With the 2010 Acadia, GMC has created a low-slung, well-balanced crossover with a design that remains current and edgy in this, its fourth year.
The Acadia's unibody construction marks a departure from other large GM SUVs that are built using General Motors' body-on frame pick-up truck setup. Unibody design delivers a ride height that is 3 inches lower than other GM SUV's, providing better handling and less body roll in corners.
The full-size Acadia is GMC's first "CUV" or crossover utility vehicle. It's also the first vehicle available in front wheel drive from the brand known for its rear and 4-wheel-drive trucks.
There is one power train available, a 3.6 Liter V-6 mated to a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive. This setup provides 288 horsepower and 270 pound feet of torque, enough to give the Acadia a towing capacity of 4500 pounds.
The All Wheel Drive Acadia delivers 16 miles per gallon City and 23 Highway. The front wheel drive model gets 1 MPG more in each category at 17 and 24.
There are three trims, SL, SLE, SLT1, and SLT2. The two upper trims get a premium 10-speaker Bose system with a six-CD in-dash changer. Features like leather upholstery, heated front power seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control are also available in the higher trims. Seating for eight comes standard while up-rated trims get second row captains' chairs, bringing the capacity down to seven.
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS provide the stopping power to bring the nearly 5,000 pound SUV to rest. The Acadia's handling is augmented by stability control and rollover prevention technologies.
A full array of airbags provides front occupant protection and side-impact protection for all outboard occupants.
Initial base MSRP for the 2010 GMC Acadia is $31,740. A fully loaded all wheel drive model will top out at around $50,000. GMC power train warranty coverage is for 5-years or 100,000 miles and comes with roadside assistance and courtesy transportation, a welcome touch.
The GMC Acadia stakes its claim in the crossover SUV market by delivering the best features of a large wagon and an SUV, along with comfort, practicality and more than a dose of luxury.