On the larger side of the crossover spectrum lies GMC’s Acadia, whose 3 usable rows and class-topping cargo area provide relief to those who need a lot of room. And while Acadia may ‘crossover’ smaller parking lines at the supermarket, drivers- especially families- will appreciate the overall versatility.
Here’s what’s going on with the 2012 GMC Acadia (configure one now).
GMC Acadia Trims and Options
The 2012 GMC Acadia comes 5 trim levels- base SL, SLE, SLT-1, SLT-2, and top Denali.
Starting with SL trims (from $32,110), standard features include an 8 passenger setup, 18” aluminum wheels, front fog lamps, rear spoiler, roof rails, 4-way manual driver’s seat, cloth seating, rear manual A/C, keyless entry, a 6 speaker audio setup with XM radio, and 6 months of OnStar services.
SLE Acadia ($43,585) features a 7 passenger setup with a power rear liftgate, standard 2-way power front passenger seat, remote start, park assist and rearview camera, and optional niceties like tri-zone climate control, 8-way power driver’s seat, 2 panel sunroof, and rear entertainment package.
SLT-1 trims ($38,335) add 19” wheels, heated outer and blind spot mirrors, standard tri-zone climate control, leather upholstery for 1st and 2nd rows with heated front seats, and a 10 speaker Bose sound system. Navigation is also vailable for SLT-1 and SLT-2 Acadia.
SLT-2 Acadia ($39,240) comes with power folding memory outside mirrors and memory driver’s seat, 4-way powered passenger seat, and the option for heated /cooling front seats (heated seats are standard). SLT-2 trims are also equipped to add a few options including the technology package with a head-up display, as well as perforated leather trim.
Finally top Denali trims ($43,385) feature 7 passenger seating, 20” wheels, leather and wood interior trim, standard head-up display and heated/cooling front seats, 2 panel sunroof, and a number of extra options like a rear entertainment system, Bose surround sound, navigation, and a 2nd row center console.
GMC Acadia Performance
GMC has fitted Acadia with a 3.6 liter V6 engine capable of 288 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission is fitted with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Tow capacity is 5200 lbs. for either drive choice.
GMC Acadia Fuel Economy
Acadia achieves an EPA estimated 17/24/19 (city/highway/combined) MPG with front-wheel drive; look for a similar 16/23/19 for all-wheel drive.
GMC Acadia Interior
Critics agree that Acadia’s overall interior feel is upscale and spacious. Highlights include chrome trim (with a bit of plastic) and ‘theatre-dimming’ interior lighting; Denali Acadia also features wood accented features. Seating is a plus, with room for either 7 or 8 depending on the setup: owners can choose between 2nd row flat-folding captain’s chairs for a 2-2-3 setup or a 60/40 split-folding seat for a 2-3-3 configuration. Note that base SL models do not have the 7 seat option. The 3rd row features easy access and a surprising amount of room even for adults if necessary with 33.2” of legroom and 57.8” of shoulder space.
Cargo capacity is an Acadia specialty. Both the 2nd and 3rd row seats fold down for an impressive 116.9 cubic feet of overall space. With just the 3rd row down, expect 68.9 cubic feet and all seats upright owners still get 24.1 cubic feet to play with.
GMC Acadia Safety
Acadia receives 5/5 stars in governmental crash ratings; the top score achieved by 4/5 stars for frontal impacts, 5/5 with side collisions, and 4/5 for rollovers. Standard safety features include traction and stability control, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, and standard airbag placement- including side head curtain airbags for all 3 rows. A rearview camera comes on all Acadia trims save for base SL and Denali Acadia features a head-up display for on-road information monitoring.
Bottom Line
Acadia’s adeptness for passenger room and cargo space make it stand out from would be competitors. If you need a large crossover, Acadia’s obvious space advantage paired with top safety scores and interior highlights (especially with the upscale if overpriced Denali) should be enough to deal with any downsides.
You can buy a new Acadia now on CarWoo!
