7/10
C/D RATING
Specs
Photos
Michael Simari
|Car and Driver
7/10 C/D RATING
Specs
Photos
- Highs Handsome styling, responsive V-6 engine, all the latest infotainment technology.
- Lows Lackluster driving dynamics, cramped third row, less cargo room than many competitors.
- Verdict The Acadia's attractive looks, infotainment tech, and three rows of seating will satisfy many families, but it's not the best mid-size crossover on the market.
Overview
Handsome styling, a well-connected infotainment system, and room for up to seven passengers make the all-new Acadia an easy family favorite. GMC’s mid-size crossover sports a more compact body and a host of modernized features that make it leaps and bounds better than the larger, more old-school SUV it replaced. A V-6 engine is optional and provides decent hustle, while the standard four-cylinder engine is the choice for buyers mindful of fuel economy. Acadia buyers will have to choose between maximizing cargo-hauling or people-hauling, though, as its trimmer dimensions have reduced interior spaciousness. While there are three rows of seats, the new model is substantially smaller than its predecessor and now offers less room, especially in the third row.
What's New for 2017?
All new for 2017, the Acadia is now more compact than before—its wheelbase is shorter by 6.4 inches, its overall length shrinks by 7.2 inches, and it’s 3.5 inches narrower. It’s lighter, too, by about 700 pounds, which helps with both efficiency and drivability. GMC has modernized the blocky exterior with some softer edges; the cabin received a reworking that adds a much-improved infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, somewhat improved interior materials, and a classier design.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- SL: $29,995
- SLE: $33,375
- SLT: $39,275
- Limited: $44,775
- Denali: $46,390
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Acadia’s base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder good for 193 horsepower, but a 310-hp 3.6-liter V-6 is a stronger choice. A six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard with either engine; all-wheel drive is optional. The base four-cylinder’s lack of turbocharging saddles that engine with a significant power disadvantage, and the peppy V-6 engine’s power can be difficult to modulate. Either way, fuel-economy numbers are simply adequate, and maximum towing capacity is below average for the class. Most of the Acadia’s driving dynamics are perfectly adequate and should satisfy the majority of crossover buyers, but some could use refinement. A three-row crossover should be easy to drive, comfortable, and provide decent power for highway merging and towing. The Acadia does all of those things, but it does nothing to make a truly memorable driving experience. Instead, it’s simply a solid family vehicle.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Acadia’s newly shrunken shape has another consequence besides its impressive weight loss: less room for people and cargo. Cabin fit and finish and overall polish are spotty, and they’re especially unacceptable on the expensive top-spec Denali trim. The interior design is pleasing to the eye, and most controls are intuitive and within reach of the driver. Unfortunately, some of the interior materials have a cheap look and feel. The Acadia can haul cargo or lug people, but it struggles to do both at the same time. The third row is suitable only for children, and the tight cargo area behind the third row makes it less useful than more spacious rivals.
View Photos
Infotainment and Connectivity
When it comes to technology, the Acadia offers plenty for the whole family. Standard features include a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, onboard Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. With five USB ports dotting the cabin, there are connection points for the whole family, but just a single 12-volt outlet is offered, and it's located on the center console ahead of the shift lever, making it inconvenient for rear-seat passengers. On SLT trims and up, an 8.0-inch screen is standard as are navigation and a premium Bose audio system. Some icons could be bigger, but overall, this is one of the more intuitive systems on the market.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
View Crash Test Results
For more information about the GMC Acadia’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
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