Acadia Denali tops GMC line
© GM COMPANY
he GMC Acadia is a premium full-
size crossover model available in
five trim levels. The Denali, its top of the
line edition, may very well represent every-
thing diehard SUV buyers love, perhaps
offering us a glimpse at what the next
generation Cadillac Escalade might look
like if it were offered in scaled-down form.
Seating seven passengers, the 2012
GMC Acadia Denali is available in front- or
all-wheel-drive and is distinguished from
its lesser Acadia trim levels by its chrome
touches, interior amenities and leather
appointments. Chrome is evident nearly
everywhere, including in the Denali’s honeycomb grille, on the 20-inch chrome-clad
aluminum wheels offset by black chrome
inserts, the side trim, the dual chrome
exhaust tips and on the door sills.
This ultimate Acadia model features a
dual sunroof system. The first section is
positioned above the front seats and is
retractable, but the second section is
fixed. Combined, the sunroof floods the
cabin with generous amounts of natural,
but tinted light. Tri-zone air conditioning,
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a 10-speaker Bose audio system with
subwoofer, a navigation and backup
camera unit, remote start, Bluetooth
connectivity, and heated and cooled
seats are among the many amenities
included. A family favorite was the
optional drop down DVD screen for rear
passengers, providing much desired
on-the-go entertainment for road weary
children and relief for stressed parents.
The first and second rows offer ample
head, shoulder, hip and leg room for four
adults. The third row is sufficient for two
adults or three children, or the seats can
be folded down to increase storage
capacity. One touch of your key fob and
the Denali’s lift gate opens and closes; a
rear spoiler enhances the crossover’s rear
deck appearance.
The Acadia Denali features a number of
standout features, such as cubbies and
hideaways scattered throughout the cabin,
including a small storage compartment
placed within the drivetrain on the passenger
side – very useful for holding paperwork
or small items you want to keep out of the
glove box. On top of the dash, a pop-up
storage compartment is also found, and
between the front seats there are com-
partments holding a loose change tray
and another section housing wireless
headphones. Cupholders seem to show
up nearly everywhere, as do other storage
areas designed to hold snacks and toys.
