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2008 GMC Acadia Full Review
Date Published: 5/06/08
Also in the 2008 GMC Acadia Review:
5.
6.
GMC Acadia Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 GMC Acadia Review
The 2008 GMC Acadia gains some new features this year. This crossover shares its basic design and up to eight-passenger seating with the Saturn Outlook and premium-midsize Buick Enclave. SLE and SLT models are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The only available powertrain is a 275-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 4500 lb. Available eight-passenger seating comes via a 2nd-row bench seat in place of buckets. Available safety equipment includes ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. The 2008 GMC Acadia gets a few new features, including a rearview camera. Also available is a "skyscape" dual sunroof with a large tilt and slide front panel and a fixed rear glass skylight.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
News
Acadia and Saturn's Outlook are the first vehicles based on GM's new Lambda car-type SUV platform. A Buick version, dubbed Enclave, came out during the first half of 2007. A Chevrolet version, named Traverse, is expected by model-year 2010.
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2008 GMC Acadia Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Maneuverability |
| Drivetrain refinement | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
All models offer better than expected acceleration both around town and on the highway, but front-drive Acadias are slightly quicker from a stop. The transmission shifts smoothly but is often caught in too high a gear. A prod of the throttle sometimes results in slow downshifts for passing power.
| 2WD SLE | AWD SLT | AWD SLT w/nav. sys. | AWD SLT w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
All models offer better than expected acceleration both around town and on the highway, but front-drive Acadias are slightly quicker from a stop. The transmission shifts smoothly but is often caught in too high a gear. A prod of the throttle sometimes results in slow downshifts for passing power.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, AWD Acadias averaged 17.5 mpg. GMC recommends regular-grade gas.
| 2WD SLE | AWD SLT | AWD SLT w/nav. sys. | AWD SLT w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, AWD Acadias averaged 17.5 mpg. GMC recommends regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
With the standard 18-inch tires, Acadia is comfortably composed and controlled. The optional 19s made the ride noticeably stiffer, though not unbearably so.
| 2WD SLE | AWD SLT | AWD SLT w/nav. sys. | AWD SLT w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5.5 |
With the standard 18-inch tires, Acadia is comfortably composed and controlled. The optional 19s made the ride noticeably stiffer, though not unbearably so.
Steering/Handling/Braking
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. Acadia is difficult to maneuver in tight spaces due to its long, wide body.
| 2WD SLE | AWD SLT | AWD SLT w/nav. sys. | AWD SLT w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.4 |
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. Acadia is difficult to maneuver in tight spaces due to its long, wide body.
Quietness
Very little road rumble, though the 19-inch tires thump slightly over bumps. Wind noise is low, with only a muted whistle from the outside mirrors at highway speeds. Acadia's quiet, refined engine growls pleasantly under brisk acceleration.
| 2WD SLE | AWD SLT | AWD SLT w/nav. sys. | AWD SLT w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
Very little road rumble, though the 19-inch tires thump slightly over bumps. Wind noise is low, with only a muted whistle from the outside mirrors at highway speeds. Acadia's quiet, refined engine growls pleasantly under brisk acceleration.
Controls
Day or night, Acadia's luminous gauges are easy to read. The optional head-up display projects vehicle speed and other readings on the windshield. The audio controls are easy to reach. The optional navigation system absorbs most audio functions but doesn't complicate their use. Climate controls are mounted lower but within easy reach, though their pushbuttons are less convenient than rotary knobs.
| 2WD SLE | AWD SLT | AWD SLT w/nav. sys. | AWD SLT w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Day or night, Acadia's luminous gauges are easy to read. The optional head-up display projects vehicle speed and other readings on the windshield. The audio controls are easy to reach. The optional navigation system absorbs most audio functions but doesn't complicate their use. Climate controls are mounted lower but within easy reach, though their pushbuttons are less convenient than rotary knobs.
