Pros: Improved maneuverability and fuel economy; good selection of available technology and safety features, availability of well-trimmed Denali model
Cons: Reduced cargo room; 3rd-row seats are cramped; some safety features restricted to higher-line trim levels
CG Says: GMC’s long-running Acadia is redesigned for 2017, undergoing a significant downsizing in the process. The new Acadia is 7.2 inches shorter in length, 6.6 inches shorter in height, and 3.5 inches narrower than the outgoing model. The smaller overall size helps reduce curb weight by about 700 pounds. Eight-passenger seating was standard on the first-generation Acadia; the new model offers 5-, 6-, and 7-passenger configurations. A 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four cylinder with fuel-saving automatic start/stop technology is the new base engine. Also available is an updated version of the previously standard 3.6-liter V-6, now with cylinder deactivation and rated at 310 horsepower. Both engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic. Newly available safety features include a surround-view camera, a “Rear Seat Reminder” that sounds an alert to check the backseat for passengers before leaving the vehicle, and a forward collision mitigation system with low-speed automatic braking and pedestrian detection. OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality are also available. A new All Terrain package includes unique trim and a more sophisticated all-wheel drive system than other AWD Acadias. The current Acadia gives up some passenger room and cargo space, but gains maneuverability, fuel economy, and a host of up-to-date technology features. Acadia’s tidier size puts it direct competition with the leaders of the midsize crossover segment, where it stacks up very well. For those who prefer the more generous proportions of the first-generation Acadia, it continues as the 2017 Acadia Limited (see separate report).
| Class | Midsize SUV |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
| Passenger Count | 7 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | GMC |
| Nation of Manufacture | USA |
| Base Prices | 2WD SL: $29,070 2WD SLE-1: $32,450 AWD SLE-1: $34,450 2WD SLE-2: $35,070 AWD SLE-2: $37,070 2WD SLT-1: $38,350 AWD SLT-1: $41,450 2WD SLT-2: $41,750 AWD SLT-2: $43,750 2WD Denali: $44,920 AWD Denali: $46,920 |
| Base Engine 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 193 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 21 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25-26 |
| Optional Engine 3.6-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 310 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 18 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25 |
