GMC Introduces Acadia Crossover for 2007

GMC has just announced its first crossover vehicle, the 2007 Acadia. With a decline in full-size, ladder on frame sport utility vehicles such as the Envoy, Yukon and Yukon XL, GMC was in dire need of a product portfolio expansion. In a clever and untraditional way, GM invested some car into its truck brand for the first time, fusing the look, appeal and passenger comfort of a sport utility vehicle with car-like road manners. Aside from being the first GMC built on a monocoque chassis, its also available with front-wheel drive. How times have changed...

The Acadia is the second vehicle to be built on the Lambda architecture; the first was the Saturn Outlook, which debuted at this years New York International Auto Show. Despite appearing like a true full-size vehicle, the Acadia is a fairly manageable size; its only a fraction longer than Chryslers Pacifica and Fords Freestyle. Yet, with a 118.9-inch long wheelbase, the Acadia is more than capable of taking up to eight passengers on board. GMC has not ignored the demands of its customers, many of which have requested the ability to carry a full load of passengers and their cargo. When all seats are upright and in place, the Acadia can still hold 19.7 cubic feet of luggage, something most crossovers and SUVs cant manage.

In terms of its styling, this latest GMC looks similar to the recently overhauled Yukon. Although twin-beam HID headlamps peek through new L-shaped headlamp clusters, the chiseled look of the grille and high line of the bumpers are a familiar sight. Being that the Acadia will be marketed as a premium model, its been fitted with chrome accent trim around the grille, door handles, and window frames, plus features LED turn signal indicators on the sideview mirrors as well. Eighteen-inch wheels, chunky flared fenders, a rear spoiler and LED tail lamps also help to give the Acadia a bit of sporting flair. 

Continuing with the premium theme, the Acadia has been fitted with a luxurious and refined interior. Buyers have the option of ordering it in an eight-seat layout, or in seven-seat form with sliding captains chairs in place of the second row bench. Key features and options include leather-trimmed seats, head-up display (HUD), DVD entertainment and navigation system with 5.1 surround sound Bose stereo, a panoramic sunroof, power liftgate and park assist. In terms of safety equipment the Acadia comes standard with six airbags, including curtain airbags and the latest Bosch stability and rollover mitigation program.

The new Acadia is powered by a sole engine; a 3.6-liter V6 with variable valve timing that makes 267 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This isnt the typical GMC workhorse, though; it was designed in conjunction with GMs European and Australian arms and will be featured in their future high-end products. The new V6 is mated to an equally new six-speed automatic gearbox that offers a manual mode for improved control when traversing hills or when towing. Although the Acadia is a car-based crossover, it is still capable of towing up to 4,936 lbs, and has 17.4 inches of ground clearance.

Look for the Acadia and its Saturn stablemate to arrive in dealerships later this year.