Company reps say that it is “quite natural for GMC, with its truck heritage, to participate in the growing crossover market” and that the “Acadia is truly a professional grade truck.” When asked how the Acadia will compete in Buick/GMC/Pontiac showrooms with the structurally identical Buick Enclave, GMC said that with its unique styling, different interior, and more rugged brand image the Acadia and Enclave shouldn’t cannibalize one another.

Looking at the two, it’s not easy to tell that the Buick and the GMC are the same under the skin. The Buick is more luxurious and upscale, the GMC bolder and cleaner. In our opinion, both look like home runs due to packaging and size. And if the Acadia drives the way GMC promises it will, like an entertaining car with the added security of foul-weather capability, and proves to be a well-built value, it’s hard to see how this new crossover SUV can go wrong.

Photos courtesy of General Motors