Following the addition of the high-end Denali trim in 2011, the 2012 GMC Acadia appears with little new this year. In fact, the same five trims—SL, SLE, SLT1, SLT2 and Denali—will all reappear with the same single powertrain as last year. Two new paint colors and foglamps will be among the few new exterior changes for all trims, while body-colored side moldings will be standard for all but the base SL trim. The SLT trims and Denali will also incorporate an integrated spotter mirror for blind spots. Other new features for all trims include an accessory power outlet for the center console and standard hill-hold assist.

Such changes are minor and should not impact the Acadia’s carryover powertrain: a 3.6-liter DOHC direct-injection V6 with variable valve timing. Running on regular unleaded, the 288-hp engine with 270 lb-ft of torque is paired with only one transmission: a Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic. The Acadia should continue to make EPA-estimated fuel economy numbers of 17 mpg city/24 highway for the standard FWD and 16/23 for the available intelligent all-wheel drive option. The AWD system improves traction by automatically shifting the torque between the front and rear wheels based on wheel speed, throttle and road surface conditions, rather than a driver’s decision. 2011 reviews note that the AWD is better equipped for handling slippery roads than true off-roading, but few buyers who consider this family-oriented crossover are likely to mind. Just as it is not suited to rough terrain, the Acadia also caps its maximum towing capacity at 5,200 pounds, which may deter some customers who would like to haul more significant loads. However, the virtually identical 2011 Acadia was commended for its quiet but strong engine, although its hefty weight (4,720-pound curb weight for the FWD and 4,925 pounds for the AWD) may make handling feel more cumbersome than lighter competitors such as the Mazda CX-9, Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander. Despite the weight, however, there were few complaints about the engine’s ability to accelerate, although some found the lack of engine and transmission choice to be a drawback. The 2011 6-speed automatic received mixed reviews: Although it seems to shift smoothly, several commented on its slow response to throttle inputs, often delaying downshifts during passing.

Inside, the Acadia can accommodate 7 or 8 passengers depending on whether the second row is a 60/40 split-folding bench or 2 captain’s chairs (which also allow for the inclusion of a center console in the second row). Third-row access is facilitated (regardless of second-row configuration) by GM’s Smart-Slide system. Smart-Slide not only allows the seat cushion to be flipped up while sliding the seatback forward, but can also lets the second-row seats move forward or back for additional second- or third-row legroom. The third row offers enough space for adults to ride comfortably, although the seats may not feel bolstered enough for some.

The SL and SLE trims come with standard cloth-covered seats, while the SLT1 and SLT2 provide standard leather for the first two rows and heat for the front seats. The Denali adds perforated leather (available for the SLT2 trim) with heated and cooled front seats. Although the 2011 Acadia’s interior was generally considered comfortable and quiet, it did come up short in the quality of some of its materials, despite its spaciousness and attractive appearance, as well as having limits on outward visibility because of its high beltline.

The Acadia includes plenty of cargo space, offering storage that easily beats competitors Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9. With all three rows in place, the Acadia can pack in 24.1 cubic feet of cargo. When the third row is folded down, available space expands to 68.9 cubic feet, and with the two rear seats folded, it grows to 115.9 cubic feet.

Other notable interior features include a tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. All but the SL trim will also provide standard rear park assist and a rear-view camera system integrated into the rear-view mirror (or available DVD navigation system). The SLT1, SLT2 and Denali cool their occupants with standard tri-zone air conditioning (available for the SLE), while the Denali also includes a standard sunroof (a two-panel SkyScape with a tilt-sliding front panel and rear fixed panel with a sunscreen) that is available for the SLE and SLT trims. A technology package (standard in the Denali and available for the SLT2) includes a heads-up display for data, including speed projected on the windshield, as well as high-intensity discharge headlights. The SLT trims and Denali also include a standard universal remote.

The entertainment system in the GMC Acadia starts with the SL and SLE trims’ AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible CD player, radio data system and 6 speakers. The SLT1, SLT2 and Denali add an auxiliary audio jack, USB port and 10-speaker Bose sound system with the Bose Nd Richbass woofer. Denali, SLT1 and SLT2 trims can also add touchscreen navigation with rear-view camera and 3 months of XM NavTraffic (although a 3-month trial subscription to Sirius XM Satellite radio is standard for all trims). An available rear-seat entertainment package can install a DVD player with a remote, overhead display and wireless headphones. In addition, Bluetooth is available for the SL and standard in all other trims for hands-free phone use.

The Denali trim seems to be one of the few question marks in the Acadia lineup. Added in 2011 as the high-end luxury trim for the crossover, it offers extra soundproofing and extra chrome, as well as a laundry list of additional features, ranging from a signature monochromatic exterior to mahogany wood trim on the steering wheel and woodgrain finish on the instrument panel and center stack in addition to perforated leather heated and cooled front seats, a dual-panel sunroof, heads-up display and high-intensity discharge headlights. However, many of the Denali’s extra features can be added to SLT trims more affordably, and the luxury trim lacked soft-touch materials. Additionally, some noted that the expensive Denali seemed to be missing many of the standard or available technologies found in its competitors (or even less-expensive vehicles, for that matter) including a blind-spot warning system, choice of engine and transmission, adaptive cruise control and voice-activated navigation and stereo, to name a few. This left many in 2011 wondering whether the Denali was worth all that extra money.

A number of safety features carry forward in 2012 for the GMC Acadia, including 6 standard airbags, StabiliTrack electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology, standard four-wheel, antilock disc brakes and tire pressure monitoring. Each Acadia also comes with standard OnStar service and 6 months of the OnStar Directions and Connections service, which provides turn-by-turn directions in addition to emergency assistance and stolen vehicle tracking. The 2011 GMC Acadia was selected as one of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Picks, earning top scores of Good in all crash tests. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration gave both the AWD and FWD 2012 Acadia a perfect score (5 stars) for its overall rating.

Anyone in the market for a spacious and stable family car will no doubt look to the Acadia again in 2012. Although the Denali may not be worth the price, the reasonably comfortable third row, cavernous storage and stellar safety rep make the other Acadias a good option for a family car that doesn’t look like something your mom would drive.