GMC’s Acadia sport utility vehicle has shapeshifted for 2017 from a biggish box into a sinewy athletic creature 700 pounds lighter, less hungry for fuel, and significantly scaled back in height, length and width.
Now classified as a midsize SUV, the all-new Acadia comes in four different trim levels: SL, SLE, SLT and Denali. SLE and SLT trims are both available in two different versions labeled 1 or 2 based on the features they offer as standard equipment.
Depending on trim level, the middle row is a bench seat or two captain’s chairs, or a choice between the two configurations. When equipped with a middle bench seat, Acadia provides seating for seven. With captain’s chairs, six is the max. The third row has two seats, suitable mainly for young children. A new All-Terrain package abandons the third row in favor of more cargo space.
A new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is now available on the Acadia, providing an option to the existing V6. Its performance rating is 194 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. The V6 generates 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. All models come standard with front-wheel drive and the option of all-wheel drive — except for the SL, which is available only with front-wheel drive.
EPA fuel economy ratings are 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for the four-cylinder with FWD, and 21/25 mpg with AWD. The combined average rating is 23 mpg for both versions. The V6 rates 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for both FWD and AWD, but the combined average is 21 mpg with FWD and 20 mpg with AWD.
My tester was the SLT-1 model with a V6 engine, all-wheel drive and the $1,800 All-Terrain package. All-Terrain Acadias have an all-wheel-drive system advanced enough to tackle off-highway conditions too intimidating for ordinary AWD cars, but not intended for rugged off-road use.
Dark 20-inch aluminum wheels and black roof rails, two other features of the All-Terrain package, joined forces with my tester’s Ebony Twilight Metallic paint and Jet Black interior to create quite an eyeful. Along with Acadia’s sleek new shape, the sum total was a great-looking ride and lots of people taking notice.
Acadia’s trimmed-down physique makes it easily maneuverable in confined spaces like parking lots and city streets, and a much better handler of tight turns and twisty roads.
The already able-bodied V6 engine benefits from Acadia’s weight reduction, delivering plenty of power even with seats filled to capacity and the cargo area nearly the same. The automatic transmission is a worthy teammate, going about its business with no sign of a struggle.
Among the enjoyable aspects of the 2017 Acadia’s interior are comfortable seats, intelligently created controls, handsome design and quietness.
Standard equipment on the SLT-1 model is a nice supply of desirable features, including eight-way power seats (with power lumbar support) for driver and front passenger, heated front seats, power rear liftgate, OnStar with navigation and automatic crash response, Bose premium audio system, 4G LTE Wi-fi hotspot, and GMC’s Intellilink infotainment system with 8-inch touchscreen and Apple Carplay and Android Auto capability. Safety features on the list include rear park assist, rear cross traffic alert, and lane change alert with blind spot monitoring.
2017 GMC ACADIA AWD SLT-1
Base price, including destination charge: $42,375
Price as driven: $47,465
Mary Lowry is an independent automotive writer who lives in Snohomish County. She is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a board member of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturers as a one-week loan for review purposes only. In no way do the manufacturers control the content of the reviews.
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