For 2013, GMC has given a needed refresh to the popular and consistent selling Acadia full size crossover SUV.
The GMC Acadia was first introduced in 2007 to give GMC an entry level SUV to be able to compete in that lucrative market. GMC added a Denali luxury trim line to the full size crossover Acadia in 2011 and saw an immediate resurgence in consumer interest and sales. However, the Acadia still needed a refresh which GMC has introduced for 2013 at the Chicago Auto Show.
Continuing the basic Acadia and the Acadia Denali luxury trim line, GMC refreshed several exterior elements giving Acadia some distinctively improved looks and added some enhancements in technology, improved trim features and a new industry first front center air bag.
“With an award-winning combination of space, capability and fuel-efficiency, Acadia epitomizes GMC’s ‘never say never’ attitude,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of GMC Marketing. “For 2013, our engineers and designers applied that same attitude to developing the new Acadia.”
Acadia retains the interior functionality popular with families, including the SmartSlide seating system, which allows easy access to the third row for both seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations. Likewise, both the second and third row still folds flat for class-leading maximum cargo space, including the ability to carry 48-inch-wide sheet goods, such as drywall and plywood.
On the exterior, the 2013 Acadia was given a new look from the front with a strong chiseled, three bar grille surrounding the bold red GMC logo insignia badge.
New diffused LED running lamps are standard on all models, regardless of whether standard projector beam or optional HID headlamps are selected. New tail lamp detailing reflects the LED advancements up front.
The new Acadia has other subtle exterior design updates, including wrap-around rear glass and a new rear spoiler. New 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheel patterns complement the vehicle’s lines and stance.
The Acadia’s refined interior uses upgraded soft-touch materials, with French stitching that adds a tailored look and red ambient light flowing across the dashboard. SLT and Denali models get aluminum accents on the center console, doors and dash.
The changes to the rear of the refreshed Acadia looked strangely familiar to some observers and, following some inquiries, GM spokespersons confirmed that liftgate glass, spoiler, rear quarter panel and rear side glass have all been sourced from the discontinued Saturn Outlook. The hatch is also the same as the Saturn, but that has always been the case.
I am not alone in having no issue with this move by GMC as I too always felt the Outlook had a better rear look than the Acadia. Using these parts is probably a smart cost and supply chain move as well for GM. I think in the end, it will have been a positive decision to do so, but they might have been more upfront about it to start.
The redesigned Acadia will be the first vehicle on the market with GMC’s new front center air bag system, created to protect drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes where the affected occupant is on the opposite, non-struck side of the vehicle. It deploys from the inboard side of the driver’s seat and positions itself between the driver and front passenger.
Standard on the Denali and available as on option on other models are Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems. These systems use radar to watch spots the driver may not be able to see – and provide visible and audible warnings to help prevent collisions.
The 2013 Acadia’s redesigned infotainment functions feature capacitive touch controls that use electrodes to sense the conductive properties of objects such as the touch of a finger. This feature appears to come from the touch screen control system that is part of the new CUE technology being introduced in the new 2013 Cadillac CTX and ATS.
GMC’s Color Touch Radio – first introduced on the 2012 Terrain– is standard in the Acadia. Other audio system features include HD radio capability, a photo viewer and a standard rear-vision camera with dynamic guide lines that will display on the high-definition screen.
Acadia’s most-popular options, including rear-seat entertainment, a Dual SkyScape sunroof and a trailering package, continue to be available.
For the popular (30 percent of sales) top-of-the-line Acadia Denali, a high priority was placed on adding premium amenities and refining Denali’s signature design cues. New or redesigned exterior additions include: new, three-dimensional polished grille, redesigned lower front and rear fascias, body-color lower cladding and rocker moldings, rear fascia and fender flares, unique body-side moldings with chrome accents and Denali badges, dual flow-through chrome exhaust outlets integrated into the rear fascia and signature 20-inch machined wheels
Inside, Denali adds standard comfort and safety features, including: perforated leather seating and Denali-specific Cocoa Dune upholstery color, leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood inserts and power tilt/telescope, aluminum trim accents, heated and cooled front seats, accent lighting in footwells and lighted sill plates with Denali logo, Color Touch navigation, Side Blind Zone and Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Dual SkyScape sunroof system, with sliding front sunroof and fixed rear section.
In the power train, the 2013 Acadia benefits from a next-generation Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission with better shift response and improved drivability. All 2013 GMC Acadia models are powered a 3.6L direct injection V-6 with variable valve timing, producing 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque.
Front-wheel drive is standard on all trim levels, while the added control of all-wheel drive is available. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.
Pricing, availability and more details will be announced closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date in late 2012.
Jim Nelson is a member of Texas Auto Writers Association
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