Family-friendly, loaded with standard features, and, except for an added trim level, pretty much unchanged from '09, the 2010 GMC Acadia full-size crossover SUV comes in three trim levels, the new-for-2010 base SL, mid-level SE, and top-shelf SLT, with the SLT trim offering two sub-trims, the SLT1 and SLT2. All Acadia trims are available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or full-time all-wheel drive (AWD), and all are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

The 3.6-liter V6 is capable of 288 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, while the six-speed automatic comes with electronically controlled overdrive. This combo will tow some 5,200 pounds when properly equipped, and the EPA estimates 17/24 mpg for the FWD 2010 GMC Acadia trims and 16/23 for the AWD trims.

Standard appearance, comfort, and convenience features for the 2010 GMC Acadia SL include eight-passenger seating with front bucket seats and second-row bench seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, rear spoiler, power windows, door locks, and mirrors, split-folding rear seats that allow 117 cubic feet of cargo space when folded down, a center console with storage, remote keyless entry, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, air conditioning, carpeted floor mats, a single-CD player with six speakers, and OnStar/Bluetooth hands-free communications technology.

The 2010 Acadia SLE adds a power liftgate, second-row captain’s chairs, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and rear parking assist sensors, while the high-end SLT1 adds 19-inch machined aluminum wheels, heated outside mirrors, leather-trimmed upholstery, a rear-view camera system, six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, two-way power-adjustable passenger seat, tri-zone climate control, and a remote anti-theft alarm system. The SLT2 is delivered with standard 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, an eight-way power driver’s seat and four-way power passenger seat, heated and cooled front seats, and chrome-metallic interior accents.

Options for the 2010 GMC Acadia progress from a tow package, upgraded chrome, rear-seat DVD entertainment, and the rear-view camera system for the SL trims, to a voice-activated DVD navigation system, a Bose premium audio system with 10 speakers and satellite radio (with real-time traffic when the optional navigation system is chosen), and tri-zone climate control on the SLE trims, and on to include a power-tilting sunroof, upgraded wheels, and cashmere leather upholstery for the SLT trims.

Safety features for the entire 2010 GMC Acadia lineup are impressive and include four-wheel disc ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction and stability control, dual front side-mounted airbags, three-row head curtain airbags, daytime running lights, and the OnStar post-collision safety system.

For owners of the 2009 GMC Acadia, downers include gas mileage that doesn’t seem up to the manufacturer's claims, poor visibility due to numerous blind spots, especially when backing up, reliability issues, and an over-abundance of cheap plastic in the cabin. However, these deficiencies are for the most part mitigated in the minds of most ’09 Acadia owners by its classy styling, roomy cabin, numerous safety features, functional interior layout, ride comfort, acceleration, perfect size, and car-like handling.