Elegant & Refined Versatility: 2018 GMC Acadia Crossover
Extensively redesigned last year, the all-new GMC Acadia is a reimagined crossover aimed at the heart of the midsize segment, designed to offer great versatility and refinement, with more advanced safety technologies. The new Acadia offers more-efficient powertrains, while continuing to offer three rows of seating on most models. The premium Acadia Denali returns, along with a new All Terrain model offering enhanced off-road capability.
The Acadia crossover has been resized, offering customers a midsize crossover positioned between the compact Terrain and full-size Yukon. Depending on the model, it is available with five-, six- or seven-passenger seating. The new Acadia is 700 pounds lighter than the previous model, with greater maneuverability than the first-generation model.
The new Acadia offers a greater emphasis on refinement, while remaining instantly recognizable with an evolution of the vehicle’s signature, professional grade design cues such as a chrome-trimmed grille, squared off and flared wheel arches and a wraparound rear side windows with dark D-pillars. Available in SL, SLE, SLT and Denali trim levels, premium cues distinguish the Acadia Denali. Like all Denali models, it features a dimensional chrome grille, along with integrated chrome side trim, chrome-accented door handles, a chrome lower-rear fascia and specific six-spoke wheels.
Base power for the GMC crossover is generated by a new, 2.5L four-cylinder engine bolted to a HydraMatic 6T50 six-speed automatic transmission. A new 3.6L V-6 engine mated to a HydraMatic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission is standard on Acadia Denali.
The new Acadia retains a front-drive layout with available all-wheel drive. All models feature a new drive mode selector, which allows the driver to alter chassis and powertrain attributes to suit a variety of driving conditions. Front-drive models offer Normal (2x4), Snow, Sport and Trailer/Tow modes, while AWD models offer 2x4 (AWD disconnect), 4x4, Sport, Off Road and Trailer/Tow modes. The AWD disconnect mode effectively disconnects the rear axle from the drive system to save fuel. On-demand AWD capability can be reapplied on the go by switching the drive mode selector to 4x4 mode.
Built on a new, lighter body structure, the new Acadia’s driving dynamics are more responsive, while its shorter length and narrower width enable greater maneuverability, for easier turning in parking decks and easier parking in home garages. The body structure incorporates press-hardened, high-strength steels, which allowed thinner components in some areas offering comparable or better crash performance than conventional materials. New splayed front frame rails also contribute to crashworthiness. They flare outward to provide effective folding and crushing performance during small overlap frontal crash situations.
Inside the passenger cabin, each model features unique interior color and trim combinations and incorporate authentic aluminum trim. The Acadia builds on a legacy of intuitive functionality, with new features such as a split-folding second-row seat that improves on the original Smart Slide feature of the current model. It offers greater flexibility, including the capability of the curbside seat sliding and tilting forward, even with a forward-facing child seat in place, while the driver-side section tips and slides forward for easier access to the third row.
The 50/50-split third-row seat folds flat for a completely flat load floor behind the second row. Levers at the rear of the vehicle make it easier to fold the second- and third-row seats.
Additional solutions range from simple to technologically advanced. The rear of the center console, for example, features a unique pull-out storage drawer. It is accessible to rear-seat passengers and allows items such as electronic devices and small toys to be stored out of sight, for greater security and reduced clutter.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 112.5; overall length: 193.6; width: 75.4; height: 68.7
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: Ecotec 2.5L four-cylinder – 193 hp at 6300 rpm and 188 lbs-ft of torque at 4400 rpm; 3.6L V6 – 310 hp at 6600 rpm and 271 lbs-ft of torque at 5000.
Transmission: six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: Ecotec 2.5L four-cylinder – 21 city/26 hwy. (FWD), 21 city/25 hwy. (AWD); 3.6L V6 – 18 city/25 hwy.
Cargo capacity: 79.0 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 1000 lbs (2.5L); 4000 lbs (3.6L)
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, driver’s side knee airbag, dual front/rear side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, all-speed traction control, hill start assist, daytime running lights, Teen Driver system, automatic power door locks, keyless open and engine start, OnStar communications system, rear vision camera, extended range remove keyless entry, tire fill alert, road emergency tool kit, and tire pressure monitoring system. SLE-1 adds LED daytime running lamps. SLE-2 adds remote vehicle engine start and fog lamps. SLT-1 adds lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, rear park assist, and universal home remote. SLT-2 adds low speed forward automatic braking, front pedestrian braking, IntelliBeam headlamps, front/rear park assist, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, following distance indicator, forward collision alert, and safety alert seat. Denali adds touch screen navigation system, high intensity discharge headlamps, and hands-free automatic power lift gate.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/100,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2018 GMC Acadia crossover starts from $29,000 for the Acadia and $45,100 for the Acadia Denali. Destination charges add $995.
