2017 GMC Acadia.Jeremy Sinek/The Globe and Mail
What is it?
This is a redesign of GMC's long-running "mid-size" crossover utility vehicle. That's "mid-size" in quotes because the Acadia, along with its Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave sister vehicles, has always been half a size too big for that classification. In body length it was closer to the full-size GMC Yukon than to other mainstream mid-sizers.
Signature feature
The 2017 re-do fixes the size anomaly. Built on a new architecture, the Acadia has shrunk to dimensions more appropriate for the mid-size segment. Its new body length puts it about midway between the Toyota Highlander and the Ford Explorer. Besides giving GMC a better-placed stepping stone between the compact Terrain and the full-size Yukon, the 2017 has also managed to shed up to 317 kilograms of body mass, which can only do wonders for fuel consumption. It will still be available with three-row seating.
What else is new?
"Protect and connect" technologies dominate the list of novelties. On the former count, there are various levels of automatic braking (including for pedestrians) as well as lane change assist and a following-distance indicator. Connectivity features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an available OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot-spot. A unique feature is Rear Seat Reminder, intended to prevent parents from forgetting there's a child in the back seat when they leave the car parked.
Under the hood
Part of the massive weight loss comes from Acadia offering a four-cylinder base engine for the first time. The 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated unit is rated at 192 hp. A 3.6-litre V-6 remains available, with projected horsepower increased to 310. Both engines are teamed with six-speed automatic transmissions and the available AWD features a new drive mode selector with 2x4 (AWD disconnect) and 4x4 (automatic on-demand AWD) choices as well as Sport, Off-Road and Trailer/Tow modes. There's also a new All Terrain model with a more advanced AWD system specifically configured for off-road and extreme traction-challenged situations.
When can we buy it?
Soon. GMC says the new Acadia will go on sale this spring. Expect pricing to come down to match like-sized competition, though still with a bit of a premium for the GMC brand. And yes, there will be a Denali version.
Cool quotient
3 stars (out of 5)
It's a mid-size crossover – how cool can that be? But downsizing it to match all the other mid-size crossovers was a logical move.