The 2011 GMC Acadia ranks 14 out of 23 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 69 published reviews and test drives of the GMC Acadia, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.The 2011 GMC Acadia lineup gains a new high-end trim level. This crossover SUV shares its basic design with the Chevrolet Traverse and premium-midsize Buick Enclave. Base SL and mid-level SLE, SLT1, and SLT2 are joined for 2011 by the top-line Denali.The Acadia is a 4-door, up to 8-passenger sport-utility, available in 10 trims, ranging from the SL FWD model. A head opening, the SL FWD is equipped with a standard 3.6-liter, V6, 288-horsepower engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. The Denali AWD is equipped with a standard 3.6-liter, V6, 288-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims in the cars.All Acadias are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The sole power train is a 288-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 5,200 pounds. Standard seating is for 7 with 2nd-row bucket seats. A 2nd-row bench seat is available that increases capacity to 8. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. Available features include a "skyscape" dual sunroof with a large tilt and slide front panel and a fixed rear glass skylight. The skyscape roof is standard on the Denali. Also available are a wireless cell-phone link, heated and cooled front seats, and satellite radio with real-time traffic updates. Heated cloth seats are newly available on the SLE. Denali models also have specific exterior and interior trim.
