A bit less domesticated
Starting Price: $29,995 | Price yours
Above Average: Tech, powertrain
Below Average: Roominess, versatility
Consensus: Smaller new Acadia is nicer, less family-oriented
The GMC Acadia wasn’t just redesigned for 2017, it was repositioned. While the outgoing model was dimensionally similar to its Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave corporate cousins (redesigns of which are coming for 2018), GMC’s version is now shorter than the others and is even offered in two-row configurations. If the roomier, 3-row-only 2018 Chevy Traverse had been available, in fact, it’s likely the Acadia wouldn’t have been along for this comparison test.
And while our two-row Acadia test vehicle indeed proved the clear outlier in the group, putting more than 300 miles on the odometer gave us an even better sense of what it is and what it isn’t. From an interior volume perspective, the 2017 GMC Acadia is almost more of a 2-row SUV with the added benefit of an available occasional-use third row. Our Acadia All-Terrain tester, with its advanced all-wheel drive system and 2-row-only layout, is very clearly aimed at Jeep Grand Cherokee shoppers.
So if you like the idea of a comfortable crossover but would prefer the more rugged vibe of a classic SUV, and you’re willing and able to sacrifice some cargo space and third-row roominess — or do without a third row altogether — keep reading to get a clearer picture of whether or not the new Acadia might be the choice for you and yours.
2017 GMC Acadia
Highway Driving
Our test vehicle’s 20-inch wheels probably didn’t help, but our highway evaluation notes contained more nitpicks than highlights. The ride was a bit firm, the steering required more attention than most, and there were visibility challenges when changing lanes (mitigated by our vehicle’s blind-spot warning system). And even with a sticker price of more than $47,000, our Acadia didn’t have adaptive cruise control or lane keep assist, increasingly popular features we’d expect on an all-new vehicle stickered at close to $50,000.
Power was not an issue, however, with the Acadia’s 3.6-liter V6 providing 310 horsepower, the most in the group. And while the Acadia demonstrated a few relative shortcomings on the highway, none of them were significant enough to turn off an otherwise interested shopper.
City Driving
The Acadia was more impressive in the city, thanks to a solid powertrain that’s both smooth off the line and responsive when asked for more. Although it was among the smaller vehicles in our test, the Acadia felt larger, in part becuase of a long dash spanning the distance between the driver and the windshield. In many ways the Acadia delivers the larger feeling of GMC’s Yukon full-size SUV but in a smaller, more efficient package that’s far easier to maneuver about town and through parking lots.
Interior Appeal
The Acadia’s interior received mixed reviews from our testers. On the plus side, materials and construction were solid and practical considerations included an easily accessible forward bin with power and USB ports, well-placed cupholders and a roomy center-console bin. On the design front, however, it was neither as attractive as the Mazda CX-9 nor as digitally enhanced as the Volkswagen Atlas.
Infotainment
Combining dedicated 4G LTE internet connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, plus OnStar telematics services, the 2017 GMC Acadia boasted one of the strongest technology suites in the test. The editors also praised the intuitive interface and redundant hard controls, providing several ways to perform the same function according to the situation and user preferences.
Rear Seat
The 2017 GMC Acadia includes a third row of seats at its base price of $29,995, but as you climb the price ladder it either disappears or becomes optional. Acadia models with the All-Terrain package are 5-passenger only, which is what we had for our test. But simply looking at the manufacturer’s specs makes it clear the Acadia’s availble third row is among the smallest in the category. Again, we suggest considering the Acadia a two-row SUV with the advantage of an optional third row.
The Acadia’s second row wasn’t the roomiest in the test, either, but every one of these SUVs offered plenty of room to keep at least two adults comfortable for hundreds of miles.
Cargo Area
Again, compared to the other SUVs in this test (save the Mazda CX-9, perhaps), the Acadia’s cargo roominess is lacking. But compared to a Jeep Grand Cherokee the Acadia offers an extra 5 cubic feet of cargo area behind the second row.
Fuel Economy
Power often comes with a price, and the Acadia’s test-leading horsepower cost a couple extra miles per gallon in EPA-estimated combined fuel economy. But it performed a little better than that in our observed fuel economy, and even at the EPA numbers the Acadia would only cost around $10 more per month compared to the test average.
Resale Value
While stalwarts like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander still lead the way in midsize SUV resale value, the redesigned Acadia promises to hold onto its value far better than the model it replaces. And for the next several years, we’re forecasting it to retain a greater perecentage of its sticker price than the aging Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Inside and Out Photo Gallery: 2017 GMC Acadia
More to Know
Build and price a new GMC Acadia to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own and more, or check out the Acadia models for sale today at dealers near you.
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