Vehicle Overview
After nine years in production, GMC has finally given its midsize SUV a full redesign. The 2017 GMC Acadia is quite a bit smaller than its predecessor, but what it loses in size, it makes up for with improvements elsewhere. Compared to the last Acadia, the 2017 model is 7.2 inches shorter in overall length, 3.5 inches narrower and 6.6 inches shorter in height. These changes translate to a reduction in passenger and cargo space, but it still remains competitive with other midsize SUVs.
The 2017 Acadia is also some 700 pounds lighter, which improves fuel economy. With the smaller footprint and weight reduction, it's easier to maneuver and corners with added confidence. A V6 engine is still available, along with a new base four-cylinder engine for maximum efficiency.
Also new for 2017 is an All-Terrain model. Contrary to its name, it is limited to light off-roading. It also does away with the third row of seats for added cargo capacity.
With all of the changes and improvements, the 2017 GMC Acadia is once again competitive in a field of strong SUVs. We consider the Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander as class leaders, with the Acadia having the potential to break into this club.
Performance and MPG
The 2017 GMC Acadia's base engine for SL, SLE and SLT1 trims is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 194 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only available transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard for all Acadia models, while all-wheel drive is available on all but the base SL trim. The EPA estimates fuel economy for this engine at 23 mpg combined (21 city/26 highway) with front-wheel drive and 23 mpg combined (21 city/25 highway) with all-wheel drive.
A 3.6-liter V6 that makes 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque is available on SLE2 and SLT1 trims and standard on higher trims (mandatory with AWD for SLT2 and Denali). This engine benefits from automatic cylinder deactivation that conserves fuel by shutting down some cylinders when cruising on the highway. Fuel economy is estimated at 21 mpg combined (18/25) with front-wheel drive and 20 mpg combined (18/25) with AWD.
Properly equipped, the V6-powered Acadia can tow up to 4,000 pounds.
Safety
Standard safety features for all 2017 GMC Acadias include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, an inboard airbag for the driver, OnStar emergency telematics and a system that reminds the driver to check the backseats for passengers before leaving.
The Driver Alert package I is available on the SLE2 trim and standard on the SLT1 and includes a blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alerts and rear parking sensors. The Driver Alert package II is standard on SLT2 and Denali trims and includes the Driver Alert I features along with lane keep assist, low-speed frontal collision mitigation, automatic high beams, front parking sensors and a safety alert driver seat that buzzes when alerts are triggered.
Additional Information
The 2017 GMC Acadia represents something of an anomaly in the automotive world. Usually when a vehicle is redesigned it becomes bigger and heavier than it was before. Yet after being produced for nearly a decade, the previous generation of the Acadia has given way to a lighter and trimmer version for 2017. Measuring 7.2 inches shorter in length, 6.6 inches shorter in height and 3.5 inches narrower in width, the latest Acadia loses some passenger and cargo space but makes notable gains in overall maneuverability and parking ease. Dropping a whopping 700 pounds in curb weight also benefits the midsize crossover SUV, improving both fuel economy and handling.
Although the cabin may not be as voluminous as before, there is still plenty of room in the first and second row seats. The third row, however, is best left for the little ones. Depending on trim level, the 2017 GMC Acadia can seat anywhere from 5 to 7 people. Those trim levels range from the base SL to the plush Denali, with the SLE and SLT filling in between them. Fitted with quality materials, the Acadia's interior has both a pleasing design and sound ergonomics. The infotainment system is easy to use thanks to its large virtual buttons and simple graphics.
Even the entry-level SL comes standard with plenty of family friendly features, including built-in Wi-Fi, triple-zone climate control and a rearview camera. Perks of the high-end Denali include xenon headlights, a hands-free power liftgate and heated/ventilated front seats. An All-Terrain package which features hill descent control and a more advanced all-wheel-drive system, is available on certain trims. Despite that moniker, however, an Acadia so-equipped is still limited to lighter duty off-road work.
A four-cylinder engine with 194 horsepower serves as the base power plant which, along with that big weight loss, optimizes fuel economy. Performance is adequate, though under hard acceleration (such as when merging or passing) it can sound and feel strained. Those who plan on regularly filling the seats, carrying heavy loads or towing anything should consider the uplevel 310-horsepower V6. Front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) are both available. Fuel economy is respectable with EPA estimates ranging from 20 mpg combined (18 city/25 highway) for the V6 with AWD up to 23 mpg combined (21 city/26 highway) with the four cylinder and FWD.
