GMC’s Acadia, now in its fifth year of production, continues to sell well because it has the interior room, comfort and convenience features that are still popular with families. Despite its age Acadia had its best year yet in 2011, with demand up 16% and half of its sales coming from customers trading in non-GM products, according to Tony DiSalle, GMC’s vice president of marketing.
The recently added Denali model has increased Acadia’s appeal to upscale customers with its combination of functionality and style.
GMC vehicles all have a distinct personality and the Acadia is instantly recognized as a part of the family. The 2013 Acadia, with its prominent three-bar grille, was restyled to make a strong first impression. Diffused LED running lamps and standard projector beam or optional HID headlamps lend a premium appearance
The new Acadia gets 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.
Inside, the SmartSlide seating system allows easy access to the third row for both seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations. The second and third row still fold flat for maximum cargo space, including the ability to carry that universal standard of measurement, the 4 X 8 sheet of plywood.
The Acadia’s refined interior uses upgraded soft-touch materials, with French stitching that adds a tailored look. SLT and Denali models get aluminum accents on the center console, doors and dash.
All 2013 GMC Acadia models are powered by a 3.6L direct injection V-6 with variable valve timing, producing 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The 6-speed Hydra-Matic transmission has been tweaked for better shift response and improved drivability.
Front-wheel drive is standard, while the added capability of all-wheel drive is available. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.
The 2013 Acadia’s redesigned infotainment functions feature capacitive touch controls that sense the light touch of a finger.
GMC’s Color Touch Radio – first introduced on the 2012 Terrain – is standard in the Acadia. Available IntelliLink allows customers to seamlessly integrate their smartphones for hands-free calling through the audio system and Bluetooth streaming of popular internet radio favorites Pandora and Stitcher. IntelliLink also allows voice control of USB-connected iPods for easy access to stored music.
Other audio system features include HD radio capability, a photo viewer and a standard rear-vision camera with dynamic guide lines that 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.
Acadia’s top-of-the-line Denali trim represents 30 percent of sales, so a high priority was placed on adding premium amenities and refining Denali’s signature design cues. New or redesigned exterior additions include a new, three-dimensional polished grille, a redesigned lower front and rear fascias, body-color lower cladding and rocker moldings, rear fascia and fender flares, dual flow-through chrome exhaust outlets and 20-inch machined wheels.
Inside, Denali adds standard comfort and convenience features, including perforated leather seating and Denali-specific Cocoa Dune upholstery color, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood inserts and power tilt/telescope, heated and cooled front seats, accent lighting in footwells, Color Touch navigation and a dual sunroof system, with sliding front sunroof and fixed rear section
“When designing the new Acadia, we considered the contemporary shapes and materials GMC buyers expect from many products they buy,” said Dave Lyon, executive director of design. “The Denali’s attention to detail is the ultimate demonstration of this approach.”
The 2013 GMC Acadia and Acadia Denali will be built at the Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant in Lansing, Mich. Pricing, availability and more details will be announced closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date in late 2012.
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