GMC already had a large SUV with its Yukon; but for shoppers who preferred a more car-like ride, it released the midsize Acadia crossover SUV in 2007. Closely related to the Chevrolet Traverse, with the same powertrain, Acadia comes with three-row seating for either seven or eight occupants, and can tow 5,200 pounds when properly equipped.
What's New for 2016
A new SL base model joins the lineup, and a new heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel goes into SLT-2 and Denali versions.
Choosing Your GMC Acadia
With only one engine and one six-speed automatic transmission available, the Acadia doesn't require any powertrain decisions. Its 3.6-liter V6 produces 281 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque in the lower trim levels; the top-of-the-line Denali squeezes out an extra seven horses and four pound-feet of torque. The primary decision to make is between front- and all-wheel drive. Fuel economy is estimated at 17-mpg city/24-mpg highway (16/23 with AWD).
Starting with the new SL, the Acadia has no shortage of trim levels to choose from. Each is available with either seven- or eight-passenger seating. Seven-passenger models substitute two captain’s chairs for the second-row bench.
SL
Not really “entry-level” at $30,975, the new SL will satisfy families on a budget. Standard equipment includes remote keyless entry, front/rear air conditioning, rearview camera, roof rack, OnStar with 4G LTE, center console with sliding armrest, two charging-only USB ports at rear of console, chrome door handles, and hill-hold braking assist. Also standard: a six-speaker radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear park assist, tilt/telescoping steering column, cruise control, and 18-inch wheels. Enhanced electronic pedal override reduces engine power when gas and brake pedals are pressed at the same time.
SLE-1
The first-level step-up Acadia features SiriusXM satellite radio and IntelliLink smartphone integration.
SLE-2
Building upon the SLE-1, the SLE-2 trim level adds a power liftgate, eight-way power driver's seat and two-way power passenger's seat, remote start, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a driver’s knee air bag.
SLT-1
Higher up the price ladder, the more luxurious SLT-1 adds automatic tri-zone climate control; foglamps; aluminum accents on console, doors, and dashboard; eight-way power passenger seat; leather-trimmed seat upholstery for first two rows; a Bose 10-speaker audio system with rear audio controls and headphone jacks; 19-inch aluminum wheels; and heated mirrors. The SLT-1 Equipment Package includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and an either-way power driver’s seat with memory.
SLT-2
Priced only a bit higher, the SLT-2 adds a driver's seat with power recline/lumbar adjustment and memory, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power-folding mirrors with driver-side auto-dimming, express up/down driver’s windows, and blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts.
Denali
With a $47,890 MSRP, Denali is the trim level that transforms the Acadia from a well-equipped crossover SUV into a luxurious people hauler. Topping the line, this SUV features an exclusive chrome grille, an interior acoustics package to reduce noise, satin-chrome accents, and unique front fascia design. Inside is Denali-specific aluminum trim and accent lighting. Other standard features include 20-inch machined aluminum wheels, chrome-insert rocker moldings, a two-panel sunroof, HID headlights, power tilt/telescoping steering column, navigation system, heated/cooled seats, and perforated leather seating. A head-up instrument display and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert also are included.
The Acadia Denali may seem expensive, and therefore hard to justify; but for so many features, it actually qualifies as a good deal. Further down the price scale, even the new base SL is nicely equipped, and may be the practical choice for the budget-minded. Before deciding, ask yourself just which extras you can do without.
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