Acadia, introduced in 2007, shows the realistic side of what smart design and engineering can mean to a crossover SUV. The vehicle provides seating for up to 8 passengers via three seating rows. And that’s a good thing as people who want passenger space really would prefer not to crowd into two rows. But the smart design/engineering is evident by how people get into the third row and that’s by GM’s Smart Slide. It’s a label for how the second row seat – via a lever pull – flips up the seat cushion while the seatback slides forward. That makes it very easy for an adult to get into the third row. As one of the new for 2008 features, second row occupants have a seating console. The interior also shows its smarts via offering plenty of stow space. The GMC Acadia has a few other new features for 2008, including a rearview camera system (with image shown on the navigation screen), panic brake assist (which is a hydraulic brake assist that essentially supplies added brake pressure so that the anti-lock braking system can engage more rapidly) as well as making XM Satellite Radio standard equipment. Acadia is powered by a 275 horsepower-251 pounds-feet of peak torque 3.6-liter V6 engine with VVT. The powerplant mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle is available in front wheel or all wheel drive. Per gallon mileage estimates are 16 city/22 highway. The MSRP of Acadia AWD with SLT-1 package is $35,575.