2011 GMC Acadia Denali:A Tricked-Out Luxury Crossover

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $49,330 (Base price starts at $45,220)

Major Standard Features: remote keyless entry; 20-in chrome wheels; second-row skylight; power liftgate; heated and a/c front leather seats; second-row captain chairs; back up camera; Bluetooth Connectivity.

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.6-liter, 6-liter/288

Standard Fuel Mileage: 16-city/23-highway

Competition: Buick Enclave, Ford Explorer Limited, Ford Flex Limited

What’s New:

For the 2011 model-year, GMC expands the Denali name to its midsize crossover to the Acadia. This well-equipped tricked-out crossover is outfitted with a chrome grille, monochromatic exterior color, high-intensity discharge headlamps (HID) along with the premium-class interior features we noted earlier.

Pros:

The Denali name is synonymous with the term luxury. Before this upscale model was added to the line up for the 2011 model year, its sibling, the Buick Enclave was high on my list. Now since the Arcadia Denali has arrived, it has soared to the top of the list, offering swag-appeal and many of the luxury amenities one would expect in a vehicle priced in the high forties.

In addition to the aforementioned standard features, the upscale crossover I reviewed was outfitted with a touch-screen nav system, which featured real-time traffic updates, and an entertainment system, which included a DVD player with a set of headphones.

The only optional feature that was omitted from our cool-looking street cruiser was a second-row center console to compliment the sliding second-row captain chairs. (As a side note, for those not wanting the captain chairs, bench seats can be substituted, without an additional charge.)

Cons:

Although this is one of the best crossovers I’ve driven, the vehicle lacked a few features we’ve come to expect on most premium-class vehicles priced at $49,000. While they weren’t available features, I was disappointed that the vehicle I tested lacked the latest blind spot lane changing technology, a push-button keyless starter and a heated steering wheel to compliment the heated and cooled front seats.

Also the standard third-row bench seats are strictly designed for kids, as opposed to adults for long trips.

The Verdict:

The tricked-out $49,000 Acadia I reviewed is arguably one of the best crossovers I’ve tested. It combines the best of luxury with cool-appeal. Not only is this vehicle easier to maneuver than the fullsize Denali SUV it mimics, the Acadia does it with flair, all while sporting 20-inch chrome clad wheels.

If you’re in the market for a smooth-riding, premium-class vehicle that standout in a very crowded segment, the Acadia Denali should be at the top of your shopping list. And so that the price doesn’t approach the $50,000 range, consider steering away from the entertainment system and the all-wheel drive model. Without those features, this should push the price of this seven-passenger crossover down to low to mid forties, before rebates and negotiation.