2012 GMC Acadia SL SUV
MSRP: $32,605
The Acadia has been around since the 2007 model year. It is a full-size crossover SUV with unibody construction. It shares the GM Lambada platform with the Chevy Traverse and the Buick Enclave, and is positioned in the middle, with the Traverse being the lower-priced marque and the Enclave being the higher-priced marque.
Full-sized crossovers are very popular now, with a large amount of their demographic being families that once had full-size SUV’s. Crossovers are a little less expensive, get better gas mileage, and are a bit easier to drive while the loss in seating and cargo space is negligible. They tow a bit less, but are still a great option for many.
The 2012 GMC Acadia SL is the lowest of five trim levels and seats up to eight people. It has a 3.6 liter V6 engine that produces 288 horsepower and 270 foot-pounds of torque. It has 18-inch painted alloy wheels, front-wheel drive, and a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. It is rated at 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. It can tow up to 5,200 pounds and carry a payload of up to 1,689 pounds.
The Acadia SL comes with a simulated alloy, tilt-telescope steering wheel that houses the cruise control, front bucket seats with lumbar and height adjustment for the driver, a split-folding second row bench seat, a manual-folding third row bench seat, cloth upholstery, keyless entry, full-power accessories, 12-volt outlets in the front, rear, and cargo areas, 2-zone air conditioning, simulated alloy trim on the console, dash, and doors, a rear spoiler, a rear wiper, a rear defogger, a rear liftgate door, a roof rack, automatic headlights, and foglights. The audio system has 6 speakers, AM/FM/satellite radio, a CD/MP3 player, and an audio jack.
The Acadia also comes with antilock brakes, side front airbags, side curtain airbags, stability control, and traction control. In the new, more stringent US government tests, the Acadia received perfect scores of 5 stars for overall protection and side impact protection, while getting 4 stars for front impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it their highest scores of good in front, rear, side impact, and roof strength tests.
Conclusions and driver feedback:
The first thing you will notice in the interior is a lot of simulated chrome trim. It looks great, but it can reflect the sun into your eyes from time to time. The dash has a modern look, but some are confused by a lot of similar-looking controls. The materials themselves are of high quality, with mostly medium and soft-touch plastics.
There is plenty of cabin space here. All of the seats, even the third row, have enough head, leg, and shoulder room to comfortably seat most adults. The first two rows are very comfortable and supportive, too. There are 24 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seating area, and you can get up to 117 cubic feet if you fold down the second and third rows.
The handling is very nice for its size, but you are still reminded that you are driving a heavy, truck-based crossover. The steering is reasonably responsive, and the suspension handles the weight of the vehicle with average body roll. The V6 engine is powerful enough for most family and commuting uses. It provides decent acceleration and does a great job of rolling down the highway.
The ride is somewhat truck-like but still quite comfortable.
All in all, the Acadia is a very nice family vehicle. Its safety scores should put it in line for being awarded an IIHS Top Safety Pick award when they are given out for the 2012 model year. It is great for commuting, carpooling, coaches, or soccer moms.
The verdict: highly recommended.
Other trim levels, options, and miscellaneous caveats.
We chose the base trim for review because we feel it has more than enough conveniences to provide an engaging ride, but at a reasonable price. If, however, you want to really enhance your experience, there are four higher trim levels.
The next one up is the SLE, which starts at $35,080. For your $2,475, you get all of the SL’s conveniences plus the SL Preferred Package, which includes Bluetooth, a leather-covered steering wheel, and remote ignition. You also get an 8-way power driver’s seat, a 2-way power front passenger seat, rear parking sensors, a power liftgate, a rearview camera, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Next is the SLT-1, which starts at $38,830. It upgrades your wheels to 19 inches, and gives you a 10-speaker Bose audio system with rear controls and a USB/iPod interface, 3-zone climate control, a trip computer, heated front seats, leather upholstery in the first two rows, integrated blind spot mirrors, and an upgraded steering package.
The next trim is the SLT-2, which starts at $39,735. It adds a 4-way power passenger seat, driver memory functions, power-folding mirrors, and access to more optional equipment. The main option is the Technology Package, which includes cargo area audio controls, xenon headlights, and a head-up display. You can also order ventilated front seats on this trim level.
The highest, most deluxe trim level is the Denali, which starts at $43,880. This is $11,275 more than the lowest trim level, the SL. It adds a lot of visual and design touches, different aerodynamics, 20-inch chrome wheels, a wood-trim steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, and an almost soundproof cabin.
Ultimately, you can bite off as much as you can chew or afford. The base trim is a very good, functional crossover, and the Denali ends up being a luxury model. We think the base trim gives the most “bang for your buck.” Your mileage may vary.
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