Driven: 2012 GMC Acadia Denali FWD
As an automotive journalist, I have the good fortune to drive many new vehicles throughout the year. These vehicles, which come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges, are designed with particular car shoppers in mind. The 2012 GMC Acadia Denali, a front-wheel-drive seven-passenger crossover SUV, targets families, particularly those who want a premium model with many of today's most sought after bells and whistles included. All-wheel-drive is optional, but my test vehicle was FWD.
Denali Naming Convention
So, why the Denali name? The Denali represents the top of the Acadia's five trim lines, reflecting the pinnacle of this crossover's line. Named for Denali National Park, which includes Mt. McKinley, it is easy to understand why GMC selected the name. The Denali is also sold with the full size GMC Yukon, denoting a pair of highly desirable people haulers.
The Acadia Denali is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. In fact, this is the only powertrain combination offered across the entire model line. Seating is 2+2+3, with plenty of room for four adults in the first two rows while the third row is best suited for children. In a pinch, two adults could take these seats or even three if your trip is local.
Decked in Chrome
The Denali is dressed to the nines with chrome found throughout the exterior and even on the door sills as you enter the cabin. Chrome grille, chrome wheels, chrome trim front, side and rear, and chrome-laden side mirrors gives this vehicle a certain level of "bling" that doesn't approach the Cadillac Escalade, but helps to distinguish this trim level from the rest.
Inside, a number of desirable amenities are standard including a Bose sound system; OnStar navigation; heated and cooled seating surfaces; a DVD system for rear passengers; leather and wood touches; power liftgate and power sunroof; and more pockets and cubbies than you might imagine. Priced from $48,000, the Denali is the most expensive of GM's family of larger crossovers, which also includes the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse.
Cabin & Road
The Denali is comfortable to drive, featuring seats with ample side bolstering and back support. Seats can be adjusted in multiple ways, enabling most any driver to find the position that is comfortable for him. Adjust the steering wheel to get the right feel and shift the transmission into drive and you're ready to go.
On the road, the Denali's engine was up to the task, although when cold it hesitated slightly when I stepped on the gas. That problem quickly disappeared minutes later when I entered the pick up lane of a local highway and quickly hit cruising speed.
The real test came one day when I was on the same highway and the heavens opened up: while everyone else was slowing to a crawl, I moved over to the left lane, reduced my speed to 45 mph and stayed the course until I arrived at my destination some 10 minutes later. Wind buffeted the crossover, water was ponding on the road, but not once did I sense the wheels slipping from underneath me. That experience sold me on the Denali and convinced me that this vehicle is a winner. Credit stability control, anti-lock brakes and a host of other safety features with helping out. Electric steering was a positive factor too, ensuring that I maintained full control at all times.
Family Input
My family enjoyed the Acadia Denali too with everyone admiring its comfortable ride, generous amenities and many storage compartments. We didn't tow with our vehicle nor did we need to fold down seats for storage. However, both of those features are other considerations buyers should weigh when shopping for a larger crossover vehicle.
Denali Naming Convention
So, why the Denali name? The Denali represents the top of the Acadia's five trim lines, reflecting the pinnacle of this crossover's line. Named for Denali National Park, which includes Mt. McKinley, it is easy to understand why GMC selected the name. The Denali is also sold with the full size GMC Yukon, denoting a pair of highly desirable people haulers.
The Acadia Denali is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. In fact, this is the only powertrain combination offered across the entire model line. Seating is 2+2+3, with plenty of room for four adults in the first two rows while the third row is best suited for children. In a pinch, two adults could take these seats or even three if your trip is local.
Decked in Chrome
The Denali is dressed to the nines with chrome found throughout the exterior and even on the door sills as you enter the cabin. Chrome grille, chrome wheels, chrome trim front, side and rear, and chrome-laden side mirrors gives this vehicle a certain level of "bling" that doesn't approach the Cadillac Escalade, but helps to distinguish this trim level from the rest.
Inside, a number of desirable amenities are standard including a Bose sound system; OnStar navigation; heated and cooled seating surfaces; a DVD system for rear passengers; leather and wood touches; power liftgate and power sunroof; and more pockets and cubbies than you might imagine. Priced from $48,000, the Denali is the most expensive of GM's family of larger crossovers, which also includes the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse.
Cabin & Road
The Denali is comfortable to drive, featuring seats with ample side bolstering and back support. Seats can be adjusted in multiple ways, enabling most any driver to find the position that is comfortable for him. Adjust the steering wheel to get the right feel and shift the transmission into drive and you're ready to go.
On the road, the Denali's engine was up to the task, although when cold it hesitated slightly when I stepped on the gas. That problem quickly disappeared minutes later when I entered the pick up lane of a local highway and quickly hit cruising speed.
The real test came one day when I was on the same highway and the heavens opened up: while everyone else was slowing to a crawl, I moved over to the left lane, reduced my speed to 45 mph and stayed the course until I arrived at my destination some 10 minutes later. Wind buffeted the crossover, water was ponding on the road, but not once did I sense the wheels slipping from underneath me. That experience sold me on the Denali and convinced me that this vehicle is a winner. Credit stability control, anti-lock brakes and a host of other safety features with helping out. Electric steering was a positive factor too, ensuring that I maintained full control at all times.
Family Input
My family enjoyed the Acadia Denali too with everyone admiring its comfortable ride, generous amenities and many storage compartments. We didn't tow with our vehicle nor did we need to fold down seats for storage. However, both of those features are other considerations buyers should weigh when shopping for a larger crossover vehicle.
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