GMC looks for a niche with Acadia

GMC looks for a niche with Acadia

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Photos by -Autonet.ca
Published: 18 09 2007

You have to love automakers. It's always fun to see who will be next to "redefine" a vehicle or segment, as this is now happening practically every few months as every company is looking to introduce the newest craze in the automotive world. How about Hyundai's new Veracruz Luxury Utility Vehicle? Or BMW showing off its X6, the world's very first Sport Crossover Coupe at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show?

With the Acadia, GMC isn't defining a new segment, but it is attempting to redefine what exactly a crossover is. Is an eight-seater SUV really a crossover - a vehicle that has the fuel economy and handling of a car but the utility of an SUV? I find that first part a little deceptive, but maybe that's just me.

I just like to think of it as an SUV, and a fine one at that. It's a big vehicle that can hold up to eight passengers ... though compared to its similar-looking-but-much-bigger siblings the Yukon and Yukon XL, it is more crossover-ish in theory.

It does have some car-like qualities, though, that people are sure to appreciate. A wide track and thoroughly generous wheelbase does admittedly make this a soft, comfortable ride, though it's not something you would ever want to test around corners like you would with some coupes and sedans. It also feels more like a car with it being so easy to step into and with the second row bucket seats.

Otherwise, there's plenty of big all over this truck, with up to eight seats, optional 19-in. wheels and tires, and a 3,020 mm. wheelbase ... there really isn't very much in here that's small. The engine is great - a just-right size of 3.6-litres. It's enough to power this car when you really need it, yet it's not a gas-guzzling behemoth. Granted, my final fuel economy tally was high, but the large majority of my driving was in stop-and-go traffic, which is the worst thing when you're trying to keep the fuel consumption down. I'm quite certain the numbers would be much closer to the EnerGuide ratings of 13.5 L/100km city and 8.9 L/100km highway had I spent more time on the highway. Of course, a V8 would fit in the Acadia, and it's rumoured that it will eventually be getting one with a Denali edition, but we'll believe it when we see it.

The engine is mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed transmission with a manual mode. The manual mode is activated by pushing the gear shifter down past the Drive mode and using a button on the left side of the shifter to gear up or down as you please. In other GM vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Impala, this works much better, but in the Acadia it's just as easy to let the transmission do its own thing in full automatic mode. Even GM says the manual mode should be used more for things like driving up steep hills.

One thing you should be wary of with the Acadia is add-ons, which can quickly make the price of this vehicle skyrocket. Though you can get a bare-bones seven-seat version for under $37,000, you could move in on the $60,000 range if you opt for some of the pricier options – a DVD-based nav system ($4,970) and the SLT2 package ($3,995) are just two examples. Just remember that all versions of the Acadia come well-equipped with plenty of standard goodies.

Parents should be happy to know that some of those goodies fall under the safety category, including six air bags that protect all three rows of passengers, a rollover-sensing system and four-wheel anti-lock brakes. The weather didn't challenge the Acadia's all-wheel drive system during my week with it, unfortunately, but if it's anything like the Yukon's, drivers can expect a fully competent all-wheel drive system.

If you're looking for an alternative to a minivan that's still roomy, comfortable and safe, the GMC Acadia is a very good place to start. It doesn't have quite the convenience of a minivan, but there's no doubting it's a lot more hip and stylish.

Fact File
2007 GMC Acadia
As tested (before tax): $56,080
Configuration: Front-engine/all-wheel drive SUV
Engine/Transmission: 3.6-litre V6/6-speed automatic
Horsepower: 275 @ 6,600 rpm
Torque: 251 lb.-ft. @ 3,200 rpm
Options: Two-panel power sunroof ($1,685), Rear DVD Entertainment Package (8-in. overhead LCD display, two wireless headphones, Bose 5.1 surround sound: $1,255), High-intensity discharge headlamps ($650), trailer towing package ($550), head-up display ($475), premium paint ($380), rear cargo area audio controls ($195), Preferred Equipment Group ($3,995)
Freight: $1,200
Fuel required: 83 litres, regular
EnerGuide fuel economy rating (L/100 km): 13.5 city, 8.9 hwy.
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 17.1 over 210 km combined
Warranty: 3 years/60,000 km.

MSRP range: $36,495 - $45,885
Engines available: 3.6L V6 (257 hp/251 lb.ft.)
Transmissions available: 6-speed automatic


Competitors: Saturn Outlook, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot
Strengths: Handsome interior, comfortable seating for first two rows, plenty of safety features
Weaknesses: Sub-par fuel economy, pricey options

 

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