Where Ford Explorer squeezes an optional third-row seat onto a 113-inch wheelbase, Envoy XL uses a 129-inch wheelbase. Envoy XL is 18 inches longer than Explorer. In theory, that should mean the Envoy XL is a lot roomier.

Most of the Envoy XL's extra length translates into increased roominess in the second row. Envoy XL offers significantly better second-row leg and hip room than the Ford Explorer. Envoy XL provides 37.5 inches of leg room and 58.4 inches of hip room, versus the Explorer's 35.9 and 54.2, respectively. Even the standard-wheelbase Envoy betters the Explorer in the second row, with 37.1 inches of leg room and 58.1 inches of hip room.

Envoy XL's third row isn't roomier than the Explorer's, however. Head, hip, and leg room in the Explorer's third row measure 39.0, 45.3, and 34.8 inches, respectively. The corresponding numbers for the Envoy XL are 38.5, 45.9, and 32.2. We put some adults back there and it worked fine for visiting neighborhood museums. They claimed feeling like they were sitting in a tunnel, however.

GMC's seats seemed more comfortable to us than the Chevrolet TrailBlazer's seats. The Envoy's seat cushions are longer, wider and thicker than those in the TrailBlazer, and offer noticeably more side bolstering. We would choose an Envoy over a TrailBlazer for the seats alone. Envoy SLT's leather was way plush, while Envoy SLE's cloth was grippier. On the SLT, the driver's bucket is eight-way power adjustable, with two-way lumbar support and optional heat.

Instrumentation is complete and clean. A big tachometer is on the left, speedometer in center, and on the right are smaller gauges for water, battery, gas and oil. The brushed nickel trim looks classy, with or without the wood. Four big round registers for heating and air conditioning look stylish and purposeful in nickel. The four-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel comes with both models, and on the SLT includes controls for climate, sound, cruise control and driver information center.

SLE's dual-zone manual climate controls use sliders and seem like a big step backward from the SLT's digital controls. Turning a knob is easier than sliding a switch when bouncing on rough roads. Radio buttons are non-standard and we kept changing the channel when we meant to adjust the volume, but familiarity solves this.

The center console houses an open storage bin, an enclosed compartment, and two cupholders forward of the gear lever. The emergency brake lever is also located there. There are pockets in the front doors and behind the front seats, but we'd like more places to put small items in the center console area. Behind the rear seat is a small hidden compartment under the floor, a cargo net and a power outlet.

SLT's overhead console includes a sunglasses holder and an optional Travelnote digital recorder, which allows the driver to orally take phone numbers while on a cell phone. Heating and air conditioning can be controlled separately by the driver, front, and rear passengers. Interior lights abound, including reading lights.

We found the optional 275-watt Bose system with six-disc in-dash CD player offers outstanding sound quality and adjustment versatility. All the systems include RDS (Radio Data Systems) technology, allowing the listener to search for stations by type, display information including song and artist information, and provide traffic and weather updates.

The OnStar communications system is standard on the SLT. It includes GPS navigation, hands-free cell phone communication (including a free first year of safety and security service) automatic crash and theft reporting, as well as remote unlocking and other services.

Rear-seat headrests conveniently flip down to give the driver a better view to the rear. Fold the rear seats and Envoy XL offers about 100 cubic feet of cargo, more than Envoy (80) or Explorer (82), and nearly as much as a Yukon (105). SLT models come with a scrolling cargo cover.