Denali
A new, premium Denali model joins the GMC Acadia lineup for 2011, adding a dimension of luxury and exclusivity to this popular crossover.
It brings the distinctive Denali design elements, including a chrome honeycomb grille and monochromatic exterior color cues, along with exclusive fascias, high-intensity discharge headlamps and unique interior features.
Acadia continues to win over customers; two of my friends have bought one and another is considering.
Acadia’s body-frame integral structure enables lower entry/exit height for passengers. Despite the vehicle’s SUV-like front-end height, the front door step-in height is only 18.9 inches; the rear door step-in height is 19.8 inches. Entry to the second- and third-row seats is easy with very wide rear doors and GM’s exclusive Smart Slide second-row seat feature.
All models are powered by a 3.6-liter, V-6 VVT engine that uses gasoline direct injection technology to optimize performance and fuel economy. The engine is paired with Acadia’s fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission to help give front-wheel drive models an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated 24 miles per gallon on the highway.
Acadia is capable of towing up to 5,200 pounds when properly equipped.
We test drove the all-wheel-drive model, which enhances dry-road handling and provides increased traction on wet, snow and ice-covered roads. It actively manages the torque distribution between the front and rear axles, based on factors such as wheel speed, throttle and surface conditions. There is no driver intervention; the system automatically decides how much torque to apply and it automatically delivers torque to the wheels that have the best traction. The AWD system’s tuning is revised to provide more rear torque bias during certain driving conditions.
Acadia’s 360-degree safety system helps protect passengers before, during and after a crash. A strong structure is the foundation, while a wide stance and low center of gravity helps reduce the likelihood of a rollover. Acadia’s structure is reinforced in numerous areas with high-strength steel, including a stiff steel cross-car beam welded across the floor between the B-pillars.
Acadia rides on a long, 118.9-inch wheelbase and wide 67.28-inch front/rear tracks – a combination that lowers the center of gravity and enables smooth, stable ride and handling. Sharp reflexes are also supported by independent front and rear suspensions.
Acadia’s interior exudes refinement and attention to detail, with many thoughtful features designed into a finely crafted environment. A car-like “low and away” instrument panel enhances the feeling of openness in the front-row seats and provides a commanding outward view. The instrument panel and other interior elements feature high-quality, low-gloss materials and tight gap tolerances.
Features that reinforce Acadia’s refinement and complement passenger comfort include:
• Heated outside mirrors that quickly de-fog or de-ice for improved visibility
• A power liftgate that opens and closes with the key fob, a button just inside the liftgate or from the front seat, with a switch in the center console
• Extended-range remote vehicle start
• SkyScape dual sunroof, featuring a larger, power-operated tilt-and-slide sunroof and rear skylight, which combine to provide an airy, open driving experience
• Head-up display that projects instrument readouts and other features onto the windshield for easy, eyes-on-the-road reference
• A DVD entertainment system that offers rear-seat passengers a multimedia experience with a flip-down DVD screen, infrared headphones and individual controls
• A Bose 5.1 Surround Sound audio system with optimally located speakers that provide big, clear and crisp sound throughout the vehicle
• A DVD touch-screen navigation system that provides locations, directions and driving instructions via a large, easy-to-view LCD screen
• Heated/cooled seats
• XM Satellite Radio is standard on all models and is available with NavTraffic real-time traffic advising.
— Mary Ann Van Osdell
Published in August 2011
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