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CITYSunTimes Web Exclusives February 2011 | Read the full SECTION

CITYLife

2011 GMC Acadia AWD Denali

By Bill Zervakos and Cathy Droz, tworfortheroadusa.com

Because of the growing focus on addressing the need for more fuel efficient vehicles, I always find it interesting when I see a full-size SUV sitting in my driveway as my tester for the week. While people I know realize it isn’t my vehicle, I’m aware of the “what a moron” looks from people who are driving econoboxes or hybrids of some kind. But the truth is, there are a significant number of families who need a full size SUV.
For those folks, the 2011 GMC Acadia is a great fit and if you can afford it, the AWD Denali is the way to go. You can seat up to eight passengers in comfort with a decent amount of storage space behind the third-row seats, all while getting 23 mpg on the highway with the surprisingly potent 288 horsepower 3.6L SIDI V6 engine mated to a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission.
Some standard features on the Denali include leather seating surfaces, heated and cooled front seats, power seats, tri-zone climate controls, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, Bose audio system, ultrasonic rear parking assist, rearview camera, heads-up display and, my favorite, remote start capabilities. Extras on my tester included the touch screen NavSystem with Nav Traffic and the entertainment system. All this doesn’t come inexpensively though; the base price on the AWD Denali is $45,220 and with the extras and destination the total came to $50,125.
It goes without saying that the Denali is a great looking vehicle, highlighted by the standard 20” inch wheel and tire combo and the honeycomb chrome grille. Inside, the Denali is a study in luxury and comfort. The seating areas are plush and the ergonomics are well thought out. The five-gauge instrument cluster includes a driver information center as well as an outside temperature indicator and a compass. Interior lighting features theater dimming, cargo compartment, reading lights for front seats, second-row reading lamps integrated into dome light, door-and tailgate-activated switches and illuminated entry and exit feature. The entertainment system includes a rear-seat DVD player with two headrest-mounted seven-inch diagonal LCD monitors, dual built-in DVD players, two wireless headphones and wireless remote
Clearly, the strength of the Acadia Denali is traveling because to have this much room and comfort on the highway and get 23 or 24 miles to the gallon is a big issue. The big SUV handles like a dream, especially with the Denali’s ride and handling suspension. There’s very little body movement in turns with great feedback to the driver. The 288 horsepower engine moves the over three-ton truck with ease and I never felt a lack of power when needed to enter freeways or passing at highway speeds.
It may not be politically correct, but if you need a full sized SUV to haul the family around or to make trips from time to time, you’ll be hard pressed to find anything with more luxury and performance than the 2011 GMC Acadia AWD Denali.