Used 2012 GMC Acadia SUV Review & Ratings

Performance

Despite the fact that there are five trims available for the 2012 GMC Acadia, they are all equipped with the same fantastic engine. A 3.6-liter V6 engine is paired up with a six-speed automatic transmission to deliver 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. This is not an engine that is going to win you any races by any means, but it will offer enough confidence whether you are on the open road or merging onto the highway.

Zero to 60 mph is achieved in 8.2 seconds, which certainly is not horrible. Acadia even has the ability to tow up to 5,200 pounds, when properly equipped. Also, although front-wheel drive is standard, most drivers will want to opt for the all-wheel drive option. Front-wheel drive returns 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, and AWD decreases these numbers by 1 mpg on each.

Even though Acadia offers a comfortable ride with secure handling, you constantly feel the vehicle’s weight, as it weighs in at 5,000 pounds. Still, compared to a truck and some other SUVs, this one is absolutely a pleasure to handle.

Technology

• Touchscreen Navigation: The in-dash touchscreen is also voice-activated. It offers fantastic mapping and audio capabilities. It features a USB port, so you can connect your MP3 player, as well as three free months of SiriusXM NavTraffic.
• Rear View Camera: This standard system works with Acadia’s Ultrasonic Rear Park Assist to see a clear picture of what is behind your vehicle.
• Remote Start: You can start your crossover from 195 feet away.
• Steering Wheel Controls: Buttons on the steering wheel allow you to control your audio system without taking your hands off the wheel.
• Heads Up Display: This option projects important information about your vehicle right on the windshield.

Safety

Acadia earned the highest scores possible in frontal-offset and side-impact during government crash tests and those issued by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. With its standard 18-inch wheels, it does take 135 feet to stop from 60 mph. This is significantly longer than both the Mazda CX-9 and Ford Flex, but when the optional 20-inch wheels were tested, 5 feet was shed off this figure, putting it right in line with others in this class. A reinforced safety cage made of steel and six standard airbags offer peace of mind. Other safety features include:

• Tire pressure monitoring
• 4-wheel Abs
• Stability control
• Post-collision safety system
• Traction control
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Engine immobilizer
• Rear door safety locks
• Child seat anchors

Appearance

Appearance wise, not much changed for the 2012 GMC Acadia. The styling is on the simple side, but with enough attention to detail to add a bit of sophistication. The iconic GMC emblem is the focal point on the grille, centered between made headlamps and complemented by body color bumpers, stylish wheels and roof racks.

Comfort

This large crossover boasts a surprisingly enormous cabin, offering seating for up to eight adults. Due to its uni-body architecture, it is a lot roomier than most other crossovers in this class. If you don’t need seating for eight, you can exchange the second row bench seat for a pair of captain’s chairs instead.

The hushed cabin offers a two-tone color scheme and attractive layout that is highlighted by plenty of chrome trim. The downside is that this chrome can cause a glare to the driver, if the sun hits it just right. Another flaw is that some of the controls are a little small, making them look misplaced and difficult to operate.

Cargo

With all three seats in place, there is still 24 cubic feet of cargo space available, which is descent. However, when you fold down the back two rows, which is easy to do, you are granted 117 cubic feet of space, which is huge!