Acceleration

2WD SLE	AWD SLT	AWD SLT w/nav. sys.	AWD SLT w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.4

The Acadia offers better than expected acceleration both around town and on the highway, but front-drive models 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

2WD SLE	AWD SLT	AWD SLT w/nav. sys.	AWD SLT w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
4	4	4	4	3.9

No opportunity to measure fuel economy with a 2009 model. In Consumer Guide testing, AWD 2008 versions averaged 17.5 mpg. Acadia uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

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

2WD SLE	AWD SLT	AWD SLT w/nav. sys.	AWD SLT w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.5

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

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

2WD SLE	AWD SLT	AWD SLT w/nav. sys.	AWD SLT w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.2

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

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)

2WD SLE	AWD SLT	AWD SLT w/nav. sys.	AWD SLT w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
9	9	9	9	7.3

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)

2WD SLE	AWD SLT	AWD SLT w/nav. sys.	AWD SLT w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.3

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

2WD SLE	AWD SLT	AWD SLT w/nav. sys.	AWD SLT w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
10	10	10	10	8.7

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

2WD SLE	AWD SLT	AWD SLT w/nav. sys.	AWD SLT w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
8	10	9	8	6

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 crossover 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	64.6

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		53
Average Score		64
High Score		76