What Changed for 2009:

• New, more powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine with direct injection
• XM satellite radio with new optional NavTraffic feature
• OnStar 8.0 with Turn-by-Turn Navigation & Destination Download
• Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling
• Rearview camera system standard on SLT2, optional on SLE & SLT1
• Optional heated/cooled seats on SLT2
• Two new exterior colors

Overview
The GMC Acadia midsize crossover utility vehicle (CUV), introduced in 2007, is mostly carryover for 2009, although it does have a more powerful and fuel-efficient 3.6-liter V-6 engine with variable valve timing (VVT) that uses gasoline direct-injection and adds technology and convenience features and two new exterior colors. Built on GM’s body-frame-integral design, the Acadia shares the same platform as the Saturn Outlook, Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave. With seating for up to 8, the Acadia offers a crossover’s responsiveness and fuel-economy advantages and the cargo capability and spaciousness of an SUV. With second- and third-row seats folded flat, the Acadia has 117 cubic feet of storage, with additional storage available beneath the rear cargo floor behind the third row. Two new exterior colors are added for 2009: Quicksilver Metallic and Silver-Green Metallic.

Model Lineup
The 2009 GMC Acadia CUV is available in SLE and SLT trims, and in front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The SLE trim includes premium cloth seating for 8 passengers with second-row 60/40-split bench seats with Smart Slide feature and split-bench third-row seats; front and rear air conditioning; power windows/mirrors/steering and remote power door locks; manual rear liftgate; fog lamps; polished aluminum roof rails; chrome door handles and chrome dual exhaust tip; rear spoiler; tire-pressure-monitoring system; electronic stability control system with traction control; 18-inch cast aluminum wheels; AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible CD player; OnStar 8.0; and XM satellite radio. The SLT1 trim has standard 7-passenger seating; leather seats and second-row captain’s chairs; tri-zone automatic climate control; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; speed-proportional power steering; rearview mirror with auto-dimming and 8-point compass display; driver information center; body-color heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals; and an upgraded stereo with 10 speakers and rear-seat audio controls. The SLT2 adds power-adjustable, power-folding mirrors with integrated turn signals and auto-dimming feature; rear captain’s chairs; universal remote transmitter; memorized settings for two drivers for seat and mirrors; cargo package with shade and net; convenience package (with remote start and Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist); power rear liftgate; heated windshield washer fluid; and a 3-prong, household-style, 115-volt power outlet.

Options on the 2009 GMC Acadia include a second-row console; SkyScape dual sunroof; heated and cooled perforated leather-trimmed front seats (available on SLT2); rearview camera system (standard on SLT2, optional on SLE and SLT1); Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist; touch-screen navigation; DVD entertainment system; cargo area audio controls; high-intensity-discharge headlamps; and 19-inch cast aluminum wheels.

Powertrain
A single engine powers the 2009 GMC Acadia, but it has been beefed up this year for more power and better fuel economy. The 3.6-liter V-6 engine with VVT and new direct-injection technology delivers a 5-hp increase to 288 hp at 6300 rpm and a torque increase to 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 3400 rpm. The engine is mated to an electronically controlled 6-speed automatic transmission with clutch-to-clutch operation. The transmission has driver shift control for tap-up/tap-down selectable shifting. While FWD is standard, an intelligent AWD system is available, featuring revised tuning for more rear torque bias during certain driving conditions. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the FWD Acadia are 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway, while the AWD model gets an estimated 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway.

The Acadia features a MacPherson strut design front suspension and compact, state-of-the-art linked “H” design rear suspension.

Safety
The 2009 GMC Acadia offers what GM calls a “360-degree safety system”, including six standard air bags: two dual-stage frontal air bags for driver and front passenger, two seat-mounted first-row side-impact air bags, and two head curtain side-impact air bags covering all three seating rows. GM’s rollover-sensing system complements the air bags. Electronic stability control, traction control and 4-wheel ABS are standard, as well as daytime running lamps, theft-deterrent system, tire-pressure monitor, and OnStar 8.0, which features the GM Advanced Crash Response System.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2009 GMC Acadia receives perfect 5-star ratings for all occupants in frontal- and side-impact crash tests, and a 4-star rating in the agency’s rollover testing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named the GMC Acadia (along with sister nameplates, Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook and Chevy Traverse) as a 2009 “Top Safety Pick.” The achievement comes as a result of the SUV’s outstanding performance in the Institute’s front-, side- and rear-impact crash tests, and the fact that the vehicle has standard electronic stability control.

Technology
Technology features standard or available on the 2009 GMC Acadia include the latest-generation OnStar 8.0 system with Turn-by-Turn Navigation and new Destination Download; Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling; XM satellite radio with available NavTraffic feature to deliver real-time traffic advisories through the vehicle’s navigation system; rearview camera system that can be ordered without a navigation system (to provide remote view of the area directly behind the vehicle); standard AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible CD player (SLE), or AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible in-dash 6-disc CD player (SLT); and a SkyScape dual sunroof that features a larger, power-operated tilt-and-slide sunroof and rear skylight. A Bose 5.1 Surround Sound system with subwoofer and audio system controls in the rear cargo area, DVD entertainment system for rear-seat passengers with flip-down screen, infrared headphones and individual controls, and a DVD touch-screen navigation system are also available.