2012 GMC Acadia

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2012 GMC Acadia

Starting MSRP $32,835–$46,810


Expert Reviews

By Cars.com Staff

Cars.com National August 2, 2011

Vehicle Overview

The Acadia is GMC's full-size crossover, and it shares design cues with GMC's full-size SUVs, the Yukon and Yukon XL. Available with front- or all-wheel drive, the Acadia can seat seven or eight. The Acadia competes with the likes of the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9.


New for 2012

A hill-hold feature is standard on all models, and an accessory power outlet has been added to the center console. SLT and Denali trim levels gain blind spot mirrors integrated into the side mirrors, and SLE and higher trims have fog lights.


Exterior

The Acadia is the boxiest of GM's full-size crossovers. The roofline is tapered, with a standard spoiler at the rear. The Denali comes with a honeycomb grille and a few other exterior trim changes. The Acadia also features wide rear doors and a low step-in height. Exterior features include:

  • Standard LED taillights
  • Polished aluminum roof rails
  • Dual exhaust outlets with chrome tips
  • 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels
  • Available 19- or 20-inch wheels
  • Optional high-intensity-discharge headlamps
  • Optional two-panel power sunroof with tilt-sliding front and fixed rear panels, with sunshade


Interior

The Acadia features a two-tone interior with metal-finished trim accents on the vents, door handles and cupholders. With two captain's chairs in the second row, maximum seating capacity is seven, but with a 60/40-split bench there's room for eight. The second- and third-row seats fold flat, and items can be stored beneath the rear cargo floor. The second row slides forward to increase legroom for third-row passengers, and it makes it easier to get to the third row. Interior features include:

  • Standard remote keyless entry and cruise control
  • Optional leather seats
  • Optional rear ultrasonic parking assist and backup camera
  • Optional backseat entertainment system
  • Optional navigation system
  • Optional heated and cooled front seats


Under the Hood

All Acadias come standard with a 288-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 that makes 270 pounds-feet of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The V-6 features direct-injection technology that improves efficiency. Mechanical features include:

  • Power steering with variable assist reduces power assist at speed
  • Available all-wheel drive manages torque split between the front and rear axles, putting more power to different axles as needed
  • Linked "H" rear suspension design reduces noise and vibration in the cabin


Safety

The Acadia includes many common safety features and a few rarities for its price range. Side curtain airbags are designed to pre-emptively engage if there's imminent threat of a rollover and stay inflated longer during a rollover. Safety features include:

  • Standard side-impact and side curtain airbags
  • Standard electronic stability system and traction control
  • Standard four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
  • Standard OnStar communication system, including one free year of Safe and Sound service, which alerts authorities in the event of a collision

 

Additional Reviews

Cars.com Expert Reviews

Bill JacksonCars.com NationalOctober 15, 2011
Cars.com StaffCars.com NationalAugust 2, 2011

Affiliate Reviews

Carrie KimMother ProofJuly 20, 2012
Scott BurgessThe Detroit NewspapersJuly 28, 2011

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