2008 GMC Acadia

Most crossover buyers come from the ranks of the former SUV owners. We've reached the point where many of these people may be looking at what's in their driveway the way we look at the stuff in the back of our closets. You know—"What was I thinking when I bought that?" Well, when big SUVs were in fashion they were just that—fashion. For every person who took full advantage of the size and off-road prowess of the traditional SUV, there were four people who didn't.


Big utes are roomy, outdoorsy and they were in vogue. We can afford to be fashionable when the fashion is affordable. But, when reality intrudes—as in a string of sustained, high gas prices—the rules change. Suddenly, function takes the forefront and fashion's sent packing. By the time their coupon books expired, many large SUV owners had tired of the gas bills, and downsized into other products. Those who found their way into crossovers found some unexpected benefits. In addition to (slightly) better gas mileage, car-based crossover vehicles handle a lot better than truck-based SUVs. Crossovers are the modern station wagons—updated and upgraded with all-wheel drive and a taller cabin.

Styling

With each generation, the crop of crossovers continues to improve. GMC's Acadia is among the newer and the nicer of the current breed's "large" division. New in 2007, Acadia returns for 2008 with a short but sweet list of upgrades. Refinements have been made to both the all-wheel drive and traction control systems, a panic brake assist feature has been added, a rearview camera system is now part of the optional navigation system, XM radio is standard, a center console splits the second row seats (on 7-passenger, SLT models) and a trio of new hues has been added to the color charts.


Acadia is offered in front- or all-wheel drive. Two trim levels can be chosen (SLE and SLT), and the majority of the optional equipment is bundled in a pair of equipment packages: SLT-1 and SLT-2. Base MSRP starts at $29,845, including destination charge. Our test vehicle was a top-line all-wheel-drive model with the SLT-2 package, and a price tag of just over $42,000.


While Acadia has no shortage of optional items, one area in which there are no choices is powertrain. GMC's first crossovers all carry the same driveline: a 3.6-liter V-6, coupled to six speed automatic transmission. The point is moot, because the GM six is a nice match for this platform. Rated at 275 horsepower and 251 lb. ft. of torque, it offers a smooth power flow and works well with the 6-speed auto. Acadia can tow up to 4,500 lbs. In terms of gas mileage, Acadia is a case of better, but not good. Fuel economy is a skosh better than that of a typical, big 4x4 SUV (EPA's 2008 estimates rate Acadia at 16 city/22 highway), and we logged 17 mpg overall during a week's worth of mixed driving.