With the 2009 Envoy, General Motors' GMC brand--known for its neatly styled, comfortable work trucks--offers a truck-based SUV that is closely related to the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, the Buick Rainier, and the Saab 9-7X. The 2009 GMC Envoy is not as good at hauling passengers as other options, but it tackles towing fairly respectably.

Performance from the Envoy's standard 291-horsepower, 4.2-liter six-cylinder engine is adequate for most needs, though it's not particularly perky from a standstill. Both engines can be equipped with either rear- or four-wheel drive. The Envoy's maximum tow rating is 6,600 pounds. The 300-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 that's standard on top Denali models and optional through the rest of the lineup is strongly recommended for towing, as it has plenty of power on reserve, works especially well with the four-speed automatic transmission, and doesn't have any real-world fuel-economy penalty versus the six, due to the fitment of GM's Active Fuel Management technology on the V-8. The V-8 is also easier to tolerate day to day, as the six is smooth in operation but generates a coarse drone in the cabin.