In 2007, GMC entered the crossover SUV market with the Acadia model. MotorWeek deemed the Acadia the “Best Crossover Utility Vehicle of 2007,” and it received the highest possible safety rating of five stars. The changes for 2008 further improve upon this vehicles prestige.

The interior can seat either seven or eight occupants; it all depends on if you opt for the two-passenger captain’s seat second row for a maximum passenger limit of seven or the 60/40-split bench, which increases the max-occupancy to eight. Seven-passenger limit models receive a center console for the second-row. Both rows fold flat, which further increases the Acadia’s already spacious cargo capacity, and there is room for storage beneath the rear cargo floor. Tri-zone automatic climate control is available on the SLE base trim and comes standard on the latter SLT1 and SLT2 trims; cruise control, a “low and away” instrument panel and suitable lighting can be found standard on all trims. The available Navigation system can help you out of tight spots and has a review camera integrated into its system that helps with backing up. Other optional technologies that can be built-in to the Navigation System include a rear-seat DVD player and various Audio System options.

The available engine on all trims is a 3.6-liter V6 that has variable valve timing and dual overhead camshafts. This engine nets the Acadia 275 horsepower and 251 pounds-feet of torque. The engine teams with a six-speed automatic transmission that is electronically controlled with overdrive, and it has either front or all-wheel-drive available. This configuration allows the 2008 Acadia to tow up to 4500 pounds. This handful of power is properly protected of course. Six standard airbags include frontal and side-impact airbags for the driver and front passenger and side curtain airbags for all rows of seating. Other safety features include all-disc antilock brakes, an electronic stability system and a tire pressure monitoring system.

With the plethora of interior conveniences, performance technologies, entertainment options and safety rating, the 2008 Acadia is a prime candidate for anyone in the market for a new vehicle.