Riding on a Macpherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, the 2008 GMC Acada SLT-2 AWD combines easy car handling with SUV AWD performance. The full-time system starts out in front-wheel drive but automatically sends torque to the appropriate wheels when it senses slippage. It comes with a limited slip center differential but lacks low-range gearing or ample ground clearance, so keep it on the pavement. Extra grip is provided by the 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, and larger 19-inch wheels are available. Engine power comes from a 3.6-liter, 275-hp DOHC V6 and 6-speed shiftable automatic. Fuel economy slips to 16/22 mpg, but the SUV can tow up to 4500 pounds.
The 2008 Acadia SLT-2 AWD seats seven in three rows, with the second row captain's chairs and third row bench. A bench is offered for the second row. Both rows fold flat, and the second row moves fore and aft to adapt to legroom. Front and rear center consoles hold plenty of storage, supplementing the 117 cubic foot cargo area (with seats down) and standard roof rack. Tie-downs, a cargo cover, net, and organizer are all included on the SLT-2 AWD. Keeping drivers safe are auto-dimming mirrors, mirrors with turn signals, automatic halogen lamps, foglights, and parking sensors. The crossover performs well in crash tests due to standard dual front-side and side curtain airbags for all rows, passenger airbag deactivation, rollover sensors, traction and stability control, and 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes. Xenon lamp and a rearview camera can be added.
High-end features adorn the 2008 Acadia SLT-2 AWD. A full power setup adds on remote start, retractable mirrors, and a power liftgate, and increases the power front seats to 8-way and 4-way with memory settings for two drivers. The leather steering wheel carries cruise and audio controls for the 6-CD/MP3 player. There are also audio controls in the second row, along with tri-zone climate control. Satellite radio and an MP3 input jack are standard as well. A garage opener, remote entry, front and rear intermittent wipers, a trip computer, compass and temperature display, and leather seats round out the package. On the outside are tinted windows and a rear spoiler. It'll cost you extra to add a touchscreen navigation system, dual-pane sunroof, DVD player with wireless headphones, Bose surround sound system, and heads-up display on the windshield.