The 5.3 is rated for 1 MPG city and highway better than the 4.2 in the XL. More power means less struggle to move such a big vehicle, so seeing the 5.3 being a tad more efficient isn't a stretch. My former Volvo XC90s with V8s did better on gas than the 2.5T I had, easily hitting around 17 combined, while my 2.5T sat more around 15 combined. The V8 could also hit right around 25 MPG highway on a trip. If the V8 Envoy XL was only offered as an SLT and Denali, that would explain why leather was standard. I'm not sure if a V8 SLE was offered, even in the USA. The V8 didn't come until after I was out of the new GMC sales business.
That is true. Most of my commute is on the highway, and the 5.3 has 3.73 so it’s always revving high on the highway, but the 4.2 is 3.42 gearing so she revs low and saves fuel lol. I think the trail blazer was offered with cloth seats and a 5.3 in it but not the envoy from what I’ve researched.
I had a 03 trailblazer 5.3l ls for over 4 years was the most dependable SUV I've owned. Had 2 different 4.2l v6 one with 135k another with 210k both were nothing but headaches.
These are a DOHC inline six, aluminum block and head. Rated at 275 hp. I think they would be a great swap into an old British roadster like an Austin-Healy or Triumph TR6 which had heavy cast iron sixes with pushrods. This is the same displacement and design as the sixes in the E-Type Jaguars, but with a little more hp. I get about 22 mpg on the interstate with my Envoy 4.2l I use it a lot for towing boats. I have about 150,000 miles on it. No serious problems. Over the past two years I have replaced the plugs, wires and coilpacks. Was getting a noise from the front of the engine. Turned out to be a bearing going in the alternator, so I replaced everything run off the accessory belt except the AC compressor: alternator, water pump, belt, idlers and tensioner. Silky smooth now. A few years ago I had to replace the thermostat. I think it's a great SUV. And it does really go when you stick your foot into it.
Currently 15.1 mpg, 242k miles, original engine and transmission. Love this car, saved up 20k for a new car but I won’t do it until the envoy craps out. 300k HERE I COME!
I worked for GM at the time these came out, so I drove a million of them with the 4.2. The 5.3 (especially with my 4.10 gears) is so rare, mine was the first V8 I drove. I have an 03, so none of that D.O.D. garbage. It has been exceptionally reliable (engine-wise😂) with 250k miles. I much prefer it over the 4.2 (except the ease of maintenence!), as it's relatively rare, has tire-smoking, trailer-ripping torque with 4.10s and several 'LS' bolt-on performance parts. I recently embarrassed a Firebird Trans-Am with this 5000lb granny-wagon from a dig! Poor young fella (likely his 1st car) gave it all she had, I could hear both of our GM small block V8s singing a Magnaflow-symphany! I concur about the flat seats that dont hold you in place (I still prefer my leather anyday!), and the 'heavy' feeling of the front end and the marshmallow-handling. But the 'sleeper' factor of that potent LS V8 is a must have! My MPG has improved from 16 hwy to up to 24 hwy) with a several performance upgrades making it BETTER than the 4.2 I6 in these heavy pigs!
I had a 2007 Trailblazer with the 4.2. I averaged about 18 mpg on a trip from Colorado to North Carolina and back. It was a great vehicle but I needed a pickup. I have a 2014 Silverado with the 5.3, disabled the AFM. I average about 21.5 mpg and it is 1000 lbs. heavier than the Trailblazer.
I have a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer EXT with the same 4.2l and it also has dark grey cloth seats and has good pick-up, i didn't get the V8 version because i dont much hauling.
Hello I have a 4.2 but I’ve had issues with the reduced engine power what has happed to you if you did or what kind of issues have you had with some codes or with what has happed to yours . Mine actually broke down today it has just shut off while I was driving idk what to do any suggestions please before I take it to the shop
I’ve had reduce engine power, It ended up being spark plugs. There was water in the spark plug wells so I cleaned it and it worked again without any issues
Nice video My 2004 slt 4x4 with 4.2 engine is averaging 4 km/L inside the city with very conservative driving and around 8 km/L on the highway, I know this is extremely poor fuel economy, other than that it is a very good car. How can I improve the fuel economy?
