NEW FOR 2008:

Click image to enlarge Images courtesy: GMC

- Rear-view camera system
- Panic Brake Assist feature
- Refined StabiliTrak and traction control systems
- XM Satellite Radio standard on SLT model
- Second-row seating console
- Exterior colours: Carbon Flash Metallic, Dark Crimson, and Platinum Ice Metallic

An all-new model in 2007, the GMC Acadia undergoes refinements for its second year: improved safety and handling features, and a console for second-row passengers.

A sibling to the Buick Enclave and the Saturn Outlook, the Acadia uses a 3.6-litre V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the trim line or option packages, its three rows of seats hold seven or eight passengers. Trim lines are the SLE, SLT1 and SLT2; all are front-wheel drive but can be optioned to all-wheel.

Features on the SLE include 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, air conditioning, eight-passenger seating with front bucket seats, second-row 60/40 flat-folding bench seat, third-row 60/40 bench seat, fog lamps, heated mirrors, roof rack side rails, rear spoiler, variable intermittent wipers, rear washer/wiper, rear under-floor cargo storage, cruise control, floor mats, tire pressure monitoring system, tilt and telescopic column, CD/MP3 stereo, automatic headlamps, keyless entry, theft-deterrent system, and OnStar.

The SLT1 adds 18-inch machined aluminum wheels, automatic dual-zone climate control, variable-assist steering, seven-passenger seating with leather upholstery, heated front seats, six-way driver and two-way passenger power adjustment, second-row captain's chairs, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass, leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls, garage door opener, six-CD/MP3 stereo, XM Satellite Radio, and rear-seat audio controls with headphone jacks.

The SLT2 adds 19-inch aluminum wheels, power liftgate, power-folding heated mirrors with turn signals and driver's side auto-dimming, heated washer fluid system, remote starter, cargo net and cover, 110-volt power outlet, four-way power passenger seat and rear parking assist.

Mid-priced of the three GM SUV siblings, the Acadia shares their roomy interior, good performance, handsome styling and smooth handling. The third-row seat cushions are hard but they have enough legroom and headroom to make them viable for adults, and the second row slides, flips and folds to provide a full range of configurations for passengers and cargo. This is a very well-done vehicle at a viable price.