Making its world premiere in Detroit, the 2017 GMC Acadia has been redesigned and along with the new look features a more efficient powertrain, upgraded comfort/convenience/safety features and a new off-road-oriented All Terrain model. With its notably more compact overall footprint and far greater use of high-strength steel, the 2017 Acadia also promises to be considerably more maneuverable – not to mention a heady 700 pounds lighter than the vehicle it replaces.
More sophisticated character
Helen Emsley, executive director, Global GMC Design notes the new Acadia was directly shaped by customer input. “The original Acadia was very truck-inspired, but the new model has a decidedly SUV influence conveyed in sculptural details, softened corners and a sleeker windshield angle.” Changes aside, the vehicle still maintains plenty of GMC signature cues like prominent squared-off wheel arches, a bold grille treatment, wraparound rear side windows and dark D-pillars as well as the presence of varying amounts of brightwork, most evident in the high-line Denali which also adds unique 6-spoke alloy wheels to the additional chrome. On the other hand, the new All Terrain variant sports a body-color grille surround, black chrome trim and its own bespoke wheels.
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Revamped platform
Slotted between GMC’s compact Terrain and full-size Yukon, the redrawn 2017 Acadia rides on a new unit-body platform with a strut-type front suspension and five-link rear that improves overall ride and handling. Its “strategic re-scoping” sees the Acadia’s length sliced by 7.2 inches, width trimmed by 3.5 inches and wheelbase reduced by 6.4 inches compared to the vehicle it replaces. In addition to making the new Acadia easier to fit in most average-size garages, the change also reduces the turning circle by 2.7 feet. The Acadia’s new structure also provides better protection in front/small-overlap impacts. Buyers can continue to choose between front and all-wheel drive. The new All Terrain model gets its own version of AWD that has enhanced hill-climbing capability.
Inside, the new Acadia builds on GMC’s existing design language and offers expanded color/trim choices along with aluminum trim accents. Complementing standard/available GMC IntelliLink and OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi is support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with USB charge ports in all seat rows. Although the redesign has cut base cargo space from 24.1 to 12.8 cu ft and maximum stow room from 116.1 to 79.0 cu ft, the Acadia’s redesigned split-folding tilt/sliding second row bench now offers easier access to its 50/50 flat-folding third row.The 5-passenger-only All Terrain replaces its third row with dedicated covered storage bins.
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New engines, safety features
The 2017 Acadia will offer two new direct-injected engines, both backed by a GM 6-speed Hydra-Matic transmission with a Drive Mode Selector. A 2.5-liter/194-horsepower Ecotec 4-cylinder is standard while a 3.6-liter/310-horse V6 with Active Fuel Management and Start/Stop technology is optional and allows the Acadia to pull up to a 4,000 pound trailer. The 2017 Acadia also introduces a number of new assists including a Surround Vision camera, Following Distance Indicator, IntelliBeam automatic headlamp control, a Safety Alert Seat, camera-based Tow Vision Trailering System, Front Pedestrian Braking, Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking (standard on SLT-2/Denali) and Forward Automatic Braking (optional on Denali).
The 2017 GMC Acadia lineup arrives in dealers this spring. Complete pricing as well as full EPA numbers and trim specifics will be released closer to the actual on-sale date.
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