GMC Acadia

2012 GMC Acadia Denali

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Shopping for a 2012 GMC Acadia? MSRP: $32,685 - $46,660

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The GMC Acadia is a full-size crossover that first went on sale in late 2006 as a 2007 model and currently is in its first generation. The vehicle is based on General Motors’ flexible Lambda platform, which underpins similar vehicles like the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and the former Saturn Outlook. At its launch, the Acadia essentially replaced three different vehicles from the GMC and Pontiac brands: the GMC Envoy, the Envoy XL and the Pontiac Montana SV6. It was also the first unibody vehicle from GMC, as well as its first front-wheel-drive model.

The Acadia can be ordered with 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. Nevertheless, the GMC Acadia is still very practical and offers seating for up to eight thanks to its standard third-row bench. 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 Acadia can also be ordered with seven seats, with the second-row bench replaced by two captain’s chairs.

The big crossover is relatively pricey, though it does boast a 288 horsepower direct injected 3.6-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission. Most of its rivals, such as the Mazda CX-9, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, start several thousand dollars below this price point, but are less powerful and can't match the Acadia's 5,200-pound towing capacity. The EPA rates the most efficient model, the front-wheel-drive Acadia, at 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, although these figures may be a little hard to match in real-world driving.

The Acadia comes in four trim levels: SL, SLE, SLT and Denali. Standard features for all models include cruise control, full power accessories, front and rear air conditioning, and a full array of airbags. Options include 20-inch chrome wheels, unique roof racks and an iPod/USB port located in the bin atop the center air vents. The Denali doesn't get a distinct drivetrain, but it does receive new grille and bumpers, HID headlamps, 20 inch wheels, tri-zone climate control, DVD navigation with real-time traffic, Bluetooth connectivity, leather trim and heated and ventilated front seats.

This year, the 2012 Acadia gets two new colors and an accessory power outlet on the console. The rearview mirrors now have formed-in blind-spot mirrors, though a blind-spot warning system is not available. The Denali version now features hill-hold technology and brake override of the accelerator pedal.

The GMC Acadia is assembled at GM’s Delta Township plant in Lansing, Michigan.