GMC Acadia a sleeper hit!

I had the opportunity to test drive the new GMC Acadia. well it’s not actually new, but it was worth a revisit as the 2008 is quieter and offers more responsive handling than the 2007. 

Acceleration & Handling: The engine is a bit noisy on acceleration, but it gets to the point nicely and handling is responsive without being sloppy and open to overcorrection.  Loaded with seven passengers can get a bit hairy in the over the shoulder rear view, so use your mirrors. Solid over the bumps and against the wind. Gas mileage is average 18mpg on this 6 cyl., with a rating of 23mpg on the highway. It remains to be scene if you’ll get that in the heat of the summer, loaded with family and pulling a trailer.

Interior design: The seats are quite confortable, which is important as many of the new SUV/crossovers are offering cheap, hard and industrial fabric coated chairs you wouldn’t want to be parked in for more than fifteen minutes. The dash is well laid out, wide and flat across. Everything the driver needs is instantly accessible and easy to figure out. The second row buckets are luxurious and the air flow to the back is strong.

Rear cargo room: Plenty of room for everyone’s legs and stuff. At least more than the Durango, at a 4000 savings.  Split third row seats are also more comfortable than the competition. At least an adult butt can get back there without breaking your back.

Exterior: The design is typical GMC. unusual cut in the oversized headlights, standard GMC mesh-like grill and high beltline give it a some-what sporty look.  Color mix is well-rounded.

Safety: It has a 5 star rating with airbags all around and anti-lock brakes.

At $31k for a well appointed, mid-level model with sunroof, awd, trailering package and cloth seats, with a 5yr. or 100k warranty, is a bargain in the SUV class.

SLM