Think of the 2006 GMC Envoy XL as a larger version of the base 2006 Envoy. Outside of new standard stability control, not much changed for the '06 model year. This SUV comes in the same 6 trims as the basic Envoy: XL SLE 2WD, XL SLE 4WD, XL SLT 2WD, XL SLT 4WD, XL Denali 2WD and XL Denali 4WD. The XL SLE and SLT have a 4.2-liter, 291-hp inline 6-cylinder engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the XL Denali has a 5.3-liter, 300-hp V8.

The 2006 GMC Envoy XL generally gets you 15 mpg in the city and 20 on the highway, figures that come out slightly lower than the base Envoy's. However, the XL makes up for it with 4 doors and enough room for 7 passengers. All trims have a solid list of standard features with the XL SLT and Denali also delivering standard power/leather seats for extra luxury. Maximum towing capacity ranges from 5,800 to 6,200 pounds, depending on the trim.

Despite its larger size, the 2006 GMC Envoy XL gets the same feedback as the GMC Envoy. Drivers like the powerful engines but wouldn't mind getting improved steering and handling. Overall, consumers like the improvements but agree the Envoy XL's evolution will need to speed up to keep up in the competitive SUV market.