Thank you for your video. I had a Trailblazer with the 4.2 and loved it, but now have a Envoy with 5.3. Would have preferred another 4.2 but couldn't find one. Agree on the seats, the cloth are more comfortable in my opinion. My 4.2 always averaged close to 17 or 18 MPG, but the 5.3 is 18 to 19 around home area, on highway trip its over 20. Its a DOD engine, I installed a Ranger Technologies DOD disabler but can't tell any difference. There was no indication when the DOD enabled, no sound change. Bought it used so possible a previous owner had disabled it. The 4.2 Trailblazer was just smoother, almost lexus like, where the Envoy never lets you forget its a truck.
Yes, the cloth seats are way more comfortable. Interesting with the gas mileage. My commutes are mostly on the highway and i think the 4.2 really likes it because of the lower gear ration compared to the 3.73 gear ratio on the 5.3. Hopefully that DOD disabled works haha
@@321verykind Recently discovered my OBD2 was disabled due to a blown fuse (#13) for the CIG power plug. After replacing the fuse, the OBD2 now works and the RANGE AFM disabler works and I can feel the difference when cruising or slowing down. I did like the 4.2 in my Trailblazer, a very smooth engine. Would have preferred another 4.2 but when shopping for used.....
The 4.2 runs extremely smooth like an I6 should. So much so, it is was a weird feeling coming from Chevy trucks with small block V8s to this. And when it debuted, it was a HUGE jump in power for a 6 cylinder. The old 4.3 at that time had been peaked out to 200hp, so 275hp from an engine you could bearly tell was running with the windows down or the radio turned up was a revelation. Alas, GM let it stagnate so it got reeled in by the competition when they really could have made something of the platform.
This was one of GM's better engines. Too bad they didn't develop this engine for more power and efficiency as it could have made a better alternative to the 5.3 engine in their current pickups.
Gmc envoy 2006 4.2l i6 is the best and most comfortable car I've driven in my opinion too my dad use to own a fortuner 2014 but it was uncomfortable with the seats that too had cloth seats but my opinion was changed when we got the envoy By the way envoy 4.2l i6 is not a XL so I get more better gas mileage then you and I was surprised that 4.2l i6 is also available in XL before that I used to think it's only in v8 models ❤❤ Thanks for your love towards envoy ❤❤
The 5.3 is rated for 1 MPG city and highway better than the 4.2 in the XL. More power means less struggle to move such a big vehicle, so seeing the 5.3 being a tad more efficient isn't a stretch. My former Volvo XC90s with V8s did better on gas than the 2.5T I had, easily hitting around 17 combined, while my 2.5T sat more around 15 combined. The V8 could also hit right around 25 MPG highway on a trip.
If the V8 Envoy XL was only offered as an SLT and Denali, that would explain why leather was standard. I'm not sure if a V8 SLE was offered, even in the USA. The V8 didn't come until after I was out of the new GMC sales business.
That is true. Most of my commute is on the highway, and the 5.3 has 3.73 so it’s always revving high on the highway, but the 4.2 is 3.42 gearing so she revs low and saves fuel lol. I think the trail blazer was offered with cloth seats and a 5.3 in it but not the envoy from what I’ve researched.
I had a 03 trailblazer 5.3l ls for over 4 years was the most dependable SUV I've owned. Had 2 different 4.2l v6 one with 135k another with 210k both were nothing but headaches.
Nice, I guess to each their own. I’ve had no engine issues on my envoys yet, the only thing I’ve done is valve cover gaskets
Yes the 5.3L ls based engine is a million times better engine than the 4.2L I6.
