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2009 GMC Acadia Full Review
Date Published: 5/03/08
Also in the 2009 GMC Acadia Review:
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GMC Acadia Full Review
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2009 GMC Acadia
Sneak Peek
The 2009 GMC Acadia should see no major changes. This crossover SUV shares its basic design with the Chevrolet Traverse, 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. 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. Available features include a rearview camera, a "skyscape" dual sunroof with a large tilt and slide front panel, and a fixed rear glass skylight. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 GMC Acadia.
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2009 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 |
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 | 4.1 |
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 | 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
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 | 5.9 |
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 | 6.4 |
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 | 5.9 |
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 |
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 | 8.8 |
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 2008 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 | 6.7 |
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 2008 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 | 66.4 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 57 | |
| Average Score | 66 | |
| High Score | 76 |
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2009 GMC Acadia Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/14/2008
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
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
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2009 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 |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
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%.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2009 GMC Acadia Review:
5.
6.
GMC Acadia Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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