The steering isn't so heavy that any serious effort is required, even in a parking lot, but it offers enough weight that it doesn't feel disconnected, either.   It quickly gives the driver a feeling of confidence about where the vehicle is heading and how it will respond.   The Acadia turns into corners responsively and feels locked down and stable on the freeway.   Drive it harder and there is no denying it's a big, heavy vehicle.   An Acadia SLT with AWD weighs nearly 5,000 pounds.   That's about 750 pounds lighter than a Yukon or Tahoe, but it's about 500 pounds heavier than a Honda Pilot.  

The Acadia uses independent suspension in the front and rear, just like most modern cars, and this provides a well-rounded blend of ride and handling.   Bumps, tar strips and potholes are felt but only distantly, without the slam-bam jarring that is part of life in a truck-based SUV.   If you're used to driving a traditional SUV, the Acadia will be much more smooth and refined.   The Acadia feels strong and rigid and it doesn't quiver on bumps.   Unwanted body motions are nicely controlled, so there isn't a sloppy feeling.   The brake feel is firm, and that makes it easy to modulate the brakes in heavy traffic, shaving off a lot of speed or just a little bit.  

StabiliTrak, GM's electronic stability control system, comes standard and can help the driver maintain control on slippery surfaces.   The system uses sensors to tell if the front or rear of the vehicle is sliding and corrects for the skid.   If the system detects a possible rollover, it reacts to help prevent that as well.  

The all-wheel drive system is permanently engaged and does not require the driver to do anything but drive.   A computer sends the power to where it can do the most good.   GM calls it Intelligent AWD, which essentially means that it manages front-to-rear torque distribution to enhance stability and control.  

Those who wonder whether a V6 is enough engine to handle such a big vehicle have a valid concern, but the Acadia's V6 is a relatively new engine, with variable-valve timing, and it is powerful, efficient and flexible.   It is rated at 288 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 270 pound-feet of torque at 3400 rpm.   That's considerably more than most other V6 engines and roughly comparable to some V8 powerplants.   The towing capacity is 5,200 pounds.  

In addition, the Acadia benefits from a six-speed automatic transmission, which means the vehicle responds quickly to the gas pedal while also providing better fuel economy than in a vehicle with fewer gears.  

On the road, the Acadia's powertrain is impressive.   The six-speed automatic is quick to downshift, while upshifts aren't jerky.   We found the V6 to be more than up to the task; acceleration is more than adequate with one or two adults aboard, and the Acadia has no problem keeping up with traffic.  

EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2010 Acadia all-wheel drive is 16/23 mpg City/Highway.   The front-wheel-drive Acadia is rated 17/24 mpg.