The 2011 GMC Acadia

Numerous reviews rank the 2011 GMC Acadia at number 4 out of 23 most affordable mid-sized SUVs this year. Its price may still seem high to some but with seating for seven or eight, extensive cargo capacity and great fuel economy, it may well be the ideal alternative for a minivan.

The 2011 Acadia comes in variations which do not differ much in terms of engine and mechanics but in specifics such as interior styling, wheel size etc. These are the Acadia Denali, SLT1 and SLT2 models.

This year, the Denali trim convert the Acadia GMC in to a luxury SUV status and unfortunately with luxury SUV pricing. This trimming, previously reserved for the Yukon and Envoy models, comes with distinctive exterior styling (lots of chrome) and loads of interior goodies such as mahogany wood trim, rearview camera, heated and cooled leather seats. However, despite all the bells and whistles, this Denali trim has the same engine mechanics as its fellow Acadia trims.

Performance-wise, the Acadia is hard to control while in tiny spaces due to the wide, long body. Its 5200 pound towing capacity is lower than that expected for a GMC SUV. Test drivers say that front drive versions show impressive stability even with the 19-inch tires which are optional.  These tires make it feel a little bit less nimble but offer additional traction on dicey surfaces. Its unit-body platform and suspension that is  street-focused gives the GMC Acadia handling like that of a car rather than an SUV. Steering response is precise and the body lean is controlled. These handling traits make it ideal for squally weather. Standard models have 18-inch wheels which give a comfortable ride. The Denali, SLT1 and SLT2 models come with 19/20-inch wheels which may look flashy but do not give a comfortable ride.

Under the hood is a  V6, 3.6-liter engine giving and output of 288 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Despite its hefty weight, test drivers agree that the engine has enough power push it along. Paired to an automatic six-speed transmission, the engine is a bit slow to react. Though not yet rated by the EPA, the 2011 Acadia is expected to have the same values of fuel economy as those of the 2010 Acadia which in FWD gains 17 city miles to the gallon and 24 highway miles to the gallon, while the AWD version gives 16/23 mpg. This is about the same for similarly sized SUVs. There’s more than expected acceleration around town and the highway. Front-drive models remain quicker from a halt with smoother transmission shifts except in highest gear where it is often caught up.

GMC is yet to announce pricing the Acadia Denali should be tops in pricing and luxury in the Acadia line. It may start well above $40,000 which according to many car aficionados befits its lavish styling and well equipped cabin. Delving a little deeper, one discovers that this is great value. What with its capacious cargo space and fuel economy that beat most of the competition.