2011 GMC Acadia Review

2011 GMC Acadia Review

Following the fuel price and buyers a more realistic assessment of their needs, a traditional truck-based SUV is not the popular family vehicle that once was. Although most buyers use to go to these thirsty beasts would probably be very well served by mini-vans, many people, instead of opting for an alternative that is appropriate: large crosses, as the 2011 GMC Acadia.


Acadia is one of the triplets of GM "Lambda" platform (Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse is the other). Like its cousins, the Acadia uses a carlike unibody architecture that makes it easier and more compact than the heavier body on frame truck-based SUVs. As such, Acadia offers more passenger and cargo space while providing better handling, a more pleasant driving experience, superior collision safety and better fuel economy.

Available with front or four wheel drive, the Acadia is powered by a V6 engine strong. Families traveling by road will appreciate the Acadie smooth, quiet. Those in the habit of carrying large objects will be grateful for the generous amount of binding of the load because the load space is 117 cubic feet. The recovery of the Acadia is complemented with high scores and their ability to accommodate up to eight passengers.

This beautiful and spacious cabin has some weaknesses, however. Some documents are mediocre and the third row, but very accommodating, not as comfortable as the Ford Flex. Visibility (admittedly a weak point in most large crosses) is reduced compared to other models in this short segment. Finally, driving enthusiasts can find the handling a little heavy Acadia compared to the lighter, more nimble rivals like the Mazda CX-9.

Even so, these are just small quibbles seen against many strengths of the 2011 GMC Acadia. Addresses some worthy crossover competitors like the Ford Flex and Mazda CX-9, as well as new technologies packed, and the Ford Explorer and the luxurious Hyundai Veracruz. We recommend trying all of which best suits your needs. Eventually, however, we suspect that the Acadia is the best choice for many buyers, the strength of his impressive combination of comfort, functionality, cargo space and performance.

Body styles, trim levels and options

In 2011, the GMC Acadia is a crossover SUV offered in five large stones: base SL, SLE, SLT-1, SLT and Denali-2. Seven-passenger seating is the default configuration, while seating for eight passengers (replace a bench fold-flat second-row chairs of the standard fold-flat captain) is optional on all but the SL.

The SL comes with alloy wheels 18 inch front and rear air conditioning, power accessories, cruise control, OnStar telematics (with a six-month subscription to reach and connections) and a set of six CD/MP3 stereo speakers satellite radio. The SLE adds fog lights, power liftgate, remote start, leather steering wheel, power front seats (eight-conductor / passengers in both directions), auto-dimming mirror mirror, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors and a backup camera display mirror with a small mirror.

The SLT-1 upped the ante with 19-inch wheels, heated mirrors, a steering system with variable assist, three-zone automatic climate control, rear audio controls and headphone jacks, leather, heated front seats and a Bose stereo with 10 speakers USB audio jack. The SLT-2 adds power folding mirrors with auto dimming driver's side, more power settings for the front passenger seat, memory functions and preparation of the driver of the towing package.

Denali tissue level trim adds a unique body treatment (including the grille, front / rear sections, side moldings and wheel flares), 20-inch chrome wheels black chrome accents, xenon lights, more sound insulation, illuminated scuff plates, " skyscape "active front / solid rear dual sunroofs, Head-Up Display, perforated leather upholstery, heated / ventilated front seats and leather / wood steering wheel.

Many additional features in the superior court can be added as options at a lower cut. Other highlights optional, depending on equipment level, including a navigation system, rear entertainment system, a power of 115 volts, a version of surround sound Bose stereo, a console in the center of the second row and sunroof Skyscape .

Engines and performance


There is only one engine / transmission combination available in the GMC Acadia - 3.6-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic edit manually. V6 produces 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque.

The EPA estimated fuel economy for FWD Acadia are 17 mpg highway and 19 mpg city/24 mpg combined. All wheel drive models are very close to Acadia 16/23/19 mpg. Properly equipped, the Acadia can tow up to 5,200 pounds.

Security

ABS, traction control and stability control, front seat side airbags and curtain side airbags half of all three rows are standard on all 2011 GMC Acadia, which is one of GM's OnStar service, including turn-by-turn directions and hands free phone connectivity. In tests Edmunds Brake, Acadia has stopped 135 meters - the Flex and CX-9 work better.

In crash tests of the new government more difficult in 2011, Acadia was awarded five stars for overall performance, with four out of five stars on account of the impact protection of the leader and five stars for side protection.

Acadia Insurance has also managed to crash tests of Highway Safety Institute, where he earned the highest rating of "good" in frontal crash tests and lateral offset.

Interior Design and Special Features

Inside, the cabin of Acadia is a spacious, attractive two-tone brushed aluminum and chrome finishes (including wood grain accents Denali). The dashboard is made up of two meters, with a number of bright white on black, these indicators are simple and easy to read. Minor ailments are among the weakest of the interior plastics and the audio and climate controls that consist of little buttons and similar in appearance too.

Depending on the configuration chosen, both the Acadia seats seven passengers (with second row captain chairs), or eight passengers (with a split-folding sofa in the second row) has three rows. The seats in first and second rows are very comfortable and supportive, and a split-folding third-row seats - that often the children only the traditional SUV sector - can accommodate adults in reasonable comfort. Maximum load capacity is a generous 117 cubic meters per second, and third-row seats are folded down. Although all three rows of seats in use, there is a useful 24 cubic feet of storage space.

Driving Impressions


Like other large crossovers from General Motors, GMC Acadia 2011 strikes a balance between safe and comfortable handling. But you'll never forget that a large vehicle and heavy (nearly 5000 pounds with four-wheel drive) and it feels more difficult to manage than other large crossovers on the market. The choice of most 19 - or 20-inch wheels may also affect ride quality Acadia. We have no complaints about the 3.6-liter V6, as it gives the acceleration arranged in almost any situation.

Price $ 32,000