5.3 is by far the better engine!
Thank you for your video and input
Thankyou for watching
These are a DOHC inline six, aluminum block and head. Rated at 275 hp. I think they would be a great swap into an old British roadster like an Austin-Healy or Triumph TR6 which had heavy cast iron sixes with pushrods. This is the same displacement and design as the sixes in the E-Type Jaguars, but with a little more hp.
I get about 22 mpg on the interstate with my Envoy 4.2l I use it a lot for towing boats. I have about 150,000 miles on it. No serious problems. Over the past two years I have replaced the plugs, wires and coilpacks. Was getting a noise from the front of the engine. Turned out to be a bearing going in the alternator, so I replaced everything run off the accessory belt except the AC compressor: alternator, water pump, belt, idlers and tensioner. Silky smooth now. A few years ago I had to replace the thermostat. I think it's a great SUV. And it does really go when you stick your foot into it.
Yes, glad you are enjoying your envoy. It has its issues but its a lot better than its successor 😂
I had no clue these cars came with an I6 engine! I kinda overlooked the Envoys.
Yes, a really good I6. It was a shame that GM killed the engine
Seriously??? I had no idea these came with the 5.3L V8! Everybody knew these came with the 4.2L i6. I dont know what planet you have been living on.
@@321verykind They still make these engines.
@@SteezeCartelthey don’t make the 4.2 any more, but different variations of the 5.3
Currently 15.1 mpg, 242k miles, original engine and transmission. Love this car, saved up 20k for a new car but I won’t do it until the envoy craps out. 300k HERE I COME!
4.2l ^^
Nice! Good luck!
I worked for GM at the time these came out, so I drove a million of them with the 4.2. The 5.3 (especially with my 4.10 gears) is so rare, mine was the first V8 I drove. I have an 03, so none of that D.O.D. garbage. It has been exceptionally reliable (engine-wise😂) with 250k miles. I much prefer it over the 4.2 (except the ease of maintenence!), as it's relatively rare, has tire-smoking, trailer-ripping torque with 4.10s and several 'LS' bolt-on performance parts. I recently embarrassed a Firebird Trans-Am with this 5000lb granny-wagon from a dig! Poor young fella (likely his 1st car) gave it all she had, I could hear both of our GM small block V8s singing a Magnaflow-symphany! I concur about the flat seats that dont hold you in place (I still prefer my leather anyday!), and the 'heavy' feeling of the front end and the marshmallow-handling. But the 'sleeper' factor of that potent LS V8 is a must have! My MPG has improved from 16 hwy to up to 24 hwy) with a several performance upgrades making it BETTER than the 4.2 I6 in these heavy pigs!
Oh wow, thanks for sharing your story:) Yup, the 4.10 must be very rare, I’ve only seen the v8’s with the 3.73 gears and that thing just rips too
I had a 2007 Trailblazer with the 4.2. I averaged about 18 mpg on a trip from Colorado to North Carolina and back. It was a great vehicle but I needed a pickup. I have a 2014 Silverado with the 5.3, disabled the AFM. I average about 21.5 mpg and it is 1000 lbs. heavier than the Trailblazer.
Wow thats great gas mileage for a pick up:)
@@321verykind I drive it conservatively. I do love the 4.2 as it is so smooth and I thought it had plenty of power.
I had the 06 trailblazer 4.2, great truck loved it but now I want a 5.3 envoy because it’s a v8! I’m making it a project car
Wow, sounds like you got a fun project car going on. Good luck:)
I have a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer EXT with the same 4.2l and it also has dark grey cloth seats and has good pick-up, i didn't get the V8 version because i dont much hauling.
