Gmc

GMC’s midsize SUV lighter, smaller, & more efficient than the previous model.

Eleven years is an awfully long time to stick with the same model. Typically, customer appeal fades after a few years. Even with product refreshes it usually requires a clean sheet design to reinvigorate consumer interest and the sales boost that goes with it.

The GMC Acadia flies in the face of marketing convention as its best year was 2015 when this midsize crossover sport utility vehicle was in its tenth year. This calendar year (2016) is one of transition as the first-generation model has given way to the second-generation Acadia. The new model went on sale in May.

Lighter Weight, Fresh Design

Big changes accompany the second-generation GMC Acadia. For one, it comes in at least 700 pounds lighter than the previous model. GMC says they accomplished the weight savings in part by using a body structure composed of press-hardened, high-strength steels. It also helps that the base engine is now a four cylinder and the overall length has shrunk by 6.4 inches (3.5 inches between the wheels).

Gone is the previous eight-passenger seating option. The new model offers room for five, six, or seven, including exclusive two-row seating in the Acadia All Terrain, which brings in underfloor bins for added storage. In all other models, the 50-50 split folding third-row seat folds flat, creating a fully loading flat load floor behind the rear seat.

A new model means a fresh look and GMC has worked diligently to ensure that the latest interpretation pays off. Yes, you can still purchase a bling-bling Denali, while the blacked-out All Terrain serves as the antithesis of that look.

Regardless of the trim chosen, you’ll come away with an SUV offering a bold grille, sleek wraparound headlamps, a sporty lower grille opening, and strong shoulders. This model is also marked by squared wheel arches, a high belt line, alloy wheels, and oversized rear combination lamps. Body sculpting, character lines, and a wraparound greenhouse look at the rear are other standout features.

Eight Trims for the Choosing

Most shoppers will choose one of the five standard trims for the 2017 Acadia: SL ($29,995), SLE-1 ($33,375), SLE-2 ($35,995), SLT-1 ($39,275), or SLT-2 ($42,675). Prices include destination; add $2,000 for all-wheel drive, where available. The base model is front-wheel drive only.

Choose the Denali and you’ll pay $45,845 (all-wheel drive is extra) while the All Terrain will set you back by $39,115 or $43,250 for the fully-optioned model. Terrain models come with an advanced all-wheel drive or 4×4 system, enabling customers to switch between various drive modes, including all terrain, sport, and trailer/tow.

Technology You Want

As before, Acadia interiors are clean and relatively drama free. The drama you don’t want isn’t found here, meaning the GMC Intellilink infotainment system is both easy to decipher and user friendly. Voice, touchscreen, knob or switch operated, this model offers standard OnStar with Wi-Fi (a three-month trial subscription is offered) along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. These are the types of tech features customers want that go beyond the requisite USB ports and auxiliary audio ports to deliver a complete and entirely usable experience.

Safety is an important component of the customer buying experience. Beyond the suite of eight airbags, traction and stability control, and electronic brake-force distribution, there are certain advanced safety technologies customers want as well.

For the 2017 Acadia, the advanced driver assist technologies appear beginning on the SLT-2 level. These include: following distance indicator, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, and side blind zone alert with lane change alert. At this trim level, you’ll also receive front and rear park assist. As for crash testing, those results were not ready at the time of publication.

Standard equipment includes keyless entry and push-button start, a tilt and telescopic steering column, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power accessories, cruise control, a rearview camera, air conditioning, OnStar 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, an auxiliary jack, and a six-speaker audio system.

Upgrades are many and depend largely on the trim level chosen or the package acquired. These include an eight-speaker Bose audio system (SLT), remote vehicle start (SLE-2), a power driver’s seat (SLE-2), a heated power-adjustable steering wheel and column (Denali), driver alert package (SLT-1), and a 120-volt outlet (SLT-1). You’ll also find many exterior and safety upgrades as you move up through the trim levels.

On the Road

Our Acadia SLT-1 test vehicle came with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. There is a big difference in power numbers between the two, a point customers should be aware of when considering their vehicle.

The base engine makes 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. The V6 has an output of 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The four-cylinder engine makes this SUV feel light on its feet. In front-wheel drive you’ll sense the overall lightness —for some customers, this combination will suit them fine. On the other hand, if it is full trailering capabilities you prize, the base engine won’t be sufficient as it is limited to 1,000 pounds. Choose the V6 and the trailer towing package enables this SUV to reach its maximum 4,000-pound trailering capacity.

Step on the accelerator and the GMC moves away evenly from a full stop. No, you won’t find rapacious amounts of power, but it gets the job done. This model was developed when fuel prices were still high, thus the smaller standard engine. You’ll benefit from a fuel economy edge too, as the standard model makes 21/26 mpg city/highway while the V6 delivers 18/25 mpg city/highway.

