There is a definite sweet spot when it comes to finding a vehicle that will handle a huge load of both passengers and cargo. While some prefer the rugged ride and brutal power of a full-size SUV, and others are satisfied with the anonymity of a minivan, there is a strong contingent of drivers who are looking for a happy medium – a people mover with the manners of a sedan that can still get the job done. For this select class, GMC has built the 2010 Acadia full-size crossover.
The 2010 GMC Acadia (MSRP $31,740) breaks the mold when it comes to crossover styling. Its bold dimensions suggest the same strength of purpose associated with GMC’s acclaimed line of truck-based SUVs. However, a closer look reveals that while the Acadia shares the same long, flat roofline and generous ride height afforded its body-on-frame siblings, care has been taken to separate the crossover visually from a standard sport utility vehicle. Details such as a sloped grille and quad exhaust tips tucked snugly under the Acadia’s rear bumper add definite car-like touches to the model’s overall design.
This sedan-inspired feel continues behind the wheel of the GMC Acadia. Turning into a corner, the benefits of the crossover’s unibody design over that of a traditional SUV are instantly recognizable, as the Acadia handles like a vehicle half its size. This predictability and smoothness translates into the type of comfortable ride that few would expect from such a capable family hauler. The Acadia derives its motivation from a standard 3.6-liter Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) V6 engine, which has been tuned to provide 288 hp and 270 lb/ft of torque. Front-wheel drive and an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission are also included in the base edition of the crossover, or buyers can select available all-wheel drive.
Acadia’s towing capacity is impressive with a maximum rating of 5,200 pounds adding an extra dimension of practicality. In terms of fuel economy, both models boast excellent numbers with the front-wheel drive Acadia showing 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, and the all-wheel drive model dropping only a single mile per gallon respectively. These numbers put the GMC Acadia at the head of its class when compared against any SUV with the same passenger capacity.
Just how many friends and family members can you fit into the 2010 GMC Acadia? The surprising answer is eight, placing the crossover in elite utility vehicle company and matching the interior accommodations offered by any minivan on the market. Three rows of seating ensure that no one will ever be left behind when planning a trip in the Acadia, and special care has also been taken to ensure there is a generous amount of room available for any luggage that might be coming along for the ride. Even with a full passenger complement, it is still possible to stuff 24 cubic feet of gear between the back of the third row and the vehicle’s liftgate. Not only that, should the need arise, all seating behind the driver can be folded down to free up an astounding 116.9 cubic feet of space, suitable for hauling any number of oversize or bulky items.
There are also a number of great ways to dress up the already well-appointed interior of the GMC Acadia, as well as add an extra degree of functionality and fun to the overall experience offered by the crossover. An optional Dual SkyScape sunroof adds two glass panels to the vehicle’s roof with the front panel capable of sliding or tilting open to let in fresh air, as well as sun- or moonlight. In addition to its standard free year of OnStar’s Directions and Connections service and three free months of XM Satellite Radio and XM NavTraffic™, Acadia offers a DVD-based touch-screen navigation system that includes a Bose 5.1 Surround audio system, as well as a DVD entertainment feature for rear-seat passengers. Further adding to Acadia’s appeal is the available backup camera that integrates its video feed directly into the navigation system’s LCD screen, helping to make reversing the crossover a simple and worry-free process.
The 2010 GMC Acadia is a full-size crossover that offers the pumped-up seating and cargo capacity of an SUV while maintaining the great handling and fuel economy of a sedan. It delivers luxury, convenience, security and unmatched utility, all backed by a five-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty that can’t be beat.
