2007 GMC Acadia - Four Seasons Wrap-up

In spite of the Acadia's 'burban-trumping dynamics, some weren't so convinced. Notoriously cantankerous technical editor Don Sherman was one of the loudest dissenters. "Big, soft, slow, heavy," he scrawled into the logbook. "This thing reminds me of a large refrigerator/freezer." "I don't like the frequent downshifts or the lack of torque," added another staffer. "Everyone complaining about the lack of power needs to calm down," retorted Cammisa. "Why would a behemoth like this need to dust sport coupes at stoplights? The 3.6-liter V-6 is smooth, quiet, and refined, and the six-speed automatic's downshifts are imperceptible. Who cares if the engine needs to rev a bit?"

GM equipped the Acadia with a V-6 instead of a V-8 on grounds of packaging and fuel economy, and as Cammisa pointed out, our observed fuel mileage eclipsed that of our similarly equipped 2007 Four Seasons Suburban. Don't get too excited, however - that isn't saying much. Like most full-size SUVs, the Suburban is thirstier than a freshman at a frat party; we observed an average of just 14 mpg during our 2006-07 Four Seasons test. At an average 18 mpg, the 5060-pound Acadia boasted a notable improvement over the Chevy, but poor fuel economy would nevertheless become our biggest complaint. Sticking to 70 mph or less on the highway usually improved economy by up to fifteen percent, but in a land where traffic moves at 80 mph, such tactics weren't often practical. (The Chevrolet Traverse is scheduled to receive GM's new, more efficient, direct-injection V-6, and we assume that powerplant will soon be seen in the rest of GM's Lambda-platform vehicles.)

Surprisingly, fuel mileage didn't suffer much during towing, despite the V-6's relatively low torque rating. Staff averages - while hauling everything from 4500 pounds of Porsche track car and trailer to 2000 pounds of pop-up camper - ranged from 10 to 16 mpg. Towing performance, however, was another matter. "Our pop-up camper really made itself felt," wrote Lorio, "and the transmission spent a lot of time in fifth and even fourth gear." Others, like Cammisa, had no issues with the Acadia's restless hauling demeanor. "Sure, the engine had to work hard - to maintain my speedy pace, it occasionally downshifted to fourth, and sometimes third, gear - but I couldn't feel the transmission, nor could I hear the engine over the shockingly good stereo." Regardless, everyone agreed that the Acadia was eminently capable and that it offered a lot of towing ability (4500 pounds, max) given its layout and versatility.

Was the Acadia reliable? Yes and no.

While our trucklet never left anyone stranded or failed to complete its appointed rounds, by the end of its stay, it had developed some issues. Problems ranged from small items like loose seat rails, a rattling dash, and a broken rear sunroof shade to larger ones like weak, bouncy rear dampers and tired, occasionally noisy front dampers. The car momentarily refused to start for one driver, only to burst into life like normal just five minutes later.

For a vehicle as promising as the Acadia, it was a disappointing end to an otherwise satisfying test.

Still, in spite of those issues, we remain impressed. The Acadia's practicality and inherently useful, clever layout can't be denied. Individual staff members had some complaints, but in general, everyone came away with positive feelings. "GM did its homework," said Noordeloos, "and in spite of some detail issues, that effort produced an excellent vehicle for the modern American family." Cammisa echoed the sentiment: "If General Motors could make its entire lineup this focused and well-thought-out, the rest of the world might regard American cars a little more highly."

Indeed. The Acadia, along with the think-outside-the-box concept it represents, has fundamental merit, and it shows that GM is finally thinking on its feet. Will it be enough to drag people away from full-size SUVs? Only time and fuel prices will tell.