Review: 2010 GMC Acadia SUV Features, Listed Prices, Invoice

The 2010 GMC Acadia offers an appealing blend of comfortable seating, abundant cargo room and surprisingly respectable performance for a large SUV. This large family-oriented crossover also boasts top-notch crash test ratings.

Clearly one of the top choices when it comes to three-row crossover SUVs, the 2010 Acadia, with its carlike unibody architecture, presents a very strong alternative to the heavier and more trucklike body-on-frame construction of many large SUVs. In addition, the Acadia's direct-injected V6 engine is smooth and powerful, and for added versatility, is offered in both front and all-wheel drive forms as well.

New developments for the 2010 model year include new "Cashmere" leather upholstery on uplevel models, standard 20 inch wheels on the SLT-2, the addition of a new SL model, a tweaked transmission for faster downshifts and a USB jack for the optional Bose stereo.

Trims, Standard Features And Options:

The 2010 Acadia is available in four trim levels: SL, SLE, SLT-1 and SLT-2. All models except the SL can increase passenger capacity from seven to eight by optionally substituting a fold-flat second-row bench for the standard fold-flat captain's chairs.

Even the base Acadia SL is fairly well equipped with standard features which include full power accessories, front and rear air conditioning, cruise control, 18 inch alloy wheels, OnStar telematics and a 6-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with satellite radio.

Moving up to the SLE model adds remote ignition, partial power front seats, a power liftgate, foglamps, Bluetooth, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a back-up camera with a small rearview-mirror-integrated display, and rear parking sensors.

The Acadia SLT-1 then adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated mirrors, tri-zone automatic climate control, 19 inch wheels, a variable-assist steering system, rear audio controls and headphone jacks, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system with a USB audio jack.

The top-of-the-line SLT-2 model adds on 20 inch chrome wheels, perforated leather upholstery, an 8-way power driver seat, a 4-way power front passenger seat, driver memory settings, power-folding heated mirrors with driver-side auto-dimming and a Towing Preparation package.

There's an available rear entertainment system for all but the SL model which includes a DVD player with a flip-down display, a 115-volt power outlet and a surround-sound version of the Bose stereo. This package also includes rear audio controls and tri-zone automatic climate control for the SLE.

As part of this same package, SLT-1 and SLT-2 models also get a navigation system. Depending on the model, other available options include heated and cooled front seats, a dual-pane "SkyScape" sunroof, a second-row center console and a Technology package with a head-up display and xenon headlamps.

Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:

Powering all front-wheel and all-wheel drive Acadias is a 3.6 liter V6 engine that produces 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque that's mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. The towing capacity for a properly equipped Acadia is 4,500 pounds, impressive for a crossover SUV.

The EPA-estimated gas mileage for a front-drive Acadia is 17 mpg city and 24 mpg on the highway. The fuel economy for the all-wheel drive Acadia decreases only slightly to 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.

Safety:

Standard safety equipment on all 2010 Acadia models include stability control, antilock disc brakes (ABS), front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

The 2010 Acadia also excelled in government crash testing by being awarded with perfect five-out-of-five-star ratings in every frontal and side-impact protection category.

Interior:

The Acadia's interior is attractive, user-friendly and solidly constructed, although there are some lower-grade plastics. The seating is comfortable and supportive, while access to the third row is made easier with its wide rear doors and sliding second-row seat.

Space is a premium commodity in the Acadia with its huge cargo capacity of 117 cubic feet with all the seats down. Even when fully occupied, there's still 24 cubic feet of storage room just behind the third-row seat, often more than enough to handle most hauling needs without any seat folding.

Drive:

The 2010 GMC Acadia's smooth and powerful 3.6 liter V6 engine provides a pleasant and comfortable drive. While most drivers will be satisfied with its easy going road manners, this is a large and heavy SUV (nearly 5,000 pounds), so prospective buyers should expect a tradeoff in handling to accommodate its larger size.

Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower Acadia Prices:

General Motor's sales have been weak for months now, right along with the other carmakers. This is evidence of the continuing poor economy and an especially weak car buying trend.

The bottom line is the current combination of a soft market with fierce dealer competition has created an ideal opportunity for nailing down great deals. And here's exactly how to do it ...

How To Buy A New Acadia At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2010 GMC Acadia, here's the best way to get the lowest price, especially given the current slow car market.

Prices:

2010 GMC Acadia SUV:

SL, FWD: retail price: $31,740, invoice price: $30,153
SL, AWD: retail price: $33,740, invoice price: $32,053

SLE, FWD: retail price: $34,365, invoice price: $32,647
SLE, AWD: retail price: $36,365, invoice price: $34,547

SLT-1, FWD: retail price: $38,085, invoice price: $36,181
SLT-1, AWD: retail price: $40,085, invoice price: $38,081

SLT-2, FWD: retail price: $40,185, invoice price: $38,176
SLT-2, AWD: retail price: $42,185, invoice price: $40,076

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