2008 GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook

By Benjamin Cyr

I tip my hat to GM   

The sheer number of SUVs and crossovers available today makes it difficult to clearly define our needs and objectives.GM now offers a brand new concept: a full size crossover. I have to agree with the ‘new’ adjective because certain vehicles may come close, yet none has its versatility and behaviour.
Remarkable versatility

We often hear about three row seat autos that can accommodate seven or eight passengers. In reality, either access to the third row is next to impossible or room for comfortable seating, overlooked. The rare occasions where neither irritant exists, well, cargo space becomes practically non-existent with the seats up. On this score, the ‘Acadia’ and the ‘Saturn Outlook’ set themselves apart. Cargo space behind third row measures 558 litres, making comfortably seating several passengers possible. Note that ‘Buick’ puts out its own version, the costlier but more luxurious ‘Enclave’.
Apart from the generous interior volume, long trips are now more comfortable. It also sports several interesting factory installed features such as a second row that slides to the front and back, superb 18 inch (optional 19 inches) rims, a state of the art engine, a cutting edge transmission and a heightened security level.

One motor

GM offers many engines and naturally, the V8 tops the list. In this case, only one V6, the modern 267hp, 3.6 litre appears in the catalogue. The power plant, in this case, struggles bravely under the 2200kg weight. The urban fuel consumption is very good, but I was quite impressed by the great numbers on the highway.