Yup fair, dont really need to v8 but man is it ever peppy
Hello I have a 4.2 but I’ve had issues with the reduced engine power what has happed to you if you did or what kind of issues have you had with some codes or with what has happed to yours . Mine actually broke down today it has just shut off while I was driving idk what to do any suggestions please before I take it to the shop
I’ve had reduce engine power, It ended up being spark plugs. There was water in the spark plug wells so I cleaned it and it worked again without any issues
Nice video
My 2004 slt 4x4 with 4.2 engine is averaging 4 km/L inside the city with very conservative driving and around 8 km/L on the highway, I know this is extremely poor fuel economy, other than that it is a very good car.
How can I improve the fuel economy?
Sounds like it needs an engine tune up. Clean the valve , new spark plugs, clean throttle body etc
@@321verykind I will do it
Thanks for the advice and the great videos.
Thank you for your video. I had a Trailblazer with the 4.2 and loved it, but now have a Envoy with 5.3. Would have preferred another 4.2 but couldn't find one. Agree on the seats, the cloth are more comfortable in my opinion. My 4.2 always averaged close to 17 or 18 MPG, but the 5.3 is 18 to 19 around home area, on highway trip its over 20. Its a DOD engine, I installed a Ranger Technologies DOD disabler but can't tell any difference. There was no indication when the DOD enabled, no sound change. Bought it used so possible a previous owner had disabled it. The 4.2 Trailblazer was just smoother, almost lexus like, where the Envoy never lets you forget its a truck.
Yes, the cloth seats are way more comfortable. Interesting with the gas mileage. My commutes are mostly on the highway and i think the 4.2 really likes it because of the lower gear ration compared to the 3.73 gear ratio on the 5.3. Hopefully that DOD disabled works haha
@@321verykind Recently discovered my OBD2 was disabled due to a blown fuse (#13) for the CIG power plug. After replacing the fuse, the OBD2 now works and the RANGE AFM disabler works and I can feel the difference when cruising or slowing down. I did like the 4.2 in my Trailblazer, a very smooth engine. Would have preferred another 4.2 but when shopping for used.....
Forgot to add, reason I bought, these are dingy towable behind a motorhome.
Interesting, never seen one being towed behind a motor home before
A class A? I have a class C, 5000 lb tow rating. Too close for me.
@@piquat1 Yes, class A diesel.
The 4.2 runs extremely smooth like an I6 should. So much so, it is was a weird feeling coming from Chevy trucks with small block V8s to this. And when it debuted, it was a HUGE jump in power for a 6 cylinder. The old 4.3 at that time had been peaked out to 200hp, so 275hp from an engine you could bearly tell was running with the windows down or the radio turned up was a revelation. Alas, GM let it stagnate so it got reeled in by the competition when they really could have made something of the platform.
Exactly, you can barely hear the 4.2 run, it’s that smooth. It was such a missed opportunity on gm’s end. It could’ve been amazing
This was one of GM's better engines. Too bad they didn't develop this engine for more power and efficiency as it could have made a better alternative to the 5.3 engine in their current pickups.
EXACTLY! A really reliable engine, definitely a mistake on GM’s end
Went through three of these engines in my trailblazer before i finally junked it 😒😒 most of these are already in the junkyard
3 engines? DID you atleast drive it to 500,000 miles lol?
@@321verykind 19k and less than 1 year old when purchased and didn't even make it to 150k before i drove it to the junkyard of 🫡🤣🤣🤣
Mine have leather seats it's a 4.2
The leather seats are nice but the cloth seats are better haha
@@321verykindmy leather just got slashed in the backseat from something I had back there. Took 20 years though 😂
Gmc envoy 2006 4.2l i6 is the best and most comfortable car I've driven in my opinion too my dad use to own a fortuner 2014 but it was uncomfortable with the seats that too had cloth seats but my opinion was changed when we got the envoy
By the way envoy 4.2l i6 is not a XL so I get more better gas mileage then you and I was surprised that 4.2l i6 is also available in XL before that I used to think it's only in v8 models ❤❤
Thanks for your love towards envoy ❤❤
Thankyou for sharing you experience. The XUV is the rare envoy…..