2011 GMC Acadia SL Sport Utility

2011 GMC Acadia SL Sport Utility Review

The 2011 GMC Acadia continues as the brand's full-size crossover sport utility vehicle. GMC offers Acadia buyers a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive, seven or eight passenger configurations, and a wealth of convenience options and features designed to appeal to a wide range of crossover buyers.

One area where there is no choice however is the Acadia's powertrain, which comes in one flavor across the range -- GM's acclaimed 3.6-liter direct-injected V-6 rated in the Acadia at 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Acadia's maximum tow rating is 5200 pounds and certain front-drive models can reach an EPA-estimated fuel economy of as much as 24 mpg highway.

The big news for the 2011 Acadia is the arrival of GMC's premium Denali trim level for the vehicle, which offers several enhancements to the Acadia both inside and out, including a signature honeycomb grille and other monochromatic exterior enhancements, as well as numerous interior updates including special leather and wood trim, premium sound and the Acadia's SkyScape sunroof system.

The Range
Bodystyles: Crossover SUV
Engine: 3.6L V-6
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic
Models: SL, SLE, SLT-1, SLT-2, Denali

What's New

GMC's Denali trim level for the 2011 Acadia offers a host of upgrades for buyers looking to go upscale, including 20-inch rims, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and unique exterior trim pieces on the outside, and top grade leather and wood furnishings inside. Other updates to the 2011 Acadia range include OnStar's Gen 9 package, new Cyber Gray Metallic and Gray Green Metallic colors, and an available eight-way power driver seat.

Exterior

Despite its crossover aspirations, the Acadia takes more of a traditional SUV approach to its looks, with a wide stance, exaggerated fender flares and a bold, aggressive grille adorned with the iconic GMC badge.

Interior

All Acadia models offer three rows of seating, with GM's Smart Slide feature --allowing for easier access to the third row -- standard on all second-row configurations. Buyers have options ranging from base cloth seating to the Denali's perforated leather

Performance & Handling

The 2011 Acadia is available with one engine/transmission combination, a version of GM's high-feature, 3.6-liter direct-injected V-6 engine rated in the Acadia at 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. A lower center of gravity as well as an independent front and rear suspension offers drivers a better overall ride than more traditional body-on-frame SUVs.

Safety

The Acadia has a wealth of safety options, including six standard airbags, which are complemented by GM's rollover sensing system that can deploy the side airbags if it detects a rollover is underway. Helping to prevent any possible rollover is GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology, as well as traction control, and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.

EPA Fuel Economy
SL, SLE, SLT-1, SLT-2, Denali RWD: 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway
SL, SLE, SLT-1, SLT-2, Denali AWD: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway

2011 GMC Acadia SL Sport Utility 1

2011 GMC Acadia SL Sport Utility 2

2011 GMC Acadia SL Sport Utility 3

2011 GMC Acadia SL Sport Utility 4

2011 GMC Acadia SL Sport Utility 5

2011 GMC Acadia SL Sport Utility Specification

Price: $33,840
MPG: 16 - 23 mpg
Bodystyle: SUV

Performance
* Engine: 3.6L V-6 DOHC with variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder
* Unleaded fuel
* Fuel economy: EPA (08):, 16 MPG city, 23 MPG highway, 19 MPG combined and 418 mi. range
* Gasoline direct fuel injection
* 22.0-gallon fuel tank
* Power(SAE): 288 hp @ 6,300 rpm; 270 ft lb of torque @ 3,400 rpm
Handling
* ABS
* 3.160:1 axle ratio
* Brake assist system
* Ventilated four-wheel disc brakes
* Electronic brake distribution
* Electronic traction control (via ABS & engine management)
* Immobilizer
* StabiliTrak stability control
* Independent front strut suspension with stabilizer bar and coil springs, independent rear multi-link suspension with stabilizer bar and coil springs
* Tire kit
Exterior
* Driver and passenger 3rd row windows
* Black front and rear bumpers
* Day time running lights
* Driver and passenger and passenger power door mirrors black
* Exterior dimensions: 200.7 in. overall length, 78.9 in. overall width, 72.8 in. overall height, 7.4 in. ground clearance, 118.9 in. wheelbase, 67.1 in. front track, 67.1 in. rear track and 40.4 ft. curb-to-curb turning circle
* Halogen headlights with projector beam lenses
* Luxury trim: alloy-look, alloy-look and alloy-look
* Metallic paint
* Rear side windows: on driver side and passenger side
* Rear window defroster
* Roof rails
* Roof spoiler
* Curb weight: lbs
* Intermittent windshield wipers

Interior
* Cargo area, front and rear 12V power outlet(s)
* Roof antenna
* Audio system with AM/FM radio, CD player (reads MP3 format) ; includes RDS , satellite radio
* Cargo capacity: 116.9 cu. ft. w/rear seat down, 24.1 cu. ft. all seats in place and 68.9 cu. ft. third row seats removed
* Cruise control
* Front cup holders
* Outside air temperature indicator
* Floor covering: carpet in passenger compartment and carpet in load area
* Floor mats
* Intelligent driver front airbag, intelligent passenger front airbag with occupant sensors
* Bucket driver seat, bucket Front passenger seat:
* Height adjustable front seat belts with pre-tensioners for driver and passenger
* Front seat center armrest
* Headlight control with dusk sensor
* Two height-adjustable front head restraints, two rear seats head restraints, two 3rd row seats head restraints
* Interior dimensions: 40.4 in. front headroom, 39.3 in. rear headroom, 57.8 in. front hip room, 57.9 in. rear hip room, 41.3 in. front leg room, 36.9 in. rear leg room, 61.9 in. front shoulder room and 61.1 in. rear shoulder room
* Low tire pressure indicator
* Navigation system with voice
* Remote power locks
* Power steering
* Power windows, express driver and passenger, power windows,
* Front and rear reading lights
* Rear seat belts for driver, rear seat belts for passenger, 3-point rear seat belts for center
* Rear seat center armrest
* ; details: manual recline and manual fore/aft
* Rear view mirror
* All three rows protected by curtain airbag
* Seating: eight passengers
* Cloth upholstery
* Service interval indicator
* Front side airbag
* Six speakers
* Tilt/ telescoping steering wheel
* Tachometer
* OnStar telematics : includes engine shut down
* Third row seat belts for driver, third row seat belts for passenger, 3-point third row seat belts for center
* Third row seats: split-folding, split bench with seating for three fold flat to floor
* Illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirror
* Ventilation system
* Voice activating system for phone and navigation system

Waranty
Basic 3 year / 36,000 miles
Free Maintenance N/A
Drivetrain 5 year / 100,000 miles
Roadside 5 year / 100,000 miles
Rust 6 year / 100,000 miles