General Motors‘ GMC truck brand Tuesday showed off the revamped Acadia, which becomes smaller and more car-like in its handling than the model it replaces.There are more-efficient powertrains and three rows of seating on most models. The premium Acadia Denali returns, along with a new all-terrain model with enhanced off-road capability.
“GMC is a strong, growing premium brand, and Acadia is a cornerstone of our success,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president for Buick and GMC, in a statement.
The new Acadia goes on sale this spring, about 10 years after the first generation model launched. While many vehicles with a decade-long life cycle experience waning sales in their final year, U.S. sales for 2015 totaled 96,393, its best year ever.This vehicle will offer GMC’s first application of stop-start technology that improves fuel economy by automatically stopping the engine at full stops, while seamlessly re-starting as needed.
Of course it competes in one of the industry’s fastest growing segments and benefited from the steady strengthening of the U.S. economy. At 16.1 feet, the 2017 Acadia is 7.2 inches shorter than the model it replaces. The wheelbase is 6.4 inches shorter. The entire vehicle is 700 pounds lighter.Despite the smaller size, the new Acadia will still be larger than GMC’s Terrain compact SUV.
But the new Acadia retains recognizable styling tendencies with an evolution of its predecessor’s chrome-trimmed grille. The 2017 model showcases squared off and flared wheel arches and a wraparound rear side windows with dark D-pillars.
“It’s a confident design influenced by extensive customer input,” said Helen Emsley, executive director of GMC design. “The original Acadia was very truck-inspired, but the new model has a decidedly SUV influence conveyed in sculptural details, softened corners and a sleeker windshield angle.”
Its smaller structure is one reason production of the new Acadia will be shifted from GM’s Lansing, Mich., plant to Spring Hill, Tenn., where it will be produced on the same line as the new Cadillac XT5 crossover. The upscale Denali will features a dimensional chrome grille, along with integrated chrome side trim, chrome-accented door handles, a chrome lower-rear fascia and six-spoke wheels.
