Lighter, less expensive, and more advanced. That’s what the all-new 2017 GMC Acadia is compared to the model it’s replacing.
The midsize crossover, which now weighs 700 pounds less than it used to, will find its way into GMC dealerships this spring. Five trim lines will be available, ranging in price from $29,995 for a front-wheel-drive SL model ($1,905 lower than the outgoing base model’s price) to $47,845 for an all-wheel-drive Acadia Denali.
With the exception of the FWD-only SL versions, all Acadias will be available with all-wheel drive. The $40,040 SLE-based All Terrain will use the twin-clutch system and other features to offer even greater abilities on unpaved roads.
Several passive and active safety features will be new to the Acadia and available on certain trim lines. Those include Front Pedestrian Braking, Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and IntelliBeam automatic high-beams.
A standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 194 horsepower will enable a FWD Acadia to cover a GM-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
According to GMC, “There’s also an available 3.6L V-6 engine that is more powerful and efficient than the 2016 model, while offering 4,000 pounds estimated trailering capability (with the available towing package).” The company estimates it’s good for 310 horsepower and – in a FWD Acadia – 25 highway mpg.
*Prices include a $925 destination charge, but exclude tax, title, license, dealer fees, and optional equipment.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
