Front-wheel drive is standard on the Acadia, with all-wheel drive optional, and all models are powered by a 3.6L V6 making 288 horsepower and 270 ft-lb of torque. A 6-speed automatic is the only transmission offered, and front-drive models return 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while all-wheel-drive models return 16 and 23. All Acadia models are capable of towing up to 5,200 pounds when properly equipped.
The Acadia is best suited for paved roads, and its 4-wheel independent suspension and unibody construction help to provide a comfortable ride in nearly every driving condition. When equipped, the all-wheel-drive system runs at 90% power to the front wheels, 10% to the rear, but when things get slick it shifts more traction to the rear wheels.
Standard features on the SLE include remote keyless entry, daytime LED running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, power mirrors, windows and door locks, air conditioning, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a 6.5-inch color touch screen with audio controls, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, a 6-speaker stereo, rear park assist, rear camera and more. SLT models add amenities such as 19-inch alloy wheels, an 8-way power driver's seat, automatic tri-zone climate control, a Bose 10-speaker stereo system, heated front seats and a side blind spot alert. Finally, the top-of-the-line Denali offers 20-inch alloys, satin chrome accents, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, heated and cooled front seats, leather seating in the first two rows, a head-up display that projects driver information such as speed, RPM, audio selection and more on the lower windshield and a 2-panel power sunroof. It also adds Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning as standard.
A Technology Package for SLT models includes the head-up display, HID headlights and rear cargo area audio controls, a favorite for tailgating.
All Acadias offer incredible standard safety features such as StabiliTrak, a tire-pressure monitor, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and OnStar. SLE models are equipped with six airbags, while SLT and Denali models include a seventh, the industry-first front center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger from the inboard side of the driver's seat.