The GMC Acadia is a midsize crossover that seats seven and belongs to the class of vehicles that function (and look) like station wagons, despite being labeled SUVs. Our test vehicle was the more upscale Denali trim. The Acadia is the GM cousin to the Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave.</p><p> <span class="bold">Appearance:</span> The Denali trim brightens the base Acadia quite a bit. The body-color front and rear fascias are an improvement to the black plastic of the lower Acadia trims. There&#x2019;s also a silver-tone grille, 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, chrome trim and dual exhaust tips. Lyra liked the angled headlights that dip near that grille, and the fog light &#x201C;dimples&#x201D; beneath them. Overall effect? An aggressive stance with a bit of character.</p><p> <span class="bold">Performance:</span> The 3.6-liter, 288-horsepower V-6 seems to pull above its weight, providing plenty of torque and acceleration. We found the ride of our front-wheel-driver (AWD also is available) to be smooth, and despite its height, the Acadia didn&#x2019;t feel top-heavy. (The Acadia has a carlike unibody chassis.) The steering feel is responsive. Our one complaint: Even though the six-speed transmission shifts smoothly, it is slow to respond when you need quick acceleration for interstate passing. The mpg, an estimated 16/23, isn&#x2019;t great, but then it&#x2019;s an almost 5,000-pound vehicle.</p><p> <span class="bold">Interior:</span> The quiet interior seems even more expansive thanks to a double-pane sunroof. The perforated leather seats, which can be heated or cooled, are comfortable. As parents, we appreciated the easy access to the backseats. With second-row captain&#x2019;s chairs, all the kids need to do is hop in and walk through the center aisle to get to the third row, which is comfortable and even OK for adults (at least around town.) The second- and third-row seats fold down to provide a maximum cargo capacity of 116.9 cubic feet.</p><p>We also liked that you can adjust the opening height for the power lift gate. Our test vehicle had the technology package, which includes an entertainment system (just one screen, though) for rear passengers. Our main complaint about the cabin is simply one of materials; the &#x201C;wood&#x201D; trim looks more like fake laminate and there is too much &#x201C;budget&#x201D; plastic, especially in a center console that Peter felt was on the flimsy side. The driver&#x2019;s rear view can also be compromised, and the Acadia is the prime candidate for a blind-spot warning system; instead, you&#x2019;ll have to make do with &#x201C;spotter&#x201D; mirrors within the side mirrors.</p><p> <span class="bold">The bottom line:</span> The GMC Acadia crossover is a capable minivan alternative with easy access to rear seats. But the Denali trim is on the expensive side.