The three-row crossover segment is getting increasingly crowded these days, as car shoppers shift from minivans and truck-based SUVs to car-based vehicles like the Acadia. It has a number of competitors — including the new Mazda CX-9, the Hyundai Veracruz and the upcoming, redesigned Toyota Highlander — that offer similar value, safety and performance. Among domestic manufacturers, however, there's only the GMC Acadia and its twin, the Outlook, fighting for shoppers' attention. Vehicles like the Ford Freestyle and Chrysler Pacifica, which came into the segment before their time, are now showing their age

The Acadia could easily win over buyers on looks alone, and it's no slouch in the value, safety and features departments, either. It might be exactly what GM wants it so desperately to be: a cool replacement for the minivan.