Completely redesigned, the 2017 GMC Acadia is particularly smaller and lighter than the models of the last generation (before 2017). Vehicles get bigger when they enter the next generation, but that didn’t happen with this new three-row crossover app vehicle.
While its predecessor can only accommodate up to 8 passengers, the 2017 Acadia seats seven. The interior space is still enough for seven passengers, although the boarding area has decreased.
Shaving seven inches off frame life and wasting 740 pounds of total mass means increased maneuverability. We found that the 2017 Acadia responds better than its predecessor to driver inputs and is less difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
Smaller and smoother allows for a smaller, more effective powertrain, and the 2017 Acadia offers a new four-cylinder engine as an option to the optional V6. The new 2. 5-liter four-cylinder engine, which develops 194 horsepower, is suitable for light-laden driving. The reaction is smart at first, but the four-cylinder loses steam when you press it harder. Fuel economy is rated by the EPA at 21/26 mpg city/highway.
The Acadia’s 3. 6-litre V6 starts temporarily and provides enough power reserve for overtaking on the road. The V6 develops 310 horsepower. With the V6 and front-wheel drive, the Acadia has an EPA rating of 18/25 mpg city/highway, or 21 mpg combined. All-wheel drive lowers the combined estimate to 20 mpg.
A new off-road option includes an all-wheel-drive formula with active dual clutch that can move torque from front to back and left to right. An Off-Road setting replaces the Off-Road mode on other all-wheel-drive models. The All Terrain option dispenses with a third-row seat, providing a luggage rack that can be moved back and forth to keep the shipment in place.
Although smaller in size, the 2017 Acadia’s design manages to combine the prestige of its family crossover with a rugged, truck-like appearance. The angular elements are still evident, but the 2017 Acadia is just as big as some GMC models.
The Posh Denali Edition is packed with luxuries like a hands-free forced liftgate, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. The Acadia Denali is the only style with frequently variable gear control.
GMC’s IntelliLink infotainment formula maintains its 8-inch touchscreen, adds Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility.
Available protection features include a 360-degree camera, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with emergency braking. The Safety Alert seat vibrates in the direction of the warning. A reminder in the back seat can warn that children may be left in the vehicle or that the driver is leaving.
The 2017 GMC Acadia is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and a choice of engines.
The Acadia SL ($29,995) comes with a 2. 5-liter four-cylinder engine, seating for seven passengers, keyless entry and start, tri-zone automatic climate control, a 7-inch touchscreen and a rearview camera. The Acadia SLE-1 ($33,375) adds SiriusXM satellite radio, carpeted carpets, LED lighting fixtures with hours of sunlight and a compact spare tire. The SLE-2 ($35,995) features a programmable force-lift, heated front seats, six-passenger seating, an 8-way forced driver’s seat and fog lighting accessories. Seven-passenger seating, V6 engine, dual-pane sunroof and Driver Alert package are optional.
The Acadia SLT-1 ($39,275) features a strong front passenger seat, perforated leather seats, an auto-dimming driver’s mirror, an 8-speaker Bose audio system, a driver alert package and a 120-volt power outlet. The SLT-2 ($42,675) adds the V6 engine, 20-inch machined aluminum wheels, a memory package and heated second-row seats.
The Acadia Denali ($45,845) comes with 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, a grille, an 8-inch color touchscreen navigation formula with IntelliLink, heated/ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats and illuminated roof rails.
In addition to its smaller size, the 2017 Acadia features a smoother body. Refined overall, the newer Acadia looks more sculpted than its predecessor.
Always bold, the new grille is more trapezoidal than rectangular. A steep lift is reflected in the third pillar and the rear window appears to rotate towards the rear of the vehicle.
GMC installs other grilles on the model. The Denali’s grille features its abundant chrome, implemented in a checkered mesh pattern. The All Terrain edition is darkened, with horizontal bars and black mesh highlights. The low-end Acadias have chrome grille edges.
The Denali features even more chrome on the frame and mounts 20-inch six-spoke wheels.
The 2017 Acadia is lighter and seats seven passengers from the previous eight. Second-row captain’s chairs can upgrade the popular bench seat, for a capacity of six passengers. Soft-touch surfaces adorn the door panels and dashboard.
Front passengers have plenty of headroom and legroom, sitting in comfortable bucket seats. The second-row seats slide several inches back and forth, allowing passengers to have more legroom whenever they want. Children are the logical maximum occupants of the 3rd row. The legroom is reduced there and the cushion is low.
With all seats raised, the shipping volume amounts to 12. 8 cubic feet. Folding the two rear rows brings the area to 79 cubic feet. The two-row All Terrain edition includes a sliding luggage rack.
Lighter than its predecessor, the redesigned 2017 Acadia is less difficult to maneuver. The new four-cylinder engine is outclassed when the vehicle is loaded, but acceleration is oddly fast with the V6’s strength, accompanied by a rewarding growl. GMC claims to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6. 5 seconds, a quick functionality for a crossover.
With all-wheel drive and V6, an Acadia feels a little heavy; But this feeling is less evident with front-wheel drive or four-cylinders. You can still feel a little tilt of the frame when turning. The same can happen with a slight wobble on the upper route, due to the maximum ride height.
Like many comparable vehicles, the Acadia lacks road feel, but the guidance is fairly straightforward. Surprisingly, Sport mode adds a clever dose of firmness, without compromising driving comfort. On a Denali equipped with continuously variable ride control, transfer to the game also tightens the adjustable dampers.
Traction Select adjusts functionality to suit road conditions, converting shifting issues and weight. With a towing package installed, an Acadia V6 can tow up to two tons.
The reduced weight and smaller dimensions contribute to higher fuel consumption. The same applies to the Stop/Start generation of the four-cylinder engine. Even with active fuel control that can close two cylinders of the engine, the V6 is just as fuel-efficient as some competitors.
A front-wheel-drive Acadia with a 2. 5-liter engine has an EPA rating of 21/26 mpg city/highway, or 23 mpg combined. All-wheel drive reduces highway fuel consumption to 25 mpg. With the V6 and front-wheel drive, the Acadia has an EPA rating of 18/25 mpg city/highway, or 21 mpg combined. All-wheel drive lowers the combined estimate to 20 mpg.
In its new, lighter, lighter form, the 2017 Acadia offers improved handling and fuel economy, while conveying a welcome touch of family-oriented luxury, especially on the pricey Denali trim. Considering the price of the Acadia, the cabin is top-of-the-line and has an impressive list of features.
Driving impressions through Kirk Bell, The Car Connection. James M. Flammang contributed to this report.