Used 2014 GMC Acadia

The 2014 GMC Acadia is built on the same platform as the Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave, but GMC’s iteration of this 8-passenger SUV has an edge to it. The styling is more ruggedly truck-like, reminiscent of the GMC trucks. Inside, the Acadia in Denali trim is every bit the match of Buick’s Enclave, which is often thought of as a high-water mark in crossover SUVs. Compared to other offerings, including the Honda Pilot and Ford Flex, the Acadia has ample room for cargo, a 3rd-row seat that accommodates real adults, a plush interior finished with upscale materials, and build quality that’s equal to anything in the category. Add in the choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and the Acadia represents an extremely capable, and enjoyable, modern version of the family station wagon.

Those who have spent most of their time driving cars rather than trucks will find nothing of concern in the 2014 GMC Acadia. It drives like a car, rides like a car, steers and handles like a car, and has all the comfort and luxury one would expect in a high-end car. It is also extremely quiet inside the well-insulated cabin. Going down the road the Acadia is smooth and comfortable. Going around corners, if not as nimble as a sports car, it’s responsive and predictable and takes the curves with certainty. Drivers should appreciate the strong and smooth 3.6-liter 288-horsepower V6 engine for most driving but, if fully loaded and/or dealing with steep hills, some might want just a bit more power. Our only significant complaint was the somewhat high beltline (the lower edge of the window openings) that limits views to the rear, thus making parking in tight spots more difficult.

With seating for up to eight people, including a 3rd-row seat that can accommodate adults, the 2014 GMC Acadia SUV is about as people-friendly as a standard-size vehicle can get. A clever sliding 2nd-row seat permits easy access to the third row, as do the long rear-door openings. An unexpected benefit is the Acadia’s surprisingly spacious cargo area. Even with the 3rd-row seat in place it really will hold eight people and a good percentage of their gear. Fold both rows flat and the Acadia offers up a whopping 116.9 cubic feet of cargo-hauling capacity.

We like the conservative yet rugged and purposeful styling of the 2014 GMC Acadia SUV. You won’t find any tacked-on body cladding or garish add-ons. Even the Acadia Denali, with its big chrome mesh grille and larger-diameter wheels, resists the temptation to go overboard. Riding on standard 18-inch wheels, the Acadia has a purposeful, wide stance, while chrome and LED lighting add noticeable yet tasteful elegance. A subtle rear spoiler helps reduce aerodynamic drag and looks sharp, while the chrome exhaust tips and roof-rail accents help the Acadia shine.

3RD-ROW SEATS
The 3rd-row seat in the 2014 GMC Acadia is roomy and the bolstering on the seatbacks makes extended journeys more comfortable. Access to the rear seats is easy thanks to a clever 1-touch mechanism that slides the 2nd-row seats out of the way.

3.6-LITER V6 ENGINE
The 2014 Acadia’s 3.6-liter V6 is a model of smoothness, response and power. While some might want a little more in heavily-loaded conditions, for most drivers, most of the time, the engine is just right.

The GMC Acadia for 2014 is a well-equipped vehicle that includes as standard GM’s OnStar system with one year of complimentary service, color touch-screen stereo with six speakers and MP3 capability, satellite radio, 7-passenger seating, dual exhaust with chrome tips, rear spoiler, sliding 2nd-row seats, fog lights, rearview camera, rear park assist and 18-inch wheels. Government-required safety features include StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, anti-lock brakes (ABS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and seven airbags. The Denali trim adds mahogany wood inserts, heated and cooled front seats, dual SkyScape sunroof, perforated leather seating surfaces, 20-inch wheels and more.

GMC offers a variety of convenience and luxury features for the 2014 Acadia. Dual sunroofs and a rear-entertainment system make the drive more enjoyable and, unlike with some vehicles, can be ordered together. The interior can be outfitted with a color touch-screen navigation system (standard on Denali), IntelliLink Bluetooth streaming of apps, tri-zone automatic air conditioning, heated and cooled front seats, premium audio with Surround Sound, a head-up display, cargo-area audio controls and 8-passenger seating. Exterior options include a power liftgate, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights and an attractive 20-inch wheel package. Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning are standard on the Denali and optional on SLT1 and SLT2 trim levels.

The 2014 GMC Acadia SUV’s capable 3.6-liter V6 has variable valve timing and direct fuel injection, both of which contribute to enhanced responsiveness and an appreciated output of 288 horsepower. The maximum rating of 5,200 pounds will allow the Acadia to deal with modest-sized trailers. The 6-speed automatic transmission maximizes engine performance and helps the Acadia achieve excellent fuel economy for a vehicle of its size. However, at times the transmission can be slow to react to quick throttle inputs, resulting in delayed downshifts when trying to accelerate to pass other vehicles. On balance, we think it’s an entirely commendable and pleasurable drivetrain.

3.6-liter V6
288 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
270 lb-ft of torque @ 3,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 mpg (front-wheel drive), 16/23 mpg (all-wheel drive)