2010 GMC Acadia Bottom Line

By  TheCarConnection Team,  TheCarConnection Team

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 GMC Acadia's optional AWD system (which can transmit as much as 65 percent of engine power to the rear wheels as necessary) is plenty for snow days, or muddy back roads on the way to the cabin, but it won't be suitable for full-on off-road adventuring.

The 2010 GMC Acadia comes in three trim levels: SLE-1, SLT-1, and SLT-2. Each comes with the aforementioned 3.6-liter V-6 engine. Standard features for all models include cruise control, full power accessories, front and rear air conditioning, and a full array of airbags. The SLT-1 and SLT-2 trims get a premium 10-speaker Bose system with a six-CD in-dash changer. Features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, power seats, a power rear liftgate, a head-up display (HUD), GPS, a two-panel sunroof, XM NavTraffic, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, backseat DVD entertainment system, and tri-zone automatic climate control are also available as options in the higher trims.

While these options are carried over from the 2009 model, the 2010 GMC Acadia does have some new features available, including new optional 20-inch chrome wheels. Additionally, there is a new USB port located in the center console that can play audio files through the Acadia's sound system, as well as charge certain devices—specifically, it works with your iPod. Other new options include a Cashmere Interior, as well as GMC Yukon Denali-style roof racks.