By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 21, 2016) The first GMC Acadia went on sale in 2006 as a 2007 model, one of three amigos — with the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave — sharing the GM Lambda platform. This is called badge engineering, where vehicle clones are sold under different brand monikers.

But that’s changed for 2017. The second-generation Acadia has been completely refreshed, downsized by shedding both inches and pounds, and no longer a Traverse and Enclave clone. It does, however, share its new chassis with the 2017 Cadillac XT5.

About 700 pounds lighter, seven inches shorter, three and a half inches narrower and nearly four inches lower in height, cargo space drops to 79 cubic feet from 116. Acadia’s smaller size lands it in competition with popular rivals like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Nissan Pathfinder.



 While smaller, Acadia retains its three-row seating and affords a decent amount of usable space. Second- and third-row seats easily fold flat and there are two storage bins located under the floor for smaller items.

Second-row bench seating is standard, with captain’s chairs optional. Both seating versions recline and slide fore and aft for seating flexibility and comfort. Third row seats also recline, but space is tight.

Outside, the new styling is surprisingly familiar and we think closely mimics the Dodge Durango.

Acadia’s interior looks attractive with decent materials that seem well screwed together. There are some hard plastic surfaces, but most shoppers will generally be satisfied with the look and feel.

The Acadia provides the expected range of safety features and then some, including front pedestrian braking, forward and low speed automatic braking and following distance indicator. Plus, Acadia introduces an industry first rear-seat alert that reminds you to check the second row seats before leaving the vehicle to avoid leaving a child behind. It also includes technology settings for teen drivers.

Additional technology is excellent and includes GM’s IntelliLink system with either the standard 8-inch screen or optional 9-inch screen. The system is easy to use and supports the latest Smartphone integration including both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also 4G with LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity.

The Acadia now comes standard with a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s only available with the base trim level. Both upper trim levels — the All Terrain and Denali — come standard with a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6. A six-speed transmission is standard with either engine.

We were thoroughly impressed with the performance of the V-6 in our All Terrain trim level test vehicle, with the engine never feeling stressed or underpowered.

On the road, the handling definitely benefits from Acadia’s smaller, trimmer size and weight, with a more nimble, easy-to-park feel. The cabin was free from wind noise but we found the ride to be on the firm side, with too much road and tire noise entering the cabin.

Our mid-grade All Terrain Acadia, listed at $47,465, is a solid, although smaller offering. While nothing about the new Acadia left us overly excited, there is a lot to like and it should please most shoppers.

Vital Stats

Price: $29,070 - $44,920
Price as Tested: $47,465
Seating: 6 or 7
Engine: 3.6-Liter V6
Horsepower: 310
Fuel Economy: 18-MPG City – 25-MPG Highway

Fab Features

Rear seat passenger reminder
4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
Smaller size = Easier to drive