Details
Though there are few padded surfaces, bright accents and richly grained plastics give the interior an inviting look. Build quality has been good, but one test model suffered from a rattle in the rear seating area.
| 2WD SLE | AWD SLT | AWD SLT w/nav. sys. | AWD SLT w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Though there are few padded surfaces, bright accents and richly grained plastics give the interior an inviting look. Build quality has been good, but one test model suffered from a rattle in the rear seating area.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Plenty of headroom and legroom. The seats are generally supportive and comfortable, though shorter drivers may find the seat cushions too long. Thick roof pillars block the view to the front corners and over the left shoulder, and Acadia's high beltline in back makes the available rear obstacle detection and rearview camera worthwhile options.
| 2WD SLE | AWD SLT | AWD SLT w/nav. sys. | AWD SLT w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7.1 |
Plenty of headroom and legroom. The seats are generally supportive and comfortable, though shorter drivers may find the seat cushions too long. Thick roof pillars block the view to the front corners and over the left shoulder, and Acadia's high beltline in back makes the available rear obstacle detection and rearview camera worthwhile options.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Easy entry through large doors, and Acadia's Smart Slide 2nd-row seats tilt and slide forward to ease access to 3rd row. Whether buckets or bench, the 2nd-row seats slide fore-aft about 3 inches to benefit either 2nd- or 3rd-row legroom. With the 2nd row slid forward, the 3rd row can accommodate six footers--though they'll ride knees-up. Foot space can be tight in either row.
| 2WD SLE | AWD SLT | AWD SLT w/nav. sys. | AWD SLT w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Easy entry through large doors, and Acadia's Smart Slide 2nd-row seats tilt and slide forward to ease access to 3rd row. Whether buckets or bench, the 2nd-row seats slide fore-aft about 3 inches to benefit either 2nd- or 3rd-row legroom. With the 2nd row slid forward, the 3rd row can accommodate six footers--though they'll ride knees-up. Foot space can be tight in either row.
Cargo Room
Acadia's cargo volume is the largest among midsize SUVs, rivaling that of many large SUVs. There's more usable space behind the raised 3rd-row seat than in most midsize SUVs, plus an underfloor bin. Both the 2nd- and 3rd-row seats fold forward easily to form a flat, nearly level surface. An optional power tailgate is a handy feature. Several bins and cubbies provide good interior storage.
| 2WD SLE | AWD SLT | AWD SLT w/nav. sys. | AWD SLT w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.6 |
Acadia's cargo volume is the largest among midsize SUVs, rivaling that of many large SUVs. There's more usable space behind the raised 3rd-row seat than in most midsize SUVs, plus an underfloor bin. Both the 2nd- and 3rd-row seats fold forward easily to form a flat, nearly level surface. An optional power tailgate is a handy feature. Several bins and cubbies provide good interior storage.
Value within Class
Acadia is tailor-made for buyers who need a minivan but don't want to drive one. This crossover is dynamically capable, comes standard with a host of safety features, and offers several unusual and useful options. Though we consider it a midsize, those shopping large SUVs will find this Best Buy a sensible alternative.
| 2WD SLE | AWD SLT | AWD SLT w/nav. sys. | AWD SLT w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 8 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5.8 |
Acadia is tailor-made for buyers who need a minivan but don't want to drive one. This crossover is dynamically capable, comes standard with a host of safety features, and offers several unusual and useful options. Though we consider it a midsize, those shopping large SUVs will find this Best Buy a sensible alternative.
Total Score
| 2WD SLE | AWD SLT | AWD SLT w/nav. sys. | AWD SLT w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 74 | 76 | 75 | 73 | 63.7 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 53 | |
| Average Score | 63 | |
| High Score | 76 |
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2008 GMC Acadia Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/14/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
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| 2WD SLE 4-door wagon | $29,755 | $27,821 | $735 |
|
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| AWD SLE 4-door wagon | $31,785 | $29,700 | $735 |
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| 2WD SLT 4-door wagon | $34,290 | $32,061 | $735 |
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| AWD SLT 4-door wagon | $36,300 | $33,941 | $735 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
|
|
|||
| Acadia | $500 cash back or 5.9%-7.9% financing. | Customer | 06/02/08 |
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SLE
Powertrain
3.6-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front and rear air conditioning w/rear controls, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, 8-passenger seating, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, center console, adjustable 2nd-row split folding seat, 3rd-row split folding seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, OnStar assistance system, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, tachometer, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear privacy glass, rear spoiler, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
255/65R18 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive. Deletes: traction control.
