The most demanded SUV in the USA
The GMC Acadia is a full-size crossover (mid-size since 2016), produced by the American automobile maker GMC since 2006. There are front and all-wheel drive versions with a monocoque body. In 2021, Israeli buyers can purchase the second generation Acadia after the 2019 restyling.
The GMC Acadia is built on the same platform as the GM Lambda, Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave, and was the brand’s first front-wheel-drive passenger car in the crossover segment. It is also the first GMC monocoque (body performs a support framework function). It was designed to replace the GMC Safari, GMC Envoy and Pontiac Montana SV6 minivan. This goal was achieved, since the vehicle (after modifications) turned out to be of high quality and popular.
The first generation
It was produced from 2006 to 2016, and was restyled in 2013. The first generation GMC Acadia was a front- or all-wheel-drive seven- or eight-seater SUV with three rows. The trunk volume with the second and third row seats folded was huge, amounting to 3,313 liters against the standard 557.9 liters. Depending on the modification, the vehicle could tow up to 2,359 kg of cargo.
The first Acadia was originally equipped with many useful options (standard and optional), depending on the trim level (SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1 and SLT-2). For example, the basic version was equipped with a keyless door opening/closing system, a sunroof, air conditioning, cruise control, and a rear view camera. And the expensive versions had a full range of advanced options: heated exterior mirrors, three-zone heating and air conditioning system, ultrasonic parking system, power tailgate, remote start system, windshield washer fluid heater and much more.
Since 2010, the top version of Acadia, Denali, has been released. Compared to other modifications, it has more expensive trim, redesigned front and rear panels, HID headlights, chrome accents, exhaust tips and 20-inch wheels.
Engines and chassis
Just like the Cadillac CTS, the first generation Acadia was powered by GM’s 275 hp High Feature LY7 V6 engine. It was coupled with a GM-Ford 6-speed automatic transmission. In 2009, the 288 hp LLT direct injection engine was developed for the Acadia.
The SUV was equipped with an independent four-wheel suspension: a front McPherson suspension with a direct anti-roll bar and aluminum steering knuckles. The rear suspension used an H-shaped design with an insulated mounting system to reduce noise and vibration transmitted to the passenger compartment.
The Acadia remains one of GMC’s most popular SUVs
As standard, the SUV was equipped with power-assisted rack-and-gear steering, as well as wheel disc brakes with ABS. 18-inch aluminum wheels were offered for the SLE and SLT1 models, while the SLT2 model and, optionally, the SLT1 model were equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels.
Safety
The first-generation Acadia initially had a good set of safety options, including six airbags that protected all three rows of seats: two two-stage front airbags, two side airbags on the front row seats, and two airbags on the roof rails. The airbags on the roof rails were complemented by the GM Roll-Over Warning System (the airbags were activated as soon as the sensors detected a rollover hazard). The front row of seats had seat belt pretensioners, which were activated in case of collision.
The second generation
It has been produced from 2016 to the present, and was restyled in 2019 (as of 2021). The 2nd generation GMC Acadia was unveiled in 2016, with the 1st generation Acadia continuing to be officially sold for another year as the Acadia Limited.
GMC has repositioned the Acadia, slightly downsizing the SUV as compared to the first generation to compete with the successful Ford Explorer, Edge and Jeep Grand Cherokee. The second generation is built on the same platform as the Cadillac XT5, Buick Envision and Chevrolet Blazer. Currently, the Acadia is offered in 5-, 6- and 7-seater configurations with different seating arrangements. Moreover, the third row seats can be completely removed. When the second and third row seats are folded, the volume of the trunk reaches 2,237 liters. The trim levels for the second-generation Acadia are the same: SL, SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1, SLT-2, and Denali. Plus, the SLE and SLT versions can be equipped with the All-Terrain package.
The second generation Acadia can be equipped with a 2.5 l or 3.6 l engine, and the advanced All-Terrain dual-clutch all-wheel drive system. The 3.6-liter V6 engine is more powerful than the previous generation, producing up to 310 hp. Both new engines are equipped with the direct injection and variable valve timing, accompanied by a 6-speed automatic transmission and an electronically controlled driving mode switch.
In 2007, Forbes recognized the Acadia SUV as the best family car in the United States
The new GMC Acadia retains a front-wheel drive layout with all-wheel drive. All models are equipped with a new Drive Mode Selector, which allows the driver to change chassis and transmission characteristics to suit different driving conditions.
The second generation is also distinguished by a very interesting function of reminding drivers to check the presence of children in the rear seats in order to make sure that children are not accidentally left in the passenger compartment. Other options comprise active pedestrian protection system, following distance indicator, automatic high beam assist, forward collision warning system, lane departure warning system, front and rear parking assistance, etc.
2019 restyling
The second generation of the GMC Acadia SUV has undergone restyling in 2019. The restyled version is currently available in the market (as of 2021).
The basic model is powered by the new 2 l EcoTec turbocharged inline four-cylinder (I4) engine. Plus, the 2.5 l EcoTec I4 and 3.6 l VVT V6 engine options are available. The transmission of the new Acadia is automatic, Electronic Precision Shift, previously developed for the 2018 GMC Terrain. The suspension has also been redesigned to improve traveling comfort and steering response. The exterior has been slightly changed. Now the Acadia looks more like the GMC Sierra. There are many new options, including:
- the ability to connect Apple CarPlay and Android Auto;
- a voice-recognition infotainment system that lets you customize your vehicle to your personal preferences, including navigation and climate options;
- new generation 15W wireless charge;
- high definition digital rear view camera and more.
Successful model
The GMC Acadia has been well received by its target audience from the very beginning. Although immediately after its release, in 2006, the company recalled new cars because they forgot to drill holes in the engine mounts to release accumulated water, and also because of potentially faulty rivets in the load floor just in front of the rear hatch of the vehicle. But this incident did not affect the high consumer ratings of the vehicle.
In 2007, Forbes recognized the Acadia SUV as the best family car in the United States, and the authoritative automotive Web-site, Edmunds.com, called Acadia the most demanded car and at the same time the most demanded SUV at the price of up to 35 thousand dollars. And to this day, Acadia remains one of the most demanded GMC SUVs.
