The 2012 GMC Acadia

The 2012 GMC Acadia is a great looking four-door midsized SUV crossover that offers ten separate trim levels to please. The lighter frame and chassis make the Acadia handle more like a car than a truck, despite its truck-sized 118.9 inch wheelbase and 7.4 inch ground clearance.

The base level 2012 GMC Acadia SL is powered by a 288-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine capable of 24 city mpg and 27 mpg on the highway. The top-of-the-line Denali AWD gets nearly the same mileage from the same double overhead cam, 24-valve engine that puts out 270 foot-pounds of torque. All GMC Acadias share a standard six-speed automatic transmission.

Crossover vehicles, like the 2012 GMC Acadia, with good gas mileage are giving many consumers more bang for their buck than some traditional full-size SUVs. Competition from a new four-cylinder Honda Crosstour may force GM to add their own four-cylinder engine eventually. Other competing vehicles like the Mazda CX-9, Ford Flex, Hyundai Veracruz and Ford Explorer will also be releasing gas-saving trims.

The 2012 GMC Acadia is a family favorite based on its eight passenger seating and higher gas mileage. Being a family vehicle, the Acadia is well-equipped with high-tech safety features like stability control, a four wheel anti-locking brake system, traction control, Onstar service, tire pressure monitoring and side curtain airbags. Acadia has scored the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick for front impact, side impact, rollover and rear impact crash tests. Acadia received the highest score of "good" across the board.

The 2012 GMC Acadia comes standard with 18 inch wheels, but 19 and 20 inch wheels are optional. Higher trim levels offer a back-up camera with a rear-view mirror monitor, rear parking sensors and Bluetooth.

The 2012 GMC Acadia's highest trim level, the Denali, will have a restyled front and rear end, a molded body with chrome accents, a restyled grille, dual chrome exhaust tips and body-colored lower cladding. The distribution of chrome is just right - not too little and not too bright. The Denali has wood trim, leather heated and ventilated seats, lit doorsills and a dual-pane sunroof for the first two rows of seats.

The 2012 GMC Acadia packs plenty of power for its size. The ride is quiet and comfortable. The three rows of seating can be adapted to suit many needs.