Inside Line just published an excellent test comparing a Crossover vs. a Minivan vs. an SUV. When you think about it, these vehicles really just represent a history of the family vehicle (though we left the wagon out). When minivans first arrived they were seen as super functional (and super cool) alternatives to the stodgy old station wagon that could carry the family around. Then came the SUV, which was seen as a way to carry the family around while looking like a rugged outdoorsman. Then came the crossover, which was seen as a way to carry the family around while looking like a rugged outdoorsman without having the ride/handling characteristics that felt like a rugged outdoorsman's vehicle.

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Last Friday's blog about the GMC Acadia versus Yukon Denali raised some interesting discussion points. The two dominant arguments were either:

1. The Yukon Denali is overpriced and unnecessary when the same division offers the Acadia; or

2. The Yukon Denali has more capability than the Acadia in areas like towing and hauling, and is thus worth the money

As is often the case, both of these arguments are correct, depending on your needs as a buyer. But this brings up the next big question: How much car (or truck, or SUV, etc.) do you really need? The emphasis on "really" comes from a phenomenon I think we're all aware of -- perceived versus actual vehicle needs. As such, I present the following two-step process to consider when buying your next vehicle:

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I saw those 20-inch chrome wheels, the rear-view camera and that DVD entertainment system and I knew this 2008 GMC Yukon Denali wasn't going to be cheap. But the $55,000 MSRP still caught me by surprise when I finally pulled the window sticker from the glovebox.

It's not that the Yukon doesn't feel like an excellent SUV. The 6.2-liter, 380 horsepower V8 gets the ute rockin' down the highway, and steering/brakes are as good as any modern body-on-frame SUV. I did notice a slight flutter in the ride quality, but I'm not sure if it was 101 freeway expansion joints or an unbalanced front wheel. Seat comfort and interior materials are also first rate, and while the grille is a blatant Escalade knock-off, it does look good.

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I've had ample seat time in all three of them now, but the GMC Acadia remains my favorite version of GM's Lambda platform.

I hadn't driven an Acadia for over a year after attending the press introduction in November of 2006. But the Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave just never felt as good to me when I tried each of them, though part of me thought it was just my imagination. Now I've confirmed that the stiffer suspension tuning, cleaner design (inside and out) and cool features (like heads-up display) make the Acadia better than the other two.

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Plenty of you out there already know this, but for those still stuck under the equivalent of an automotive rock -- you really should give modern diesels a try. I just drove a 2007 GMC 2500HD Crew Cab with the 6.6-liter V8 Duramax Turbo Diesel. This was a two-wheel drive version, and it was an undeniable thrill to pilot a diesel truck that can smoke more than it's tailpipes. The 365 horsepower is good, but the 660 pound-feet of torque is what roasts those rear tires.

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Well, maybe not obsolete, but these Lambda platform vehicles (Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook) are making all those SUV buyers, who don't really need SUVs, look foolish. Yes, if you really need to tow or you really go off-road regularly a Tahoe/Expedition/Armada/Aspen is better. But ask yourself how often you really do those things, and then ask yourself how often your SUV-owning friends really do those things. Most of you would probably benefit from the Lamda's improved steering feel, refined power delivery, advanced suspension tuning and (marginally) better fuel mileage.

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The results are tallied, and it appears a change is in the air. For the first time since Edmunds started the Consumers' Most Wanted voting in 2002 a GM division has taken home the most wins. Chevrolet scored with five models (Cobalt, two Corvettes, Silverado and Suburban/Tahoe) while Cadillac and Honda tied for second with four wins each. The Most Significant award also went to a GM product, the GMC Acadia.

These awards are chosen purely through reader votes, so if GM is looking for validation from car buyers (versus automotive "pundits") it seems they've gotten it.

The rumors started a few weeks before the Tundra went on sale last month:

"Psst. Hey, Toyota is going to launch their brand new Tundra with incentives!"

It seemed ludicrous to think the most successful automaker on the planet, and one historically loathe to incentives, would be offering them on a brand new product even before the dust could settle on showroom models.

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Bob Lutz showed up during the GMC Acadia event in Palo Alto this week, and he spoke during the dinner after a day of driving the Acadia and other GMC products. As is his trademark, Mr. Lutz offered a compelling combination of industry insight, product knowledge and humorous wisdom. HIs discussion centered on the fact that GM is getting more focused on global cooperation, and he specified how the different regions will oversee different product development. For instance, the German-based divisions of GM will do global sedan work "because few would argue that the Germans know how to do excellent sedans." He said South America/Brazil would do small truck work, and the U.S. would cover large trucks, SUVs and Corvettes. He suggested that all platforms will be suitable for all markets (in terms of basic elements like interior space and safety), but specific engines, interior design, suspension components and styling would be used to differentiate and target each vehicle's geographic market. Some other great quotes:

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   I drove the Acadia yesterday, but an embargo keeps me from discussing specific driving impressions until December 10th. However, I did learn several interesting facts about GMC that I (and I'm betting most of you) didn't know, and they aren't embargoed. First, it's the second-best-selling GM division (after Chevrolet). I had no idea. Next, its sales have grown by 80 percent since 1991, and it has had record sales in 11 of the last 13 years. Of course, it's a truck division and we all know where truck sales have gone over the past 15 years, so while I was surprised -- I probably shouldn't have been. Another interesting point -- the Denali version of the Yukon makes up 40 percent of that vehicle's sales. And company reps are expecting the upcoming Denali version of the Sierra to make up an even higher percentage of that model's sales. GMC is now using the term "Premium Truck Division" to differentiate the brand from Chevrolet. A stretch? Maybe, but they do sell a lot of Denalis.