Crossover utility vehicles have fared much better than traditional SUVs over the past few months as gasoline prices spiked to record highs.
While sales of some, including the popular Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, have been weaker than normal, some of the newer crossovers have resonated well with consumers in spite of $4-a-gallon gas.
Among those is the GMC Acadia, which arrived for 2007 and has become one of the best-selling family haulers during these tough days in the auto market.
Although it competes against the midsize Highlander and Pilot, the Acadia is better described as a large crossover, and it’s one of only three of this size offered for model year 2008. The other two, not surprisingly, are variations of the Acadia – the Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave.
Yet another version arrives in October – the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse.
The Acadia has received high praise from automotive critics and consumers alike. As have its siblings. The Traverse, which will be assembled all by itself at the former Saturn plant in Spring Hill, Tenn., should find the same kind of positive reception.
These crossovers eventually will replace GM’s truck-based midsize SUVs – the Chevy TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy (already gone is the Buick Rainier, a sibling to the TrailBlazer/Envoy).
What’s driving sales of the crossovers, besides the fact that consumers have grown tired of the truck-style SUVs, is that they have generally better fuel economy and they offer more-refined rides and handling.
Using the unibody construction of cars – frame and body are one – saves considerable weight over the body-on-frame configuration of the traditional SUVs, which is the main reason the crossovers are more fuel-efficient.
Although many of the newer SUVs have carlike amenities, it’s hard to make a truck ride like a car. The casualties of the switch to crossovers are vehicles such as the Ford Explorer, once the best-selling passenger vehicle on the market.
Our tester, the front-wheel-drive, V-6-powered Acadia, is EPA rated at 16 miles per gallon in the city and 24 on the highway. An Acadia with the optional all-wheel drive is rated at 16 city/22. The V-6 Explorer, in comparison, is rated at 14/20 with two-wheel drive, and 13/19 with four-wheel drive.
Another plus for the crossovers is that they’re generally more stylish than vehicles such as the Explorer, and the Acadia is among the best-looking.
Base prices of the 2008 Acadia range from just under $30,140 to $38,665 (plus $735 freight). For 2009, the prices are slightly higher — $30,950-$39,600. The freight charge remains the same.
We tested the uplevel 2008 Acadia SLT-2 with front-wheel drive, which carries a base price of $36,650 plus freight. With options, our car’s total sticker was $43,740.
But a base two-wheel-drive Acadia is decently equipped, so it’s really not necessary to buy all of the extras to have a nice vehicle.
Under the hood is a 3.6-liter V-6 engine rated at 275 horsepower and 251 foot-pounds of torque. That’s either on par with or above the power of the key competitors in this segment, including the Pilot and Highlander. Most of the competitors have similar fuel economy, as well.
The Acadia’s engine is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, also designed to maximize fuel efficiency.
Power is more than adequate for everyday driving, allowing the Acadia to come quickly to freeway speeds on even uphill ramps. On some rather steep hills, the engine still allowed for acceleration, and the vehicle never seemed to bog down even with a full load of adults and kids.
The Acadia has a long wheelbase and wide track, which contribute to the car’s stability and help lessen the possibility of a rollover. They also give it the roomy interior, which can accommodate up to eight people comfortably.
All Acadias come with GM’s electronic stability control system with traction control and antilock brakes. These computerized safety features go a long way toward preventing the vehicle from going out of control in any kind of panic maneuver.
Other safety features include a tire-pressure monitoring system and six standard air bags: two dual-stage frontal air bags, two seat-mounted side-impact air bags in the first row, and roof-mounted side-curtain air bags for all three rows of seating. GM’s OnStar navigation/communications system is standard, including a one-year subscription to the basic “safe and sound” package.
The more-rugged, truck-based SUVs will remain the choice for those who plan to do serious off-road driving.
Crossovers such as the Acadia have limited off-road capabilities, although they are able to handle many of the dirt roads that might be found in national and state parks. Besides having generally lower ground clearance, crossovers aren’t offered with serious four-wheel-drive systems that include low-range gearing.
The Acadia’s all-wheel drive is intended to give the vehicle increased traction on slippery roads, but it’s also sometimes valuable on dry pavement, particularly during cornering. The system is fully automatic and no driver action is required to activate it.
Exterior features include GMC’s signature grille, as well as dual halogen projector-beam headlights, a rear spoiler, polished aluminum roof rails, dual exhaust outlets with chrome tips, and bright trim. Standard are 18-inch wheels, but 19-inch wheels are available.
Inside, the Acadia really shines. This vehicle is as luxurious as many premium sedans. It can be configured for either seven or eight passengers. The second row can be either a 60/40 split bench, which can hold three, or a pair of captain’s chairs.
The rear seat can hold three, and GM’s so-called Smart Slide feature on the second row of seats allows for easy access to the third row. We put three adults in the rear, and they didn’t complain.
Another bonus: Even with the third seat in place, there is plenty of cargo space behind it – 19.7 cubic feet. In comparison, there is just 13.8 cubic feet of space behind the Explorer’s third seat, and 10.5 cubic feet behind the Highlander’s. The Acadia has a maximum of 117 cubic feet of cargo space if the second and third seats are folded.
Standard on our test vehicle were such amenities as leather seats; heated, power outside mirrors; three-zone heating/air conditioning system; an intermittent rear wiper; ultrasonic rear parking assist; a power rear liftgate; an extended-range remote vehicle-starting system; heated windshield washer fluid; a Bose audio system with six-disc CD changer and XM satellite radio; an eight-way power driver’s and four-way power passenger’s seat; tilt and telescopic, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; cruise control; a self-dimming rearview mirror; and a 115-volt power outlet.
Options on our vehicle included a touch-screen navigation system ($2,340); a dual-panel sunroof, which extended over the front and middle rows ($1,300); 19-inch alloy wheels ($995); a rear DVD entertainment system ($1,295); and a towing package ($350).
The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Star-Telegram since 1995. Contact him at, 210-250-3236; chambers@star-telegram.com.
At a Glance: 2008 GMC Acadia The package: Midsize, four-door, seven- or eight-passenger, front- or all-wheel-drive crossover utility vehicle.
Highlights: This is one of four GM midsize crossovers built on the same architecture. The others are the Saturn Outlook, Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse (coming in October). They are quite refined, have lots of power yet decent fuel economy, and come with a variety of standard and optional features.
Disadvantages: No serious four-wheel-drive system offered for off-road use.
Engine: 3.6-liter V-6.
Transmission: Six-speed automatic.
Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock.
Power/torque: 275 HP/251 foot-pounds.
Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock.
Electronic stability control: Standard.
Side air bags: Front seat-mounted; side-curtain, all three rows, standard.
Length: 201.1 inches.
Curb weight range: 4,720-4,925 pounds.
Cargo volume: 19.7 cubic feet (behind third seat); 68.9 cubic feet (third row folded).
Trailer-towing capacity: 4,500 pounds.
Fuel capacity/type: 22 gallons/unleaded regular.
EPA fuel economy: 16 city/24 highway (2WD); 16/22 (AWD).
Major competitors: Honda Pilot, 2009 Ford Flex, Ford Taurus X, Toyota Highlander, Acura MDX.
Base price range: $30,140 to $38,665 plus $735 freight (2008); $30,950-$39,600 (2009 models, plus $735 freight).
Price as tested: $43,740, including freight and options (2008 SLT-2 model with two-wheel drive).
On the Road rating: 9.3 (of a possible 10).
Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail; actual selling price may vary.
