The family of full-size crossovers has enjoyed immense popularity since its introduction to the market. With the availability of crossover vehicles from different makers, you just might find yourself ready to drive away in a 2012 GMC Acadia.
Performance
The 2012 Acadia’s 3.6L V6 engine delivers 288 horsepower and 270 pounds-feet of torque. Drivers enjoy fuel economy and efficiency with fuel mileage at 17 mpg and 25 mpg in city and highway respectively.
The vehicle is aided by a 6-speed automatic transmission for smooth and ease of transition. The quiet humming on the engine when accelerating is appreciated by its users while the smooth handling and brake functions are ideal to meet driving preferences.
Exterior & Interior
The Acadia comes with an imposing character because of its size. Consumers are raving about how aggressive its outside appearance looks and how it deviates from previous GM SUVs released. With this latest model, it gives an impression of purposive design. Among the external features are LED lights, dual outlet of exhaust, and aluminum wheels and roof rails.
Matching its appearance is a spacious interior which features metal trim finishing and a flashy quality on its plastics. This gives off an inviting impression of comfort and peace. The three-row interior can accommodate up to 8 people. The sliding seats on the second row make more legroom. Both the second and third row seats can be folded flat and cargo can be placed on the rear floor. Some of the interior features are as follows: keyless remote entry and cruising controls, optional navigation and entertainment system, parking assist tool and backup camera, and leather seats.
Safety & Reliability
The GMC Acadia topped the crash test performed by NHTSA making it a better choice for safe vehicles. While IIHS did not perform the same test, it was give a top pick reputation. This means that it is better among other vehicle types in terms of roof strength, rear crash, frontal offset, and side impact. Standard features include OnStar, anti-lock brakes, front and side airbags and curtain bags, and stability and traction controls.
GM provides for the following on the GMC Acadia purchase: a bumper-to-bumper three-year or 36,000 mile warranty, five-year or 100,000 mile powertain warranty and five years or 100,000 miles of both road assistance and courtesy transportation.
Pros
- Reliable safety features.
- A number of standard features are available.
- Third row can accommodate adult passengers.
- Comfortable and spacious interior allowing room for up to eight people.
Cons
- Has too much weight.
- Slow 6-speed automation.
- Lesser capability in towing.
- High base price for a non-luxury vehicle.
The Competition
Mazda CX-9(MSRP $29,135; 17 city / 24 hwy). It is spacious on its seat rows but offers a smaller space for cargo. Its navigational system can be confusing to amateurs of the brand. It is also more expensive that its counterparts.
Honda Pilot (MSRP $28,320; 17 city / 23 hwy). It offers a spacious interior and storage bins but hard plastics make up a few interior elements, the external appearance is bulky, and it is pricey.
Ford Flex (MSRP $29,355; 17 city / 24 hwy). It has spacious interiors, a unique external, and offers an EcoBoost engine option but is smaller than a minivan. The optional features can cost a lot of money.
Toyota Highlander (MSRP $28,090; 20 city / 25 hwy). It offers a quiet ride with a hideaway second row feature but the third row is only meant for kid passengers. It also has minimal cargo spacing when all seats are occupied.
Overall Rating
83 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2011 GMC Acadia is good for transporting the family in supreme comfort.”Car Connection
“Front-drive versions are impressively stable and agile for a vehicle this size. AWD models–even with the optional 19-inch tires–feel a bit less nimble but benefit from added traction on slick surfaces.”Consumer Guide
“Like almost identical models from Buick and Chevy, the three-row 2012 GMC Acadia offers a winning combination of comfort, features, cargo space and performance in a utility-style package.”Edmunds
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: SUV | Base Price: $32,605.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 22 gallons (83 liters) | MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy |
| Length: 200.7 in. (509 cm) | Width: 78.2 in. (198 cm) |
| Height: 69.9 in. (177 cm) | Wheel Base: 118.9 in. (302 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4656 lbs (2112 kg) | Ground Clearance: 7.4 in. (18.7 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 24.1 cu ft (all seats in place) | Maximum Seating: 7 people |
| Engine: 24-valve DOHC V6 | Displacement: 3.6L |
| Horsepower: 288 HP | Max RPM: 6300 RPM |
| Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic |
| Max Towing Capacity: 5200 lbs (2358 kgs) | Maximum Speed: NA |
| Option:Acadia SLE | MSRP: $35,080; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy |
| Option:Acadia SLT1 | MSRP: $38,830; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy |
| Option:Acadia SLT2 | MSRP: $39,735; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy |
| Option:Acadia Denali | MSRP: $43,880; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy |
