2013 Toyota Camry V-6 XLE FWD Sedan

On January 11, 2014January 11, 2014 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, ToyotaLeave a comment

The Toyota Camry XLE that I drove around last week was painted silver – Classic Silver metallic. I enjoy the names that this company gives its paint colors, including this one as well as names such as Super white and Attitude black. The Toyota Camry is America’s number one selling car, having been so for eleven straight years. They sell over 300,000 units per year in this country, year after year, and have topped 400,000 sales on several occasions. Such a year was 2012, when 404,886 Camrys were purchased in the United States.

For the 2012 model year, the Toyota Camry was totally redesigned, inside and out, and my 2013 was a carryover of the successful styling and architecture of the 2012. I was happy with the styling of the 2006/2011 Camry, but the last two models have featured a sleeker, chiseled body style, and the fuel efficiency has been enhanced, as well. The test XLE had the 3.5 liter, (268 hp/248 lb.ft.) V-6 and was rated at 21 city/31 highway mpg with a 17 gallon fuel tank. My observation was 23 mpg during my time with the Camry. Attached to the V-6 was a six-speed automatic and the front-wheel drive automobile had electric power steering to improve fuel mileage. It rode on 17”, silver, ten spoke alloy wheels fitted with P215/55R17 Bridgestone Turanza radials. The mid-size Camry is 189.2” long and seats five, weighing 3,420 pounds. Height/width of the car is 57.9” and 71.7”, the wheelbase is 109”. The trunk contains 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space.

The interior of the XLE features leather-trimmed heated sport buckets up front and matching two-toned (black/gray) fold-down 60/40 rear bench with armrest and cup holders. Toyota’s EnTune system and Bluetooth connectivity are present, as well as moon roof and hard-disk drive navigation/backup camera with a 7” touch-screen. The JBL Green Edge stereo has ten speakers in eight locations, and the Toyota cruise control is behind the steering wheel at 4 o’clock. The Camry has excellent acceleration and handling, and guidance and ride are acceptable.

Total M.S.R.P. for the XLE was $34,135.00, and that included the $1,620.00 navigation package, $500.00 for a blind spot monitor, $515.00 for Safety Connect arrangement, as well $225.00 for carpet/trunk mat set. The base price was $30,465.00, and freight charge was $810.00. That total is actually a couple of thousand dollars less than what Toyota charged for such a model two years earlier, making the new 2013 Camry a pretty good deal.

2014 Buick Enclave Premium Group AWD

On December 22, 2013August 22, 2014 By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, BuickLeave a comment

Buick, a company incorporated 100 years ago, has produced the Enclave full-size SUV for seven years, with the first offering introduced as a 2008 model. General Motors employs what is called the “Lambda” platform for its Buick Enclave line, a vehicle architecture featuring easy-access three row seating, 3.6 liter V-6 power, and choice of front- or all-wheel drive traction.

Last week I conducted a test of the 2014 Buick Enclave Premium Group SUV, courtesy of Weld County Garage in Greeley. The vehicle was painted White Diamond Tricoat metallic and the interior was Cocoa leather with seating for seven. A facelift was incorporated into the 2013 Enclave, and carried over to my loaner, that included a new chrome waterfall grill, LED lighting front and rear, updated dashboard with IntelliLink display, and an industry-first front center airbag.

During my days with the Enclave, I had a great time driving the car. Ruth (my wife) and I both noticed that there is a commanding feel with the firm ride, quiet interior experience, and visibility. Acceleration, reportedly 8 seconds from zero to 60 mph, is provided by the 3.6 liter, 24-valve V-6 with 288 horsepower and 270 lb. ft. of torque. It’s coupled with a 6-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission with console shifter. EPA fuel economy ratings are 16 mpg-city and 22 mpg-highway, with a 22-gallon tank to provide a measure of cruising range. The all-wheel drive system can, in slick conditions, send up to 50% of its torque to either front wheel or up to 85% to either rear wheel.

Inside, the Enclave is pretty cavernous, with 115.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats, 68.9 cubic feet behind the second row, 23.3 cubic feet behind the third row, and ample seating for seven adults when all seats are upright. Substantial equipment was on hand, including a dual power moon roof, blue mood lighting, a rear-seat entertainment system with drop-down 8”screen and 5.1 surround sound, navigation/backup camera, and Bose stereo. The front buckets were powered, heated, and cooled, and the steering column had power tilt/telescope articulation.

Styling for the Enclave, updated for 2013, has a softer, more elegant look with the new grill taking on more of a Buick family appearance. The C-pillars have been blacked out to tie in with the deep tint windows, Buick tri-shield emblems have been added there, and the wheels are ultra-bright, 9-spoke, 20” alloys with P255/55R20 all-season radials.

M.S.R.P. of my Buick tester was $54,850.00, and that included $2,240.00 for the rear entertainment, $1,400.00 for the moon roof, $995.00 for the paint, $575.00 for trailering equipment, $400.00 for the alloy wheels, and freight. Buick sells over 50,000 Enclaves every year, including during the first eleven months of 2013, and after driving the vehicle, it is evident to this reviewer why the car is so popular.

“A Hybrid for Nice People” 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring Sedan

On December 10, 2013July 21, 2015 By stuwright47In *HYBRIDS/ELECTRICS, Honda1 Comment

Honda Motor Company started exporting motorcycles to America, from Japan, in the early 1960’s with a clever slogan, “You Meet the Nicest People on a Honda”. I became an early customer when I purchased a new 1964 Honda while in high school in Grant, Nebraska. All three Wright brothers eventually bought Hondas, and of course mine was the smallest, the Honda 50, a little machine I rolled into my junior speech class to talk about in front of my classmates.

It was later, in the 1970’s, that Honda started exporting automobiles to the U.S., and in 1999 they sent the first commercially-produced hybrid sedan, the Insight, to our shores. Its introduction preceded Toyota’s Prius by seven months, but it had two fewer doors and carried three fewer passengers than the Prius. Such limitations have since been eliminated, but nonetheless the Prius has outsold the Honda hybrids for the last thirteen years.

For 2014 Honda has re-introduced its Accord Hybrid, which features a 50 mpg EPA city fuel economy rating. That mileage is a breakthrough, of sorts, for Honda, and the drive train features substantial technology with its 2.0 liter Atkinson-cycle gas engine and two electric motors (drive and generation). Total system horsepower is 196, and three driving modes are available in the hybrid Accord – all-electric, combined gasoline-electric, and gas-powered overdrive. The latter is a Honda exclusive, allowing the automobile to lock the gas engine to the drive wheels with a clutch, not a transmission, above 50 mph. The 55 hp electric drive motor is, in that situation, available for bursts of acceleration. And from a standstill, the Accord Hybrid goes from zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, regardless of altitude. Speaking of which, the drive train in this car has a “B” braking mode that is great for descending steep mountain grades safely while charging the 1.3 kW lithium-ion battery.

Recently, a 2014 Honda Hybrid Touring edition was loaned to me out of the press fleet, and I drove it for a week. The Accord Hybrid comes in a standard, EX-L, and Touring edition, which is the top model and the one I tested. For $35,695.00, including freight, the Touring edition has a leather interior, navigation system with backup camera, adaptive radar cruise control, lane departure warning, moon roof, and dual heated power bucket seats. An item I particularly enjoyed was Lanewatch, a camera integrated into the right outside mirror that gives the driver a view of the lane (in the 8” screen) to the right and behind the Honda. This operates any time the right hand turn signal is activated.

The driving experience when behind the wheel of the Accord Hybrid is excellent, with a somewhat quieter environment than the conventional Accord and similar guidance, handling, and ride; all good. Visibility is top-notch (see above), and real-world economy for this reviewer came in at 37.5 mpg, 25% less that the EPA estimate. Sub-zero weather during my week with the car was a factor.

The mid-sized Honda sedan rolls on 17” aerodynamic alloy wheels with Michelin P225/50R17 Michelin GreenX energy saving radials. All Accords were re-styled for 2013, an improvement, and this hybrid had distinctive blue-accented grill and lighting, front and rear, plus a body-colored decklid spoiler.

In high school I fantasized about someday driving an automobile with the quality and innovation of my little Honda 50. Someday arrived a week ago when I tested the very capable, American made Honda Accord Hybrid.

2014 Buick Verano 1SL FWD Sedan

On November 11, 2013 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, BuickLeave a comment

Americans in big numbers are getting into Buick sedans; in fact big Americans are getting into Buick sedans. I recently reviewed the company’s LaCrosse offering, noting that Shaquille O’Neal drives one in television commercials and is a spokesman. Another Buick spokesman is Denver Bronco Peyton Manning, seen on television at the wheel of a Buick Verano. This past week I conducted a test on the Verano such as Manning drives, a 2014 model courtesy of Ryan Green at Weld County Garage in Greeley.

The Verano is a variant of the European Opel Astra, and is marketed in America by Buick alongside the Cruze by Chevrolet, sharing the same architecture and drive train. The engine is a 2.4 liter, 4 cylinder, DOHC, Ecotec with 180 horsepower. Torque is 171 lb. ft., and fuel economy ratings are 21 city/32 highway, burning regular and E85 gasoline blend (15.6 gallon tank). Behind the power plant rests a six-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control. Wheelbase,
length, and weight of the Verano is 105.7”, 183.9”, and 3,300 lbs.,
respectively. It is a front-wheel drive,
four-door, five passenger automobile.

M.S.R.P. of the little White Diamond Tricoat Verano, officially designated a compact, was $30,515.00, including $925.00 for freight. The car included the 1SL, or leather (choccachino), package, and was pretty loaded with all the expected amenities including a navigation system for $795.00, Buick Intellilink system, Bose 9-speaker stereo with satellite radio and CD player, moon roof for $900.00, and backup camera. That camera, along with four windows on each side of the sedan, affords the driver excellent visibility. The deluxe paint job, which was stunning, added $995.00 to the car’s sticker price. I had several passengers join me in rides during the week, and everyone was comfortable – even the manual right hand bucket seat was well tolerated. The trunk provided 14.3 cubic feet of luggage capacity.

Driving the Verano was a snap; it felt light on its feet with the power electric steering, and front independent MacPherson strut suspension coupled with a z-link rear setup. Ten-spoke silver alloy, 18” spoke wheels wore Continental P235/45R18 ContiPro Contact sporty radials, and highway ride and guidance were suitable. The acceleration, reportedly zero to 60 in 8.5 seconds, was fine, as well. Buick has put a lot of effort into making this car quiet, successfully. The car is stylish, as is the custom with the Buick lineup.

Eighteen months ago I reviewed the Chevrolet Cruze, and in looking back at my observations about that car, I would have to say my preference is for the Verano that I drove last week.

2013 Volkswagen CC R-Line FWD Sedan

On October 17, 2013October 17, 2013 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, VolkswagenLeave a comment

Volkswagen’s CC is a derivative of the Passat sedan that has existed in one form or another for 40 years. The CC was introduced as a 2009 model and was first viewed at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. With the same wheelbase as the Passat (106.7”), the CC is an inch longer (188.9”), two inches closer to the ground (5”), and an inch and a half wider (73”) with what Volkswagen likes to call “sports car” dynamics. Weight of the five-passenger, front-wheel drive sedan is 3,450 lbs.

I recently tested a CC, one with an M.S.R.P. of $33,020, including freight charges and a base price of $32,195. The vehicle was the “R-Line” version of the CC, which meant it had the turbocharged, intercooled 2.0 liter 4-cylinder (200 hp/207 lb. ft.) direct-injected engine and a six-speed manual transmission. The R-Line has specific fascia on the side of the car and on the bumpers, as well as 18”, ten-spoke alloy wheels. Tires mounted on this CC were Continental 235/40R18 95H Conti ProContact m & s radials. The grill with its fog lights and the trunk with its built-in spoiler were particularly attractive.

Acceleration of the R-Line is reportedly zero to 60 in 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 126 mph. Rear wheel drive would be nice for stomping on the gas because the mud and snow tires like to break loose, but on snow the entire setup would provide pleasure, I’m sure. I enjoyed the maneuverability of the CC as well as highway manners and sound level. EPA ratings for the drive train is 21 and 32, city/highway, and overall rating is 25 mpg. I observed 24 mpg during my 300 miles in the Volkswagen.

The CC seating is covered in V-Tex black leatherette upholstery, and the buckets were heated and supportive. The five passenger classification does not allow for three full-size rear passengers, in reality, but the safety gear is on hand, nonetheless, for such travel. All the expected power equipment and connectivity was installed in the CC, including backup camera and navigation, but no moon roof was present.

I drove the CC to the Greeley KELS FM radio studios for a showing, and five individuals came out and made very positive remarks about the car. They jumped in the driver’s seat, peeked into the 13.2 cubic foot trunk, and gazed at the turbocharged power plant; pretty much all positive. This was the fifth Volkswagen I have tested, and once again I’d have to say it belongs on the mid-size sedan shoppers’ list of prospective purchases (or leases).

2014 Buick LaCrosse FWD 1SL Sedan

On October 11, 2013 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, BuickLeave a comment

For 2014, Buick has made a number of modifications to the popular LaCrosse, including a waterfall grill, new front fascia, redesigned head- and tail-lights, built-in trunk spoiler, and active lower grill shutters for enhanced fuel economy. Last week I tested such a car, a 1SL “Leather package” equipped four-door in Champagne Silver Metallic with Light Neutral leather-appointed seating. It was loaned to me by Ryan Green, internet manager at Weld County Garage in Greeley.

Shaquille O’Neal actually fits into a LaCrosse, as I understand it, due to the front head- and legroom dimensions of 38” and 41.7”, respectively. With those dimensions being virtually the same in the rear, I guess that means that four men the size of Shaq could ride in the LaCrosse. Amazingly, that would represent over 5% of the U.S. population of men over seven feet tall. Shaq, of course, is a spokesman for Buick, as is Colorado’s beloved Bronco, Peyton Manning.

The M.S.R.P. of my test Buick was $36,135, including freight charges of $925. The “Leather package” LaCrosse has heated power front buckets, rear camera, Buick Intellilink phone/audio with voice activation and 8” screen, satellite radio, tilt wheel, power windows/locks/mirrors, and OnStar from GM. Additionally, the car had a five-passenger leather interior and a very attractive dashboard. Interior space, as mentioned earlier, is good and the trunk holds 13.3 cubic feet of cargo. At no additional charge on this model, Buick provides the 3.6 liter V-6 (304 hp/264 lb.ft.) with E85 capability. EPA ratings for the V-6 are 18 city, 28 highway, and the tank holds 18 gallons of regular gasoline. Coupled to the V-6 is a six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive plus driver shift control with a tap switch on the shift tower. The two-ton car will go zero to 60 in 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph.

Styling is the hallmark of the Buick lineup in general, and the LaCrosse is probably their prettiest offering. My test car featured an acceptable grill, distinctive hood vents, chrome door handles and bodyside molding, plus the sculpted trunk lid with integrated spoiler. Ten spoke, 18” silver-allow wheels were fitted with Goodyear Eagle LS2, 235/50R18 all-season radials – the wheels were included with the V-6 power package on the LaCrosse. The rear end styling, reworked for 2014, has new fascia and a full-width chrome accent. Also at the rear are large dual chrome exhaust finishers.

Mid-size sedan shoppers would do well to take a hard look at the Buick LaCrosse for 2014. If the price and equipment list is suitable for such an individual, selection of this car should be a slam dunk.

2014 KIA Cadenza FWD Sedan

On October 8, 2013 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, KIALeave a comment

The Cadenza, introduced in the U.S. by KIA in January of this year, is a full-size, front-wheel drive luxury sedan produced in Hwasung, South Korea. Hyundai Motors owns KIA, and produces a version of the Cadenza named the Azera. The Cadenza is KIA’s flagship automobile and is the sedan one model larger than the venerable Optima.

I just finished testing a Cadenza provided by Tom Cooney of STI Drive in Denver. It was painted Smokey Blue metallic and inside it featured the white leather package. Cadenza’s with white leather interiors also have the technology package ($3,000) and luxury package ($3,000), bringing total M.S.R.P. with freight to $41,900. Such a loaded sedan was equipped, as you might expect, with smart cruise control, lane departure warning system, blind spot monitor, hydrophobic front window glass, 19” fancy alloy wheels, dual panoramic moon roof, adaptive headlamps (the best I have tested), and four heated seats. Also on hand was power tilt/telescope steering column, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, memory power seats, power folding outside mirrors with heat elements, Infinity 12 speaker, 550-watt stereo with satellite radio, ventilated driver bucket, rear window power sunshade, and Nappa (full-grain/dyed) leather trim. The navigation system was voice-activated, had an 8” screen, and Bluetooth/USB connectivity was included.

Performance of the Cadenza was good, with power supplied by an all-aluminum 3.3 liter (293hp/255lb.-ft.) V-6 coupled with an electronically-controlled six speed automatic transmission with sport mode. Acceleration is reportedly zero to 60 in 6.2 seconds and top speed is in excess of 150 mph. EPA fuel mileage ratings are 19 city and 28 highway, not too bad for such a fast car. The tank holds 18.5 gallons of gasoline.