One surprise for me was the transmission choice. Given that eight-speed transmissions are more commonplace in today’s vehicles, including with GM products, I was surprised to find that a six-speed automatic is still used. The two extra cogs would have provided slightly better fuel economy and improved off-the-line acceleration. Despite limited to six gears, this proven transmission works seamlessly in the background.

What then should be the measuring criteria when choosing your Acadia engine? It boils down to this: load capacity. Choose the smaller engine if you’re purchasing this SUV and you have a young family — you, your spouse, and a pair of small children. Families with teenagers, people who regularly carry cargo and especially anyone disposed to towing will require the V6.

In any case, the 2017 Acadia offers a comfortable ride with minimal body roll when cornering. For optimum comfort, performance and ride, a Denali model is your best choice. Go with one of the All Terrain packages if off-road prowess is important to you.

Parting Thoughts

The 2017 Acadia replaces a very capable model — that alone was a tall order for vehicle developers. Its smaller footprint and improved efficiency work to deliver a midsize SUV with improved handling.

For shoppers preferring something slightly smaller, the GMC Terrain should be considered. For those wanting more room and the V8 power and trailering capabilities that come with it, the Yukon or Yukon XL should be considered.

Lastly, if you’re shopping at a combined Buick-GMC showroom, the Buick Enclave is available. It is based on the Acadia’s older design with the new model set to reach the market for the 2018 model year. In all, you’ll find no lack of SUV’s available — four GMCs and three Buicks — with the Acadia the newest of the lot.

Recent Review — Tiny Cargo Transporter: 2016 Nissan NV200

Buick’s entry-level model is on its way out.

An all-new Buick Verano is currently being marketed in China, but plans for the second-generation compact premium sedan do not include offering it in the North American market.

Automotive News reports that the entry-level sedan will not be renewed after the 2017 model year, leaving Buick’s US operation with just two sedans, a convertible, and a bevy of SUVs in the brand’s portfolio.

New Cruze, No New Verano

The front-wheel drive Buick Verano is underpinned by the same platform powering the Chevrolet Cruze, itself updated this year. The Verano’s main competitors are the Acura ILX and Lexus IS 250, and nearly 32,000 American consumers bought the small Buick last year.

Buick Verano Nevertheless, Buick sees its future following the consumer shift to SUVs, and is bringing the compact Envision SUV from China to augment the subcompact Encore and the midsize, three-row Enclave SUVs. Further, because most Buick and GMC dealers are sold under one roof, customers also have easy access to two lines of pickup trucks as well as four lines of GMC SUVs.

With customers no longer having access to the Verano, Buick dealers will have their work cut out for them when leases renew and owners trade in. Entry-level Buick shoppers may be redirected to the tiny Encore or the midsize Envision, the latter expected to generate 50,000 sales per year. Come 2018, the smallest sedan will be the Regal. The Buick Cascada is similarly sized, but it is a niche 2+2 convertible.

Wholesale Shift to Trucks & SUVs

GM’s decision to walk away from the Verano follows April’s sales figures release. Last month, Verano sales fell by 18.8 percent and are down by 11.7 percent through the first four months of this year. Sales of its large LaCrosse sedan are down by 21.7 percent, but Regal volume is up by 13.5 percent.

Buick’s strength remains in SUVs as the Encore is by far its best selling model, followed by the Enclave. Looking forward, Buick expects SUVs to generate 70 percent of its volume, enabling the brand to meet customer demand, but not without some risk.

That risk is based largely on fuel prices, what plays a significant role in consumer purchase decisions. When fuel prices are high, new car buyers avoid large SUVs and consider smaller models, including compact cars.

Sales Mix Among American Manufacturers

Indeed, among the traditional American manufacturers — GM, Ford and Fiat Chrysler (FCA)— car sales fell by 11 percent in 2015, while demand for pickup trucks and SUVs surged by 15 percent according to the International Business Times.

In 2015, FCA truck/SUV sales surged by 22 percent, while car sales plunged by 19 percent. GM, including Buick, realized a 16 percent increase in truck/SUV sales to a 14 percent drop in car sales. Ford has the narrowest change of all as truck/SUV sales rose by 8.3 percent, while car sales fell narrowly by 0.9 percent.

The Fuel Price Factor

In recent months, fuel prices have slowly, but steadily risen. That ascent may be seasonal as gas prices routinely rise as the summer driving season begins. The US Energy Information Administration has forecast an average price of $2.04 per gallon for the summer driving season (April-through-September) compared with $2.63 per gallon last year.

Both numbers are far lower than the $4.11 per gallon peak reached in July 2008. By January 2009 fuel prices averaged $1.84 per gallon, rising and falling since.

A big advantage for Buick lies in its ability to shift products quickly, if needed. Given that the second-generation Verano is sold in China, readying that model for the US market shouldn’t take long if consumer trends shift. That means we may not have seen the last of Buick’s smallest model as well as perhaps an all-new flagship sedan based on the Avenir concept.

Recent — On the Horizon: A Front-Wheel Drive Chrysler 300?

Gmc

Introducing the Second-Generation GMC Acadia