2017 GMC Acadia: First Look

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Competes with: Honda Pilot, Kia Sorento, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Highlander

Looks like: The old model's truck-like angles have been softened for 2017

Drivetrains: 194-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder or 310-hp, 3.6-liter six-cylinder; six-speed automatic transmission; front- or all-wheel drive

Hits dealers: Spring

The GMC Acadia's big change for 2017 is that it's smaller, by a lot. GMC's outgoing three-row Acadia was always a go-to option for shoppers looking to maximize their size-to-dollar ratio before giving in to a minivan. The substantial downsizing of the formerly eight-seat, full-size Acadia SUV places it in a highly competitive midsize SUV segment.

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After switching to a new platform, the Acadia is 700 pounds lighter than the old model. A standard four-cylinder engine improves fuel economy and a new V-6 makes more ponies than last year. Standard seating shrinks to five occupants, though GMC says that most Acadias will offer an optional third row. A Denali version carries over, while a new off-road-themed All Terrain trim joins the lineup.

Exterior

The Acadia is 7.2 inches shorter nose to tail (193.6 inches), 3.5 inches narrower (75.4 inches) and 3.9 inches lower at 68.7 inches tall than the previous model. The turning radius also shrunk; it's down 1.7 feet to 38.7 feet for additional maneuverability. Post-diet, a 2017 Acadia with the optional 3.6-liter V-6 and front-wheel drive tips the scales at 3,956 pounds, which is much lighter than the 2016's front-wheel-drive V-6 model's weight of 4,656 pounds.

The old Acadia had trucklike styling thanks to its bold fenders and squared-off edges; this time GMC softened the look with rounded corners and a raked windshield. Denali trims feature heavy use of chrome on the grille, side trim, wheels, door handles and lower rear styling. The new Acadia All Terrain model wears body-colored and black chrome trim with unique wheels.

Interior

Standard seating capacity shrinks from eight passengers to five now that a third row is optional, and maximum capacity is seven occupants, while a six-occupant configuration is available. GMC's Smart Slide second row tilts and slides forward for third-row access and has been tweaked to allow the passenger-side section to slide even when a forward-facing child-safety seat is in place. When equipped, the third row folds flat in a 50/50 split and offers a maximum of 79 cubic feet of total cargo space, down from 2016's 116.1 cubic feet. Instead of a third row, the All Terrain trim feature covered storage bins in the cargo area.

A new cargo drawer in the center console's rear has been added to store cellphones or toys out of sight, and all three rows feature USB ports. There's also a reminder system for alerting drivers when an item may have been left in the second and third rows. Other interior tech includes GMC's available IntelliLink System with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus available OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspots with a three-month trial.

Under the Hood

A 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes 194 horsepower and GMC estimates it will achieve fuel economy of 22/28 mpg city/highway with front-wheel drive; EPA numbers aren't available yet. Also new is a 310-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 that makes 29 more horsepower than the old V-6; GMC says fuel economy should be 17/25 mpg with front-wheel drive. Weighing 700 pounds less, we expected a bigger leap in fuel economy compared with the 2016's 17/24 mpg rating. Both engines are powered by a six-speed automatic transmission. The Acadia can tow 4,000 pounds when equipped with V-6 and optional towing package.

A new drive mode selector offers adjustability for altering chassis, engine and transmission characteristics. The modes are Snow, Sport and Trailer/Tow on front-wheel-drive Acadias, while all-wheel drive models offer a 2x4 front-wheel-drive mode as well as 4x4, Sport, Off Road and Trailer/Tow modes. All Terrain trims have an All Terrain setting replacing the Off Road function of the standard all-wheel-drive models.

The Denali model has an exclusive adaptive suspension with adjustable firmness shock absorbers, which continually adjust shock absorber damping to road conditions. All Terrain models have their own specific equipment with a unique active twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system. Unlike a single clutch all-wheel-drive system, the dual-clutch system transfers power between the rear left and right wheels for optimal traction. Both the single clutch and dual-clutch all-wheel-drive systems allow a two-wheel-drive setting for improved fuel economy.

Safety

A host of new safety features are available on the 2017 Acadia, including low speed automatic braking on SLT-2 and Denali trims, Front Pedestrian Braking, a surround-view camera system and Safety Alert Seat for collision warnings through seat vibrations. Lane keep assist with lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and front and rear parking assists are also available.