GMC's first crossover SUV

(This review is representative of model years 2007 and 2008 since little of substance has changed)

GMC’s first crossover utility vehicle is part of a trio of large, full-sized CUVs that have been added to the GM lineup. The others are Saturn Outlook (see review) and Buick Enclave, a fancier version just now arriving at dealers. All three are built on GM’s lambda platform.

On sale since January of 2007,  Acadia and its siblings are the largest of all crossovers and are built on a uni-body car-like platform, rather than a truck-style frame.

Crossovers are popular because they offer all the room of a SUV without sacrificing fuel economy, ride and handling. Acadia is available with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. Of course, if you absolutely need towing or serious off-road capabilities, you’ll want to try the GMC Yukon, Chevy Tahoe or other similar truck-framed SUVs.

Size wise, Acadia is a big, roomy vehicle, about the same size as a Tahoe but with more cargo room. It has three rows of seats and can comfortably hold up to eight people. There’s even room behind the third row for cargo, which Tahoe and Yukon don’t feature. Even better, the third row folds flat onto the floor (again, unlike the Tahoe and Yukon, which require complete removal of the seat from the vehicle to get the same effect).

We were pleasantly surprised to find that the third-row actually has sufficient head, leg and knee room for adults. Every other vehicle we’ve tested comes with caveat that the third row should only be used for kids, and not on long hauls.

The second-row seats are even roomier, flipping up and sliding forward against the back of the front seats — a feature GMC calls SmartSlide seating — creating entry to the third row. This makes it possible to access the third row without having to play a game of Twister.

Leather-covered front seats feel good, but we didn’t get a chance to test backside fatigue on a long road trip.

Most thought the exterior looks of our Acadia were pleasant — not striking but certainly not offensive. Some thought it looked like a minivan, a business GM has abandoned. I think the relatively short front end suggests the look.

Acadia is powered by a new 3.6-liter, 275-horsepower V-6, the same engine that powers Outlook and Enclave. We thought it had ample power with enough punch to get up to highway speeds without concern.

We were less impressed with the six-speed automatic transmission that was jointly developed with Ford and is also used in the new Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossover vehicles. The problem lies with downshifting when kicking in the passing gear.

We liked how quiet the cabin is, even at highway speeds. The suspension returns a sedan-like ride. There is some body lean in corners and turns, but Acadia never feels out of control or beyond its limits.

We tested a fully equipped 2007 all-wheel drive SLT-2 with a base price of $37,370. Options brought the price to $46,310. It had a $600 wheel content credit that we didn’t understand, which brought the sticker price down to $45,710 — a price that seems several thousand dollars too much.

Then again, the Acadia is loaded with standard goods, including heated leather seats, power seats up front, tri-zone climate control, rear-seat audio controls, tilt and telescoping steering with audio controls, Bose AM/FM CD/MP3 player, XM Satellite radio, power rear liftgate, remote start and 18-inch aluminum wheels.

Added to the base price was more than $8200 in options like “ultra premium” paint (at $745, two rungs up from the standard paint and one from the mid-priced “premium” paint) and dual skyscape sunroof ($1300). There’s a small power sunroof over the front seats and a larger fixed one over the second row.

Other options included a navigation system, 19-inch ultra bright aluminum wheels, DVD entertainment system, HID headlamps, head-up display that projects the vehicle’s speed and other operating information like the audio system onto the inside driver’s windshield.

For 2008, Acadia is available three  models: a base SLE, mid-level SLT 1 and top of the line SLT.  There’s also a new optional rearview backup camera integrated with the navigation system, a panic braking feature and a second-row console for 7-passenger SLT models.  XM Satellite radio is now standard on 2008 models.

Standard safety features on our tester included anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control and airbags (dual front, head curtain side impact, front side impact). Crash test results are impressive. NHTSA gives Acadia 5-stars (highest available) for frontal impact, driver and passenger side impacts, and rear seat side impact. Rollover resistance earned 4 stars.

Overall build quality is excellent, fit and finish superb. Front visibility is excellent, but side mirrors are too small, hindering rear visibility.

As with Outlook, we think GM got the Acadia just right. But be cautious with the expensive options. The Acadia is a terrific vehicle for $35,000 but is outclassed at $46,000.