance, MPG and Fuel Economy
A top speed of 175 km/h is listed for every second-generation 4.2 AT and 5.3 AT configuration. The first-generation 4.3 AT top speed is not measured.
Acceleration from 0–100 km/h varies by catalogue entry:
- First-generation 4.3 AT, 192 hp, AWD: not measured.
- Second-generation 4.2 AT, 279 hp, RWD: not measured.
- Second-generation 4.2 AT, 279 hp, AWD: not measured.
- Second-generation 4.2 AT, 273 hp, RWD: either 8.2 seconds or not measured, depending on the listed entry.
- Second-generation 4.2 AT, 273 hp, AWD: 8.0 seconds in the measured entries.
- Second-generation 5.3 AT, 294 hp, RWD: either 8.0 seconds or not measured, depending on the listed entry.
- Second-generation 5.3 AT, 294 hp, AWD: either 8.0 seconds or not measured, depending on the listed entry.
City fuel consumption is not measured for every version. Highway fuel consumption is not measured for every version, and combined fuel consumption is also not measured throughout the supplied data. Consequently, no data-backed GMC Envoy mpg comparison can be made between the 4.3 AT, 4.2 AT, and 5.3 AT.
GMC Envoy Weight, Dimensions and Capacities
Overall length, wheelbase, width, height, and wheel sizes are not measured for either generation. Ground clearance is 200 mm wherever a figure is supplied. It is not measured for one second-generation 5.3 AT, 294 hp, AWD entry.
| Generation and version | Drive | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Weight per hp | Ground clearance | Fuel tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 4.3 AT, 192 hp | AWD | 1,890 kg | 2,427 kg | 9.84 kg/hp | 200 mm | 68 L | not measured |
| Second generation 4.2 AT, 279 hp | RWD | not measured | not measured | not measured | 200 mm | 96 L | not measured |
| Second generation 4.2 AT, 279 hp | AWD | not measured | not measured | not measured | 200 mm | 96 L | not measured |
| Second generation 4.2 AT, 273 hp | RWD | 2,130 kg in the measured entry | 2,608 kg in the measured entry | 7.80 kg/hp | 200 mm | 96 L | not measured |
| Second generation 4.2 AT, 273 hp | AWD | 2,045 kg or 2,130 kg | 2,517 kg or 2,608 kg | 7.49–7.80 kg/hp | 200 mm | 96 L | not measured |
| Second generation 5.3 AT, 294 hp | RWD | 2,130 kg in the measured entry | 2,608 kg in the measured entry | 7.24 kg/hp | 200 mm | 96 L | not measured |
| Second generation 5.3 AT, 294 hp | AWD | 2,175 kg in the measured entry | 2,722 kg in the measured entry | 7.40 kg/hp | 200 mm or not measured | 96 L | not measured |
Among entries with measured weights, the 5.3 AT, 294 hp, RWD has the best weight-to-power ratio at 7.24 kg per hp. The 5.3 AT, 294 hp, AWD follows at 7.40 kg per hp, while the lightest 4.2 AT, 273 hp, AWD entry records 7.49 kg per hp. The first-generation 4.3 AT is 155 kg lighter than that 2,045 kg second-generation entry, but it carries 2.35 kg more per hp.
Tank capacity rises from 68 L in the first-generation 4.3 AT to 96 L in every second-generation version, a difference of 28 L. Range cannot be calculated because fuel consumption is not measured.
Suspension and Brakes
The first-generation 4.3 AT has Independent, spring front and rear suspension, Ventilated disc front brakes, and Disc rear brakes.
Most second-generation 4.2 AT and 5.3 AT entries have Independent, spring suspension at both ends, with Disc brakes front and rear. One second-generation 5.3 AT, 294 hp, AWD entry instead lists Independent, spring front suspension and Dependent, spring rear suspension. Buyers comparing otherwise similarly named 5.3 AT vehicles should therefore verify which listed suspension configuration applies.
Which GMC Envoy Version to Choose?
Choose the first-generation 4.3 AT if the priority is the lowest measured kerb weight. At 1,890 kg, it is 155 kg lighter than the lightest measured second-generation version and 285 kg lighter than the measured 5.3 AT, 294 hp, AWD entry. Its compromises are clear in the data: 192 hp, 339 Nm, a 68 L tank, and no measured acceleration or top-speed figure.
Choose the second-generation 4.2 AT, 279 hp if power per litre matters most. Its 67.12 hp per litre leads the range, beating the 273 hp 4.2 AT by 1.45 hp per litre and the 294 hp 5.3 AT by 11.93 hp per litre. Both RWD and AWD are listed, although acceleration and weight are not measured for these 279 hp entries.
Choose the second-generation 4.2 AT, 273 hp, AWD if you want a measured 8.0-second 0–100 km/h time without moving to the larger engine. The lightest listed example weighs 2,045 kg, giving 7.49 kg per hp. Another entry with the same exact 4.2 AT name, power, and drive weighs 2,130 kg, so the catalogue data shows that specifications must be matched carefully to the individual configuration.
Choose the second-generation 5.3 AT, 294 hp for the strongest engine figures. It offers 21 hp more than the 273 hp 4.2 AT, 15 hp more than the 279 hp 4.2 AT, and 68 Nm more torque than either. The measured RWD example also has the range’s best weight-to-power ratio at 7.24 kg per hp. The measured AWD example is 45 kg heavier and has a gross weight 114 kg higher than the measured RWD example.
There is no data-backed recommendation based on fuel economy, engine oil capacity, exterior dimensions, wheelbase, reliability, or problems because those values are not measured in the supplied catalogue data. Based strictly on available figures, the 5.3 AT, 294 hp is the performance choice, the 4.2 AT, 279 hp is the specific-output choice, the 4.2 AT, 273 hp, AWD is the balanced measured-acceleration choice, and the first-generation 4.3 AT is the lowest-weight choice.