The 2009 GMC Acadia is one of the more carlike "crossover" SUVs, offering a very passenger-friendly interior, carlike handling, and a roomy interior. The Acadia can be specified with front- or all-wheel drive, but there's no two-speed transfer case or four-wheel-drive low range, and as a result, not much in the way of off-road ability. But that's OK because the Acadia's not meant to tackle rutted backwoods roads. Instead of unused off-road capability, the Acadia offers everyday drivability to buyers.

Interior space and well-configured seating are what make the 2009 GMC Acadia especially appealing. A third-row seat is standard, which yields room for seven to eight people altogether (depending on the configuration). The third row's a real third row, too. There's almost 20 cubic feet of additional storage space behind the third row; plus, maximum towing capacity is 4,500 pounds.