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By Rick Newman
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Nits: A high and heavy liftgate. With the optional power closer, it was no problem. But manually closing it may be difficult for women or smaller adults.
G forces: There's just one engine choice, a 275-horsepower V-6 with a modern six-speed automatic transmission. The power is adequate, although I found shifts to be a bit jerky when cruising at engine speeds that seemed to be right between gears. The Acadia handles like many crossovers, agile and pleasant for a fairly heavy vehicle, though it's not as sporty as top performers like the Mazda CX-7.
Gizmology: The busy dashboard is well organized, with the same sturdy radio and climate controls found in other GM trucks and SUVs. The center armrest slides forward and back for best fit, and there are lots of storage nooks and other conveniences. One minor annoyance: a confusing windshield wiper stalk that left me repeatedly clearing the rear windshield when I wanted the front, or vice versa.
Kidmarks: The seats are a highlight, with three rows that fold easily for a variety of passenger and cargo needs. The second-row captain's chairs slide forward and back to optimize legroom. One innovation is a second-row contraption that collapses the seat bottom when you pull the lever to move the seat forward for third-row access. The result is a much larger path to the third row–big enough for adults–than you typically find in a vehicle with conventional second-row doors rather than minivan-style sliders. Rear cupholders are at arm's height, where they should be for kids, and there are handy storage pockets and map lights all around.
Hot or not: Hot, especially when compared with most of the frumpmobiles that are capable of holding seven passengers.
Pain at the pump: Moderate. Mileage ratings range from 17 mpg/city to 26 mpg/highway. More info: www.fueleconomy.gov.
Crash course: Earns 10 stars out of 10 in both the government's frontal and side-impact crash tests. Rollover resistance ratings are forthcoming. Details: http://safercar.gov/NCAP/Cars/4097.html
Standard safety gear: Advanced front air bags, side-impact and side-curtain air bags, antilock brakes, stability control, traction control.
Price points: Base prices range from $29,495 to $35,610. Price as tested: $37,269. (Prices include delivery fees.)
More info: www.gmc.com/acadia/acadia/index.jsp
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$29,495 – $35,610
17 mpg/city – 26 mpg/highway
Model year tested: 2007
Here's something I really enjoy: The look of envy on the face of a minivan mom. I was stopped at a traffic light in GMC's fetching new Acadia when she pulled up next to me, looking weary at the end of the day. I glanced at her ride. She glanced at mine. Her distracted expression became more intent as she studied my wheels, checking out the spacious interior, the dashing chassis, the satisfied look on the face of the driver. Neither one of us was packing kids, and that was the beauty of it. Even without her brood, she was still their prisoner, trapped as she was in the ungainly vehicle (and lifestyle!) they required of her. I had the same obligations–but fulfilled them with so much more style and aplomb. Our eyes met for one furtive instant, and we both knew: She longed to be in my car.
Even though GMC calls the Acadia an SUV, it is squarely aimed at families looking for a cool alternative to a minivan. It comes standard with a third-row seat, along with two captain's chairs in the second row separated by a pass-through that creates the walk-about-the-cabin sensation unique to minivans. All the other family-friendly features are there: ubiquitous cupholders, air vents for all three rows, second-row seats that fold forward easily and create plenty of space for kids to climb into the third row. Yet the Acadia has the sporty styling of a crossover, the height of an SUV, and the friendly vibe of a tailgate party. If you have to put up with all the compromises that children demand, well, this is a cheerful way to do it.
General Motors essentially gave up on minivans several years ago, saying it planned to concentrate instead on spacious crossovers that would have even more appeal to families. At the time, the decision seemed like a cop-out meant to excuse GM's pitiful offerings in the van category. But the decision looks smart now that GM has a compelling product to back it up with. In my week with the Acadia, I found that it has nearly as much space and function as a minivan– and is a whole lot more fun to drive. My two kids climbed in and out with ease, the third row folded easily to handle a couple of pairs of skis and other gear, and the grown-up zone up in front was large and comfortable. In fact, when U.S. News crunched data on the best "alternavans" that have three rows of seats but aren't minivans, the Acadia and its sibling, the Saturn Outlook, topped more than 40 other models.
There are reasons some families might still need a minivan. If you're heading for summer vacation with a full load of people, the Acadia has considerably less space for luggage than the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna. The Acadia is also a fairly expensive premium vehicle, with prices easily climbing over $30,000 with a few options. Even the more mainstream Outlook is pricey, with MSRPs starting at about $28,000. Families who like the styling and need the space but don't have that kind of scratch might be more interested in innovative vehicles like the Mazda5. But for many people with significant hauling needs, their options just got a lot more appealing. Check it out, mama.
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