2017 GMC Acadia adds safety, style, choices
The GMC Acadia is all-new for 2017. This means styling updates inside and out, new features, several new powertrains, and even a new All-Terrain model. These things come together to deliver an appealing crossover for buyers seeking everything from a luxury ride to an off-road adventure.
There are five different models to choose from starting with the base Acadia SL at $29,995. Move up through the trim levels and you’ll come to the All Terrain with its off-road focus at $40,040. Sitting at the top of the Acadia range is the luxurious Denali at $47,845 for a truly premium crossover experience.
Changes start with a 700-pound weight reduction over the prior generation. This helps give the Acadia fuel economy numbers that won’t leave you broke when gas prices rise. The 2.5-liter I4 engine gets a GM-estimated 22 city/28 highway while the larger 3.6-liter V6 offers 17 city/25 highway. Both are paired to a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission.
Slotted between the Terrain and the Yukon, the Acadia is the just-right crossover with seating for five, six, or seven, depending on the model. The second row features either captain’s chairs or a bench seat that split folds 60/40 for cargo.
Seating in the second row, especially in the captain’s chairs, is comfortable and roomy. The third row, which folds flat 50/50, is always a tough sell for passengers. It’s not so tough in the Acadia with plenty of room for kids and all but the tallest of adults.
It can be difficult to get to the third row in many crossovers, but it’s easier in the Acadia thanks to an improved version of GMC’s Smart Slide. This feature tilts and slides the second row forward to allow easy access to the back, even for adults.
Parents will appreciate that it operates with an empty car seat still installed. No need to deal with the frustration of moving a cumbersome car seat out of the way every time someone needs to hop in back.
Another new feature parents will love is the rear seat alert, which helps ensure nothing and no one is left in the vehicle accidentally. It activates whenever the rear doors are opened during loading. Once the engine is turned off at the end of the trip, a chime automatically sounds and a reminder to check the rear seat pops up on the instrument cluster.
This is one of the many new safety features in the Acadia. Front pedestrian braking, forward automatic braking, following distance indicator, and IntelliBeam automatic headlamp high-beam control are new to the 2017 Acadia. This adds to existing features like front and rear park assist, lane change alert, and lane departure warning to help keep you safe.
MODERN ELEGANCE: Wood and chrome trims accent thoroughly modern technology in the updated Acadia interior.
Also new this year is a surround vision camera system and tow vision trailering system. Anyone who has ever tried to hook up a trailer and had to keep pulling forward and backing up will love this one. It uses a rear-vision camera and guidelines on the infotainment screen to line up the hitch with the trailer more easily.
The infotainment system includes phone integration through IntelliLink with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s a clear, intuitive, and simple system with a responsive touch screen.
There’s also OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, which will turn the Acadia into a mobile hub. This automatically turns on whenever the vehicle is on and comes with a three-month, three-gigabyte data trial.
The drive experience behind the wheel of the Acadia is improved thanks to that 700-pound weight loss and better driving dynamics. It’s more responsive, less top-heavy, and more car-like in its demeanor. It’s also a little shorter and narrower, making it a more city-friendly vehicle.
The Acadia handled well on both highways and city streets, smoothing out the rough spots and providing a pleasant ride no matter where we sat in the vehicle. Acceleration is strong, making short work of highway merges and providing plenty of power from a dead stop.
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It easily moved the Acadia’s bulk and never felt wanting or strained. It was also remarkably quiet. There is minimal road, wind, and engine noise so the driver can still manage conversations with rear passengers, even those in the third row.
Front-wheel-drive is standard, but all-wheel-drive is available and every Acadia features a new drive mode selector. This dial on the center console offers Normal, Snow, Sport, and Trailer/Tow modes in front-wheel-drive models. All-wheel-drive models change it up with 2×4, 4×4, Sport, Off Road, and Trailer/Tow modes.
Those who want the most off-road capability can opt for the new All Terrain model. It not only looks different with blacked out exterior trims instead of chrome, but is designed for more rugged driving environments.
This five-passenger version of the Acadia boasts an advanced all-wheel-drive system with active twin clutch to optimize traction. The system helps prevent slipping in wet and snowy weather and enhances vehicle stability when roads are dry.
The Off Road mode is also replaced with an All Terrain mode. This works with the all-wheel-drive system to improve the Acadia All Terrain’s ability to tackle hills. Third row seating is replaced by covered storage bins for carrying whatever you need for adventure.
The 2017 GMC Acadia boasts significant improvements this year with updated styling, advanced safety technology, and the connectivity we all crave. Combined with models that appeal to those wanting a luxury ride and those who want off-road adventure, the new Acadia offers plenty to entice crossover buyers.
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