2012 GMC Acadia Total Car Score Analysis

Located in the sweet spot between traditional truck-based SUVs and minivans, the 2012 GMC Acadia has received enough positive reviews to earn itself a high Total Car Score in the very competitive Large SUV & Crossover segment.  
 
Among the positives pointed out by reviewers is the Acadia's car-like ride and handling qualities, something not a lot of eight-passenger vehicles can claim. A roomy interior withe adult-size accommodations in all three rows also gives it an advantage over other crossover models with cramped third-row seats. Near-perfect crash test scores are another plus.  
 
The Acadia does have a couple of notable weaknesses, including trying to wrangle a vehicle this size in parking garages and other cramped spaces. Limited visibility when backing up is also an issue, though it's one that can be resolved nicely with the available rearview camera.  
 
With a substantially refreshed version expected in the next 12 months, the 2012 GMC Acadia receives no significant changes.

2012 GMC Acadia Model Line-Up

The 2012 GMC Acadia is a fullsize crossover that's available in four trim levels, including the SL, SLE, SLT and Denali.  
 
Power comes from a 3.6-liter V6 engine that puts out 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. All Acadia models come fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive as standard equipment, but an all-wheel-drive system is also available as an option.  
 
The entry-level SL's list of standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, fog lights, deep-tinted rear privacy glass, keyless entry, air conditioning, cloth upholstery, second- and third-row bench seats, cruise control, OnStar and a CD stereo with satellite radio and six speakers.  
 
The SLE model adds a power liftgate, ultrasonic rear parking sensors, remote starting, power front seats, second-row captain’s chairs (which reduce seating capacity to seven), an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rearview camera and Bluetooth connectivity.  
 
The SLT-1 trim level gets 19-inch alloy wheels, heated outside mirrors with built-in turn signals and blind-spot mirrors, three-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a trip computer and a premium Bose audio system with rear seat controls and 10 speakers. The SLT-2 adds power-folding outside mirrors and a driver's seat memory feature.  
 
The top-of-the-line Denali is loaded with luxury items including 20-inch chrome alloy wheels, xenon headlights, upgraded sound-proofing, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display and distinctive appearance upgrades.  
 
Major options include the panoramic sunroof, a touch-screen navigation system, rear-seat video entertainment system and a Bose surround-sound audio system. A Technology package that adds xenon headlights and the head-up display can also be had on SLT-2 models.  
 
The 2012 GMC Acadia has earned EPA fuel economy estimates of 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, and 16/23/19 with all-wheel drive.  
 
When properly equipped, the 2012 GMC Acadia can tow up to 5,200 pounds.

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