GMC Acadia - The Power of General Motors
The 2010 GMC Acadia continues on from last year's model and remains more carlike than traditional truck-based SUVs, especially in handling, but with a very roomy and passenger friendly interior. The Acadia can be ordered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, but since there's no two-speed transfer case or four-wheel-drive low range, there really isn't much off-road capability in the 2010 Acadia. But that's OK because the Acadia's not meant to tackle rutted backwoods roads. Instead of off-road capability, the Acadia offers everyday drivability to buyers seeking a roomier, more practical vehicle.
Interior space and well-configured seating are what makes the 2010 GMC Acadia especially appealing. A third-row seat is standard, which yields room for seven or eight people altogether (depending on the configuration). The third row's a real third row, too, and behind it, there's even 20 cubic feet of additional storage space. Plus, folding down the second and third rows of seats yields over 115 cubic feet of space.
The 2010 GMC Acadia comes with a single powertrain, a healthy 288-horsepower V-6 that gets direct injection for 2009, and standard six-speed automatic transmission. This mechanical configuration is the same one found in the 2010 Buick Enclave. Acceleration is good, but the transmission sometimes hunts for the right gear and jostles the Acadia's occupants in the process. EPA estimates give hope for 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models, although that may be a little optimistic.
The 2011 GMC Acadia will be available in several different trims, and features will vary by trim level. The base model will have roof rails, halogen headlights, rear parking sensors, and a back-up camera. Upgraded models will include features like a sunroof, heated mirrors, a power liftgate, towing preparation, foglamps, and xenon headlights. The new Denali will come with a SkyScape sunroof (with a sliding front section and a fixed rear section), special wheels, xenon headlights, unique body-side moldings, and a unique grille.
The GMC Acadia will come in several trims, including the new Denali. The base model has seating for eight, air conditioning, cruise control, power accessories, OnStar, and a CD player with satellite radio and mp3 compatibility. Upgraded GMC Acadia Accessories come standard with second row captain's chairs, which reduce the seating to seven, but these can be replaced with the base model's bench seat if you need seating for eight. Other features in upgraded trims include Bluetooth compatibility, three zones of automatic temperature control, back seat sound controls and headphone jacks, leather seats, driver seat memory, rear seat DVD entertainment, and a navigation system. Denali models will have better acoustics, heated and cooled seats in front, a leather-covered steering wheel, a head-up display, and live traffic in the navigation system.
There is plenty of space for people in the GMC Acadia. All three rows of seating have plenty of legroom, although there is a little less space in the third row for tall people. The second row can slide forward and tilt to make it easier to get into the third row. There is a good amount of cargo space, and the seats fold nearly flat. There is plenty of interior storage for small items as well.
Unless there are unexpected changes made to the 2011 GMC Acadia, the 2011 Acadia should perform well, with excellent acceleration. The vehicle is relatively agile for its size, although in small spaces, it can be more difficult to maneuver. A six-speed automatic transmission comes standard. The Acadia can tow up to 4,500 pounds.