2017 GMC Acadia

GMC has taken the wraps off of the all-new 2017 Acadia. What’s changed from the previous model? Quite a bit. GMC has reimagined the crossover, with a more specific target: the midsize crossover segment. That means a slightly smaller package designed to offer great versatility and refinement, and with many advanced safety technologies.

ENTERING A NEW SEGMENT

The Acadia now offers 2 row, or 3 row seating, a large departure from the previous model. Depending on the model, Acadia is available with five-, six- or seven-passenger seating, and offers greater maneuverability than the first-generation model. The strategic re-scoping of the 2017 Acadia offers customers a midsize crossover positioned between the compact Terrain and full-size Yukon.

“The new Acadia captures a greater feeling of refinement, in everything from the responsive feeling behind the wheel to the way passengers interact with its intuitive features,” said Rick Spina, executive chief engineer for compact and crossover SUVs at General Motors. “It’s a vehicle that offers the functionality Acadia is known for, while delivering big advantages and balance to customers’ everyday lives.”

HITTING THE GYM

The new Acadia is 700 pounds lighter than the current model, which pays dividends at the gas pump. A new, 2.5L engine is standard, offering an estimated 28 mpg on the highway for FWD models. City fuel economy offered is GM-estimated at 22 mpg (FWD) and is bolstered by GMC’s first application of Stop/Start technology, which enhances efficiency in stop-and-go driving.

A new, available 3.6L V-6 engine is more powerful and efficient than the current model, while offering 4,000 pounds estimated trailering capability (with the available towing package). It is GM-estimated at 310 horsepower and 25 mpg highway.

Both of the Acadia’s new engines feature direct injection and variable valve timing, and both are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions and an electronically controlled drive mode selector.

The 2017 Acadia launches in tandem with the premium Acadia Denali, along with a new All Terrain model offering enhanced off-road capability.

“GMC is a strong, growing premium brand and the Acadia is a cornerstone of our success story,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “The all-new Acadia leverages GMC’s proven SUV experience to take on and shake up one of the largest vehicle segments, with a strong blend of design, technology and capability.”

“Typically, a vehicle’s sales can be illustrated on a bell curve during its lifecycle, but the Acadia’s success has defied convention with impressive sustainability,” said Aldred. “It’s a shining example of GMC’s momentum and we’re confident it will grow with the new Acadia.”

INSIDE UPGRADES

The 2017 Acadia builds on a legacy of intuitive functionality, with new features such as a split-folding second-row seat that improves on the original Smart Slide feature of the current model. Greater flexibility is important with the new Acadia, and you’ll notice with the capability of the curbside seat sliding and tilting forward, even with a forward-facing child seat in place, while the driver-side section tips and slides forward for easier access to the third row.

The 50/50-split third-row seat folds flat for a completely flat load floor behind the second row and when the second row is also folded, there’s 79 cubic feet of cargo room. Levers at the rear of the vehicle make it easier to fold the second- and third-row seats. The rear of the center console, for example, features a unique pull-out storage drawer to hold your rear-seat passengers belongings, for added security and reduced clutter. Also new is a rear seat alert that can remind the driver when an item may have been left in the second- and third-row seats.

A major upgrade is the inclusion of USB charge ports in all three rows of the new Acadia. Also, a 7 inch Intellilink system, 4G Wi-Fi capability and Apple Carplay/Android Auto round off only a few of the tech upgrades.

SO HERE ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS:

• 700-lb. lighter, more efficient crossover aimed at heart of midsize segment
• Now available with 2 or 3 row seating
• Expanded range of available active safety features, including Front Pedestrian Braking and Surround Vision Camera
• Up to 28MPG Highway with new powertrains including a 2.5L I-4 a 310-hp 3.6L V-6
• Acadia Denali features exclusive Continuously Variable Ride Control
• New Acadia All Terrain with an advanced AWD system with Active Twin Clutch
• On sale this spring

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE NEW DESIGN AND SIZE?

Stay tuned for more updates and a video!