Looking at the Smokey blue Cadenza is easy on the eyes, with bold chrome- trimmed lower doors and handles, “tiger-nose” chrome grill, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and a body designed by Peter Schreyer. Schreyer is the German individual that left Audi and now designs cars and trucks for KIA and Hyundai. He’s pretty good at it, too. The 19” alloys were quite attractive and were fitted with P245/40R19 94V Hankook Optimo H426 all-season radial tires.

My driving impression of the Cadenza was fine, with nice ride, minimum wind noise, good visibility, and steady guidance. Interior space is 106.8 cubic feet, which allowed four of us to drive to Loveland in the Cadenza in complete comfort. The weather in Northern Colorado included sub-freezing temperatures on this night, and I pointed out the seat heat switches to all in attendance. The Cadenza trunk holds 15.9 cubic feet of cargo.

KIA is dipping a toe in the water relative to the luxury car market with this Cadenza. Prospective shoppers for such a vehicle would do themselves a favor by including an inspection and test drive of this sedan.

2013 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4WD Pickup

On September 27, 2013 By stuwright47In *PICKUPS, ToyotaLeave a comment

The Toyota Tundra full-size pickup, available since model year 2000, is a capable replacement to the old Toyota T100, and is available with three engine choices. They are the 4 liter V-6 and two V-8s, with the largest one putting out 381 horsepower and 401 lb. ft. of torque. It’s what’s called the iForce 5.7 liter DOHC aluminum V-8 with (i)ntelligent variable valve timing and flex fuel capability. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with console-mounted shifter, and such were the drive train specifications of my test vehicle this past week.

The Tundra that I drove was the Limited CrewMax with an M.S.R.P. of $46,518, including options and freight. Base price of this model is $43,895, and options on it were the TRD off-road package, running boards, bedliner, full width power sliding rear glass, and remote start. It was part-time four wheel drive with electric control and trailering equipment. The interior was leather and seated five, a JBL stereo with satellite radio was on hand, and Bluetooth connectivity was present. No touchscreen for the radio was in the pickup and a navigation system was not installed.

The “standard” bed that comes with this CrewMax is 78.7” long, wheelbase is 145.7”, length is 228.9”, width is 79.9”, height is 75.8”, and the truck weighs 5,375 lbs. Towing capacity is 10,200 lbs., but apparently that is a lowball figure because Toyota towed the space shuttle Endeavour across the #405 freeway in California last year with the Tundra – weight of the space orbiter, 292,000 lbs. My wife Ruth and I flew to Florida to watch that Endeavour launch from Cape Kennedy in February of 2010. The mission was STS-130 to the International Space Station and of course it was quite a thrill.

Styling of the Limited was upgraded to include chrome door handles, chrome outside mirrors, TRD and Limited badging, five-spoke brushed finish alloy wheels, BF Goodrich Rugged Trail T/A 275/65R18 white letter tires, and the running boards. All the full-size pickups from GM, Dodge, Nissan, and Ford are good-looking, as is the Tundra.

Ride, cab noise, guidance, and visibility were all acceptable in this vehicle. The gas tank holds 26.4 gallons, and the EPA ratings on the previously described engine was 13 city, 18 highway, and 15 overall. I observed 15 miles per gallons during my time with the Toyota.

Toyota sold over 100,000 Tundras last year, a 22% increase for them over 2011 sales. The big American manufacturers sold substantially more than that, with total pickup sales in the U.S. (all sizes) at 2 million. Nonetheless, when shopping for a full-sized pickup, I see no reason to rule out a Toyota Tundra.

2013 Volkswagen Passat SE FWD Sedan

On September 25, 2013 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, Volkswagen1 Comment

The Volkswagen automobile manufacturing company, founded in 1937 by the German Labor Front, involved production of an inexpensive car for the German common man, and included state-sponsored financing (“five marks a week you must put aside, if in your own car you want to ride”). Until then Germans could typically only afford motorcycles, but with the advent of this new Volkswagen factory, hundreds of thousands could afford this new “Beetle”, designed by Ferdinand Porsche. Volkswagen automobiles started crossing the Atlantic after World War II, and sales in the United States peaked in 1970, when the company enjoyed 7% market share.

