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
