2011 GMC Acadia

The GMC Acadia Denali seems, from the exterior, that it would be the perfect family vehicle. For starters, it advertises 7 passenger seating. Bummer.

Also, for a family vehicle you would assume that there would at least be space in the rear for groceries. With the 3rd row seat in position there is barely enough room for a case of soda. Trying to fit groceries into this space is a fight. The rear air-conditioning system in the 2011 Acadia Denali is loud.

The 2011 GMC Acadia now is available in the premium Denali trim level, which features unique styling elements and a plusher cabin. Available with either front- or all-wheel drive, the Acadia is powered by a strong V6 engine.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 GMC Acadia is a large crossover SUV offered in five trims: base SL, SLE, SLT-1, SLT-2 and Denali. The SLT-1 ups the ante with 19-inch wheels, heated mirrors, a variable-assist steering system, tri-zone automatic climate control, rear audio controls and headphone jacks, leather upholstery, heated front seats and a 10-speaker Bose stereo with a USB audio jack.

The SLT-2 adds power-folding heated mirrors with driver-side auto-dimming, additional power adjustments for the front passenger seat, driver memory functions and a Towing Preparation package.

The plush Denali trim level adds unique body treatment (including grille, front/rear fascias, side moldings and wheel flares), 20-inch chrome wheels with black chrome accents, xenon headlights, additional sound insulation, illuminated sill plates, the "SkyScape" power front/fixed rear dual sunroofs, a head-up display, perforated leather upholstery, heated/ventilated front seats and a leather/wood steering wheel.

EPA fuel economy estimates for the front-wheel-drive Acadia are 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive Acadia models are very close at 16/23/19 mpg. Properly equipped, the Acadia can tow up to 5,200 pounds.

Safety
Depending on the configuration chosen, the Acadia seats either seven passengers (with second-row captain's chairs) or eight passengers (with a split-folding second-row bench seat) in three rows. Maximum cargo capacity is a generous 117 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded down.

Driving Impressions
Like the other large General Motors crossovers, the 2011 GMC Acadia hits a happy medium between secure handling and a comfortable ride. Opting for the larger 19- or 20-inch wheels can also degrade the Acadia's ride quality.