Bulky SUVs and crossovers are slowly taking over the whole auto market. They've become our go-to cars, not only because of their endless bang-on-trend technologies, but also their reasonable price tags.

Integrating some attention-grabbing powertrains, the GMC Acadia is positioned between the GMC Terrain and the GMC Yukon. Being a part of the GMC lineup automatically brings you a worldwide reputation for ruggedness and functionality. That's how the GMC Acadia has made its way through the overflowing SUV segment.

Deemed to be one of the best cars GMC has ever made, the GMC Acadia was launched back in late 2006 as a full-size crossover. Bare of many serious competitors, the GMC Acadia could sell nearly 61,000 units before its fifth year to come. That, however, didn't linger over the following years. Whether it was GMC cutting corners or bad luck, some of the model years faced backlashes from customers, including the 2008 Acadia cataloged among the ten most disappointing cars GMC ever made.

As the second generation got underway in 2017, the GMC Acadia found itself falling victim to the ferocious competition of the mid-size SUV segment. Though the GMC Acadia is largely adored by its commendable engine options and flashy exterior looks, the shoddy interior that screams poor-quality materials, along with random technical malfunctions, casts doubt on recent customers. This lack of grace in the design vanishes as we turn our heads towards the Hyundai Palisade and the Kia Telluride. Let's read on to find out more.

Related: GMC Terrain Vs Acadia: Costs, Facts, And Figures

We Drool Over The Luring Exterior Design, But Interior Dashes Our Hopes

The 2021 GMC Acadia Interior
Via GMC

The GMC Acadia oozes out style, bearing a massive GMC-badged grille. If you're easily driven away with some off-road earmarks, then it would be grinding to resist the top-of-the-range Denali trim. It offers some handy features like adaptive suspension and appears more fetching, boasting gloss black roof rails, black chrome finish for the grille, all-terrain tires, and 20-inch wheels.

All that said, you can't overlook the relatively cheap interior that suffers from a farcical combination of down-class materials and soft-touch coatings all over the cabin. The third row doesn't come off practical enough, and you'd better fold it down to get a cargo space of 41.7 cubic feet.

The 2021 GMC Acadia Inotainment System
Via GMC

Although the AT4 and the Denali trims try their best to meet our high expectations by offering heated second-row seats, leather upholstery, and eight-way power-adjustable ventilated front seats, the base models are bereft of any grabby features.

The infotainment system is perhaps the real kicker to the GMC Acadia's interior: an 8-inch touchscreen with a user-friendly and straightforward menu. It enjoys wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Further, features on higher models are a digital instrument panel, navigation system, and head-up display.

Related: Here's Why The 2021 GMC Acadia Might Beat Its Predecessors

Commendable Powertrain Teamed Up With A Bundle Of Driver-Assistance Features That Guarantee Vigilance

The-2021-GMC-Acadia-Rear-View
Via GMC

The GMC Acadia may feel wacky in some sections, but it gains the upper hand in performance. The 2021 GMC Acadia sports a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as the first engine option. It produces a good 230 HP and 258 lb-ft. of torque, so the majority won't feel the need to take the loftier 3.6-liter V6. However, the V6 option makes 310 hp, enough to travel from 0 to 60 MPH in 6.1 seconds and to rough up the likes of the Kia Telluride and the Ford Explorer.

Moreover, both engines are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The standard front-wheel drive should be as much as you need in town, but you can spur on the performance with the optional all-wheel drive suited for off-roading purposes.

It's admiring how GMC made the recent Acadia models superior over the previous ones by adding a group of functional safety features that all come as standard. A sough-after NHTSA rating of 5/5 stars shuts the door to all rumors regarding GMC's lack of safety. The highlights are lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic emergency braking.

Related: GMC Unveils Refreshed 2022 Terrain For Battle In The Industry's Most Competitive Segment

There are complaints About The Reliability of GMC's Mid-size Crossover

The 2021 GMC Acadia Grille - via GMC
Via GMC

Still and all, a range of problems in various cars has brought a bad reputation for GMC, and the GMC Acadia isn't an exception. Some occasional failures and issues cost the customers time and money, which can rub them up the wrong way. The check engine light may turn on due to a slightly loosened gas cap, and spending $100 at a GMC service center for such an issue is a bit irritating. Multiple transmission failures and unexpected problems with the electrical system are also reported.

With a starting price of nearly $36,000, the GMC Acadia can help you catch on to how a refined SUV should feel. Though the interior fails to hit the spot and drivability is partly damaged primarily due to transmission issues, the solid powertrain choices allied with up-to-snuff technologies can leave you with satisfaction.