GMC Acadia Overview

The Acadia large crossover SUV slots between the Terrain and Yukon in GMC's lineup, featuring a carlike unibody design rather than a truck-based body-on-frame structure. Like the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse with which it shares engineering, the Acadia places utility, driving dynamics and efficiency above extreme hauling and off-road prowess. GMC offers the Acadia in 5 trim levels: SL, SLE, SLT-1,SLT-2 and Denali.

The base SL and luxurious Denali are new for 2011. A 3.6-liter V6 making 288 hp is the lone engine choice, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. As for the interior, buyers can choose a 7-seat version with second-row captain's chairs or seating for 8 with a second-row bench seat. Cargo utility is excellent: 24 cubic feet of space behind the third row and a gargantuan 117 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Acadia can tow up to 5,200 lbs.