The 2013 Volkswagen Passat, built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a mid-size family sedan that has been produced since 1973. It’s Volkswagen’s biggest sedan, and comes with a choice of 4 and 6 cylinder gas engines and a diesel 2 liter offering. The V-6 is a 3.6 liter (280 hp/265 lb. ft.) with EPA mileage ratings of 20 city, 28 highway, and 23 mpg overall. The Passat gas tank holds 18.5 gallons, and zero to 60 acceleration of the 3.6 is reportedly 6.4 seconds. That’s seems pretty fast for such an entry, but my recent test of the Passat in Phoenix made a believer out of me.

While in Arizona I drove the V-6 SE Passat, which featured V-Tex leatherette seating for five including supportive heated front buckets, 60/40 fold-down rear seat, power driver seat/mirrors/locks/windows (with pinch protection), cruise control, tilt/telescope leather steering wheel, satellite touchscreen radio, power tilt/slide sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity, console-mounted emergency brake, and Fender brand premium stereo. While putting 400 miles on the Volkswagen, I stayed comfortable and cool in the SE, and as mentioned, passing and getting away from stoplights was a snap.

Ride of the SE was particularly satisfying, with guidance and wind noise acceptable, as well. The car was painted Candy white, and had ten spoke alloy “Bristol” 18” wheels fitted with Hankook Optimo H426, 235/45R18 all season radials. The windows didn’t roll down entirely out of sight, but I still was successful in getting a nice photograph of the Volkswagen. The trunk lid was light and easy to handle, with 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space under it. Halogen fog lights were up front, as were daytime running lights and a bold three-bar chrome grill and iconic “VW” round emblem. The SE look was pretty much all-American, even though it was styled in Germany.

M.S.R.P. of the press car was $30,030, including freight. The Passat was named 2012 Motor Trend car of the year, and my experience with it confirmed what the magazine editors discovered during their test.

2014 GMC Acadia Denali AWD SUV

On September 17, 2013August 22, 2014 By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, GMCLeave a comment

I recently had an opportunity to test drive the new 2014 GMC Acadia, courtesy of Weld County Garage in Greeley. The Acadia name is derived from a French area of northeastern North America that includes parts of Canada and Maine. The vehicle was the Denali, GMC’s finest, another name of a North American destination – specifically, the highest mountain peak in America. It is located in Alaska, and has a National Park that carries its name.

GMC has been building the Acadia since 2006, and introduced an extensively updated version for the 2013 model year. The 2014 I drove also had two new standard items, forward collision alert and lane departure warning. The M.S.R.P. of the Acadia was $52,835, and it included 20” chrome-clad aluminum wheels ($600), a navigation/entertainment system ($2,240), and Crystal Red Tintcoat paint ($495). The DVD entertainment system was for the rear occupants, two of which could sit in individual bucket seats, a popular setup when children are passengers. Thus, my test car was for seven passengers, and all second and third row seating could be folded flat, producing 116.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Additionally, 4’ x 8’ material can be loaded in the Acadia. The Cocoa Dune leather looked like chocolate soft serve ice cream, and the two front buckets were powered, heated, cooled and comfortable. A two-panel sunroof was overhead, and the stereo was a 10-speaker Bose unit with satellite radio. Of course the Denali had power mirrors/windows/locks and tilt/telescope steering column with leather trimmed wheel.

Ride on the highway is a hallmark of the Acadia, a vehicle that weighs 4,850 lbs. Wheelbase is 118.9”, length is 200.8”, width is 78.9”, and height is 72.6”. The new design that was rolled out at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year involved a new, brawnier grill, sculpted front fascia, and a redesigned liftgate. LED daytime running lights are up front in a distinctive “necklace” design, as are projector beam fog lights. The 20”, six-spoke chrome-clad aluminum wheels are fitted with P255/55R20 Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza all-season radials, and chrome door handles and roof rails close the deal on a beautiful vehicle.

Denali power comes from a 3.6 liter, DOHC, direct injected V-6 (288 hp/270 lb. ft.), and an automatic 6-speed automatic transmission delivers it to the all-wheel drive train. EPA mileage ratings are 16 city/23 highway, and a 22 gallon gas tank is on hand. Zero to 60 mpg acceleration time is reportedly 7.04 seconds. The transmission, in typical GM fashion, is silky smooth.

My wife and I rolled over to Ft. Collins for some breakfast in the test vehicle, and once again she expressed surprise at the sumptuous GMC ride quality. I agree, and think the Acadia Denali is a quality choice for the full-size crossover SUV shopper.

Stu's Reviews

Author: stuwright47