SLT adds to SLE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tri-zone automatic climate controls (including rear control), leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power driver seat, 2-way power passenger seat, adjustable 2nd-row bucket seats, mirror-mounted turn signals, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, rear radio controls, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener, outside-temperature indicator.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive. Deletes: traction control.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Preferred Pkg.
|
||
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SLE
|
$560
|
$465
|
|
6-way power driver seat, 2-way power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls.
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||
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4SB Option Pkg.
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2WD SLT
|
$1,975
|
$1,847
|
|
AWD SLT
|
$1,980
|
$1,851
|
|
Rear-obstacle-detection system, 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), remote engine start, power-folding mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, 115-volt power outlet, automatic up/down driver power window, heated washer nozzles, power liftgate, cargo cover and net.
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||
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Convenience Pkg.
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||
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SLE, SLT
|
$435
|
$361
|
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Rear-obstacle-detection system, remote engine start.
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Cargo Convenience Pkg.
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SLE, SLT
|
$90
|
$75
|
|
Cargo cover and net.
|
||
|
Trailering Pkg.
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|
SLE, SLT
|
$425
|
$353
|
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Heavy-duty engine cooling, trailer hitch.
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|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Navigation system
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SLT
|
$2,340
|
$1,942
|
|
Includes rearview camera. Replaces in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer w/single-disc CD/MP3 player. Requires 4SB Option Pkg.
|
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Power sunroof
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SLT
|
$1,300
|
$1,079
|
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Includes rear glass roof panel w/power shade.
|
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DVD entertainment system
|
||
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SLT
|
$1,295
|
$1,075
|
|
SLE
|
$2,055
|
$1,706
|
|
SLE includes tri-zone automatic climate controls (including rear control), Bose sound system, rear radio controls.
|
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Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
|
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SLE
|
$870
|
$722
|
|
Includes tri-zone automatic climate controls (including rear control), rear radio controls.
|
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Cargo-area radio controls
|
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SLT
|
$150
|
$125
|
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Head-up instrument display
|
||
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SLT
|
$350
|
$291
|
|
7-passenger seating
|
||
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SLE
|
$495
|
$411
|
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adjustable 2nd-row bucket seats.
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8-passenger seating
|
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SLT (credit)
|
$-495
|
$-411
|
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adjustable 2nd-row split folding seat.
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2nd-row center console
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SLT
|
$250
|
$208
|
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NA w/8-passenger seating.
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Power liftgate
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SLT
|
$350
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$291
|
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Heated washer nozzles
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SLE, SLT
|
$85
|
$71
|
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115-volt power outlet
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SLT
|
$175
|
$145
|
|
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Xenon headlights
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SLT
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$500
|
$415
|
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Requires 4SB Option Pkg.
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Engine-block heater
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SLE, SLT
|
$75
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$62
|
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Special paint
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SLE, SLT
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$95
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$79
|
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Premium Paint
|
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SLE, SLT
|
$395
|
$328
|
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Tri-coat paint
|
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SLE, SLT
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$795
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$660
|
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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255/55HR19 tires
|
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SLT
|
$1,295
|
$1,075
|
|
|
||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 GMC Acadia Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | GMC Acadia 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 118.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 201.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 72.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4925 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 117.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 8 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.6 /217 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 275 @ 6600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 251 @ 3200 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 6-speed automatic | 16/22 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | GMC Acadia 4-door wagon |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 GMC Acadia Review:
5.
6.
GMC Acadia Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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