GMC Acadia (NEW FOR 2007!)

Impressions: Being bigger than an Envoy with three rows of seats and an engine that gets better economy should put the 2007 Acadia into rather harsh perspective. It's one of a new strain of General Motors sport-utility vehicles that shun conventional body-on-frame, off-road sport-utility-vehicle wisdom. In fact, the 267-horsepower double-overhead-cam 3.6-liter V6 with variable valve timing drives the front wheels (all-wheel drive is optional) through a six-speed automatic transmission. Style neatly meshes with function as the low-to-the-ground Acadia delivers a smooth upscale wagon image, not the usual truck theme. Take a look around and you'll notice most manufacturers heading in this direction as several vehicle categories appear to be converging to form a new super vehicle, dubbed the "crossover." In GMC's case, the Acadia is a big package with an even bigger feeling once you get inside. Smarter interior planning allows the vehicle to carry up to eight passengers in a package that's only a few inches longer than the Envoy . . . and with room behind the third row for their belongings. There's also a raft of safety features including side-curtain airbags that run the length in the cabin, anti-lock brakes, tire-pressure monitoring, stability control, anti-rollover computer software and traction control (on front-wheel-drive models). Contrary to what you know about front-wheel-drive, the Acadia can still tow up to 4,500 pounds (a good sized travel trailer). Inside, the second and third-row seats can be folded flat for more storage. When upright, the second row slides fore and aft with one-hand operation. Of the many useful standard and/or optional equipment is a power liftgate, DVD-based navigation, large two-panel (front and rear) "Skyscape" sunroof, head-up display that projects vital vehicle information onto the windshield, heated windshield-washer fluid and a Bose surround-sound system. Base price: $28,000 (est.) Type: Four-door wagon Base engine (hp): 3.6-liter DOHC V6 (267) Optional engine: None Layout: Front-engine, front-/all-wheel drive Transmissions: Six-speed automatic Mileage (city/hwy): 17/25 (FWD) Safety: Front airbags; side-curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes; stability control; traction control (FWD only); tire-pressure monitoring Weight (lb.): 4,720 Basic warranty: 3/36,000 Roadside assistance: Yes Web: gmc.com