You’re in need of a seven- or eight-passenger vehicle. But you want something comfortable and not too big to maneuver around the city. Even those kids have developed a taste for the high-end. Carpool cool is essential for upholding reputations, you know. And the first thing the future execs will look for is a modern infotainment system and extra USB ports to plug in their devices. But maybe the “family hauler” also needs to do double duty as something you won’t be ashamed to tour your shareholders around in.
Rest assured. There are plenty of choices among full-size luxury level SUVs. But they’re not your only choice for the job these days. Good-looking and great performing midsize SUVs put a focus on maximizing passenger and cargo space. And as minivans shed their “practical family hauler” reputation, they present another viable option with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. They have the advantage of being easy to step in and out thanks to low doorsills, large door openings and a tall roofline.
We suggest adding a couple of the latest vehicles we tested to your list if you’re looking in this category. Both offer optional all-wheel drive—which we consider a huge plus for this vehicle segment. We drove the premium trim levels of both with a similar starting price for the 2024 models (around $50K). Depending on configuration, either the SUV or the minivan can seat seven passengers. To satisfy that thirst for high-end vehicles with feature-rich amenities, even your base levels have stepped it up significantly. And the top-tier trim levels will knock your socks off.
2024 & 2025 GMC Acadia Denalis Deserves Another Look
The original Acadia crossover was a worthy alternative to its full-size GMC Yukon SUV, offering more comfortable driving aspects and better fuel economy. But in the second-generation 2017 redesign, GMC designers aimed for a broader audience of urban buyers. After making the decision to shrink Acadia overall in size and eliminate its standard third-row, critics cried that Acadia lost much of what helped it stand apart from its rivals. And GMC listened.
The larger third-generation 2024 Acadia returns to its roots. Class-leading cargo and passenger space (including a roomier-than average third row) now put Acadia back at the top of the list of mainstream three-row midsize SUVs. And the upper trim level Denali Acadia holds its own against its many rivals in the luxury midsize SUV class.
New Acadias ditch both previous engine choices. The single powertrain choice is now a 2.5L Turbo Engine with 328 hp and 326 lb‐ft of torque. This is more powerful than the V6 engine in the previous model with maximum towing capacity increased to 5,000 pounds. And they maintain similar fuel economy to the previous models at 21 MPG combined.
As GM’s premium variant of Chevrolet, GMC already symbolizes a step above.
The base version of the Acadia comes with 20-inch aluminum wheels, hands-free power liftgate, remote engine start, 11-inch digital instrumentation panel, triple-zone automatic climate control, heated steering wheel, power-adjustable heated front seats and synthetic leather upholstery. Standard tech features include a 15-inch touchscreen, Google Maps and Google Assistant, connected services including a Wi-fi hotspot, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose premium sound system.
Mid-tier trim adds a host of advanced driver assist features, and AT4 adds off-road features. The Denali option adds rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power-adjustable steering wheel, ventilated and heated leather seats in front, heated second-row seats, power-folding second- and third-row seats, a head-up display, and trailering equipment with GMC’s Hitch View and Hitch Guidance systems.
If that’s not enough already, the Denali Reserve package on our tester added 22-inch wheels, performance suspension, panoramic glass sunroof, and a 16-speaker Bose performance sound system. And a Super Cruise package used the vehicle’s advanced driver aids to further provide hands-free driving capability on select highways and automated parking to steer the vehicle into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention. Add these, along with premium paint and delivery, and our 2024 Acadia Denali AWD was just under $65K.
Pacifica Proves: Modern Minivans Are Cool
Gone is the modern minivan’s reputation for being boxy and uninspiring. Chrysler’s Pacifica is a prime example of a sleek, stylish, modern minivan that some say has enough style to rank it above some SUVs out there. And the top-end Pacifica Pinnacle is an apt name. As the pinnacle of luxury, it so impressive that some will consider buying it over a luxury SUV. Inside there’s quilted Nappa leather seats, a suede headliner, and piano black accents on the dashboard. The second row has mini quilted pillows, and the third row can recline
Among Pacifica’s notable firsts is Stow ‘n Go seating that allows you to fold the second- and third-row seats flat into the floor in mere seconds. When the seats are in use, you can also use their underfloor storage spots for additional cargo storage. Indeed, in the seven years since it was introduced, Pacifica has claimed over 175 industry accolades and honors.
Pacifica is the only 2024 minivan to offer a plug-in powertrain
It’s another big first. The Pacifica Hybrid only comes in Select and Pinnacle trims. We’ve tested the Pacifica several times before and thoroughly relished all the luxe inclusions that make the Pinnacle trim level Pacifica’s finish-out equivalent to a private jet. On a recent occasion when we needed to haul a full load of family members off to Austin for wedding, we appreciated Stellantis granting us use of the Pacifica and the fuel savings we enjoyed with the PHEV.
The PHEV Pacifica uses a modified version of the V6 and a plug-in hybrid powertrain to make 260 horsepower and supply an estimated 32 miles of electric driving range. When the V6 kicks in and the minivan operates like a traditional hybrid vehicle, it averages 30 mpg in combined driving. Our Pinnacle PHEV, had a starting price of $59,485. With a long list of inclusions at the Pinnacle level, its only add-ons were premium paint and destination charges for a price tag just under $62,000. But even with its higher starting price, critics say the fuel savings plus the available tax credits make the Pacifica Hybrid potentially the best value in its class.
There are a couple of caveats, however, if you’re choosing the PHEV. It is not available with an AWD option. And while the gas-powered Pacificas can tow up to 3,600 lbs, the hybrid is not recommended for towing. Stow ‘n Go third-row seats fold into the floor for more cargo space. However, the second-row Stow ‘n Go seats are not available on the Plug-In Hybrid model. The battery pack takes up the space where the middle row would normally fold into the floor.
The Bottom Line
Just like the decision of SUV vs. crossover vs. minivan, individual priorities will determine which vehicle type you choose and the trim levels or individual options that you select. We only wish there were as many options once upon a time when it was our turn for the carpool pickup.
