The GMC Acadia, a large SUV, also is sold as the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and Saturn Outlook. To qualify for Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of good in the Institute's front, side, and rear tests and be equipped with electronic stability control. Criteria to win are tough because the award is intended to drive continued safety improvements such as top crash test ratings and the rapid addition of electronic stability control, which is standard on the Acadia.

"Recognizing vehicles at the head of the class for safety helps consumers distinguish the best overall choices without having to sort through multiple test results," says Institute president Adrian Lund.

The Top Safety Pick designation applies to 2008-09 Acadia, Enclave, and Outlook models built after March, 2008, and the new for 2009 Traverse.