Click image to enlarge Images courtesy: GMC

The Acadia is an all-new model, billed as GMC’s first “crossover SUV”, with new architecture, seating for up to eight, 3.6-litre V6 with variable valve timing, Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission, six standard airbags and stability control program, and GM’s exclusive “Smart Slide” feature for easier third-row access.

The Acadia also appears at Buick as the Enclave, and at Saturn as the Outlook.

Features on the Acadia include an integrated body-frame design for a lower step-in height, front- or all-wheel drive models, MacPherson strut design with stabilizer bar, compact independent suspension with minimal floor pan intrusion, standard 18-inch and available 19-inch wheels, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, traction control (on front-wheel drive models) and tire pressure monitoring system.

The Acadia shares design cues with the Yukon, including polished aluminum roof rails, prominent project-beam headlamps, detailed grille and tapered roofline. Seating can be configured for seven or eight passengers, including two front bucket seats, three-passenger 60/40 split second-row bench or two second-row captain’s chairs, and three-passenger 60/40 split third-row bench. The Smart Slide system, standard on all second-row configurations, includes seat cushions that flip up while the seatback slides forward, and is operable with one hand. The second-row seats can be adjusted forward or rearward to increase legroom in the second or third row. As well, the second- and third-row seats fold flat, and a covered rear cargo centre stores items below the cargo floor.