Given how much improved the Acadia is this year, it may factor into your short list of midsize crossover SUV choices. If so, Edmunds is ready to help you find the 2017 GMC Acadia that's just right for you and your family.
Is the 2017 GMC Acadia a good car?
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 GMC Acadia and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Acadia featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
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We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
How do people like the 2017 GMC Acadia?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 GMC Acadia and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Acadia 3.8 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Acadia.
Review
Leasing a 2017 GMC Acadia Denali. Have had it for a month, and for me, l love the new size (Similar footprint to a Pilot, Highlander). GM really has infoitainment down. It is dead simple to use, the combination of touch screen and hard buttons is intuitive, and terrific to use. Also has both Apple Car Play and Android Auto. The safety features all work as promised. I looked at most of the competition (Pilot, Highlander, Explorer, XC90, MDX, Pathfinder), and the combination of near luxury feel, great in car technology and the new styling just for me put it ahead of the competition. I really liked the XC90, but was hesistant to get into a first year Volvo model, and the large touch screen I thought was not as intuitive as advertised. This is my first American car in 30+ years (Coming out of an 08 MDX), and have to say the Acadia Denali is a great alternative to the mass Asian/Koreans, and the near lux competitors. If you still need the larger size, GMC is selling the previous body style as the Acadia Limited, and you can still opt for the Traverse/Enclave. Areas of improvement would be more exterior colors, and the use of real wood versus the fake veneers. I also would have preferred more interior leather colors, but I guess GM needs to maintain separation between GMC and Cadillac.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 GMC Acadia
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Is the 2017 Gmc Acadia safe?
The 2017 Gmc Acadia earned a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Side Impact Test, Roof Strength Test, Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint, IIHS Small Overlap Front Test Results, Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 2.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
What options are available on the 2017 GMC Acadia?
Available GMC Acadia 2017 Submodel Types: SUV
Available Trims: SLT-1, Denali, SLE-2, SLE-1, SLT-2, SL, SLE
Exterior Colors: Carbon Black Metallic, Quicksilver Metallic, Iridium Metallic, Ebony Twilight Metallic, Summit White, White Diamond Tricoat, White Frost Tricoat, Crimson Red Tintcoat, Dark Sapphire Blue Metallic, Champagne Silver Metallic, Red Jewel Tintcoat, Cyber Gray Metallic, Medium Brown Metallic, Gold Mist Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic, Liquid Silver Metallic, Blue Steel Metallic, Crystal Red Tintcoat, Dark Blue Metallic, Atlantis Blue Metallic, Blue-Gold Crystal Metallic, Gray Green Metallic, Sparkling Silver Metallic, Black Cherry Metallic, Mineral Metallic, Silver Green Metallic, Dark Crimson Metallic, Midnight Amethyst Metallic, Carbon Metallic, Stone Gray Metallic, White Diamond Metallic
Interior Colors: Ebony leather, Jet Black leather, Ebony premium cloth, Jet Black premium cloth, Light Titanium leather, Cocoa/Shale leather, Cocoa Dune leather, Cashmere leather, Cocoa/Light Ash Gray leather, Dark Cashmere leather, Jet Black/Kalahari leather, Light Titanium premium cloth, Dark Ash Gray/Light Ash Gray premium cloth, Ebony cloth, Titanium leather, Light Titanium cloth, Titanium premium cloth, Brick leather
Popular Features: Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Aux Audio Inputs, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Post-collision safety system, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Third-row seating, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, Back-up camera, Bluetooth, Power Driver Seat, 2nd Row Bucket Seats, Remote Start, Power Liftgate/Trunk, USB Inputs, Heated seats, Auto Climate Control, Multi-Zone Climate Control, AWD/4WD, Leather Seats, Parking sensors, Sunroof/Moonroof, Alarm, 5000lb Towing Capacity, Navigation, Towing Hitch, Blind Spot Monitoring, 3500lb Towing Capacity, Mobile Internet, Keyless Entry/Start, Upgraded Stereo, Upgraded Headlights, Lane Departure Warning, Cooled Seats, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Rear Entertainment System, Heads up display, Pre-collision safety system, 360-degree camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Upgraded Engine
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: regular unleaded
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, front wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
