GMC Acadia

The new Acadia is shorter and 500 pounds lighter than the previous model. The ride is steady and composed, and handling is responsive. The most appropriate engine is the smooth 3.6-liter V6 that returned 19 mpg in our tests, which isn't a standout. A less powerful but still sound 2.5-liter four-cylinder is standard. This family-friendly three-row SUV is very quiet, the front seats are comfortable, and the infotainment system is easy to use. The outboard second-row seats can slide and tilt forward, even with a child seat in place. But many luxury features, such as four-way adjustable lumbar, a power sunroof shade, and auto-up windows, are missing even on our high-end Denali version. Available safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring.

The Acadia is a car-based SUV with three rows of seats and seating for seven or eight, depending upon the configuration of the second row. It uses a 275-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. These combine to form a smooth and refined powertrain, though the transmission is sometimes reluctant to downshift. Later versions have improved transmission tuning. Expect about 16 mpg overall. The Acadia is available with front- or all-wheel drive. The ride is comfortable, handling is responsive and the interior is quiet. The third-row seats are roomy enough to accommodate three adults, especially when the second row is moved forward. A 2013 redesign brought an upgraded interior with an improved infotainment system and a new center airbag between the front seats.