The all-new Acadia is GMC's first crossover SUV, offering seating for up to eight and combining the capability of an SUV with a smooth, responsive and car-like driving experience. Acadia features a body-frame integral design that enables lower step-in height and the generous interior space of larger SUVs. A comprehensive safety system includes six standard air bags and standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology.
Acadia is powered by GM's 3.6-litre V6 VVT, a high-feature engine with variable valve timing that is designed for good fuel economy, low emissions and exceptional smoothness. It is rated at 267 hp and 335 Nm of torque. The engine is backed by a new, fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission. Acadia is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models.
Acadia features standard power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, with variable-effort steering available. The suspension and steering system meet the road via standard 18-inch wheels and tires, with 19-inch wheels available. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard. The Acadia also offers many standard features that enhance ride and handling, as well as safety, including StabiliTrak stability control system with rollover mitigation technology and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Acadia 's body-frame integral structure enables lower entry/exit height for passengers. Despite the vehicle's SUV-like front-end height, the front door step-in height is only 480 mm. Entry to the third-row seat is eased with very wide rear doors and GM's exclusive Smart Slide second-row seat feature, which aids passenger access to the third-row seats. Wider than the doors on most other SUVs, the Acadia 's rear door width is enabled by the vehicle's long wheelbase. The rear door opening was maximized by reducing the space between the rear door and the leading edge of the door opening. Engineers were able to maximize the opening space while providing optimal chassis integrity for maximum occupant protection.
The transmission's six-gear configuration allows for a "steep" 4.48:1 first gear, which helps deliver exceptional launch feel, and a 0.74:1 overdrive sixth gear – the "tall" overdrive gear lowers rpm at high speeds, reducing noise and vibration. Fifth gear is 1:1 direct drive. Shorter steps between the gears, compared with a four-speed automatic, enhance performance and feel, as the transmission quickly finds the best gear for the vehicle speed and road conditions. Also, the 6T75 offers the capability of driver shift control (DSC), which allows the driver to use tap-up/tap-down shifting to select the desired gear for specific road conditions, such as driving up a steep hill.
The Acadia's design is accented with polished aluminum roof rails, select bright work and large, prominent headlamps that flank a detailed grille. The headlamps use projector beam technology to deliver bright, precise lighting and are mounted in houses that have a crystal-clear, jewel-like appearance. High-intensity discharge lamps (HID) are available. Distinctive LED taillamps and a rear spoiler enhance the vehicle's sporty appearance, as do large its large tyres. Acadia also is aerodynamically efficient, with a coefficient of drag of just 0.361 – which helps reduce wind noise and enhances fuel economy.
As with the exterior design, Acadia 's interior reflects refinement. Acadia offers three rows of seating, with the third row capable of comfortably seating adults while simultaneously providing generous storage space behind the third-row seat. A carlike "low and away" instrument panel enhances the feeling of openness in the front-row seats and provides a commanding outward view. Acadia can be configured for seven or eight passengers, including two front bucket seats, a 60/40-split second-row bench (three passengers) or two second-row captain's chairs (two passengers) and a 60/40-split third-row bench seat. Leather seats also are available. GM's exclusive Smart Slide feature is standard on all second-row configurations, allowing quick and easy access to the third-row seating area. The second-row seat cushion flips up while the seatback slides forward, effectively compressing the space occupied by the seat.
Along with passenger comfort, Acadia offers generous cargo room, including an estimated 116.9 cu. ft. (3310.6 L) when the second- and third-row seats are folded. In fact, Acadia even offers an estimated 19.7 cu. ft. (557.9 L) of cargo space behind the third-row seat when it's in its upright position. Also, Acadia 's second- and third-row seat fold flat for even more cargo-carrying capacity, and a covered rear cargo convenience center allows items to be stored out of sight beneath the rear cargo floor.
Acadia has a wide range of useful optional and standard equipment, including heated outside mirrors, intermittent rear wiper, ultrasonic parking assist, power liftgate, extended-range remote vehicle starting system, heated windshield washer fluid, large power-operated tilt-and-slide sunroof with rear skylight, DVD entertainment system and a DVD-based navigation system and Bose 5.1 Surround Sound Audio system. Acadia also offers an exclusive head-up display that projects instrument readouts and other features on to the windshield for easy, eyes-on-the-road reference.
The GMC Acadia is designed to protect passengers before, during and after a crash, with its 360-degree safety system. A strong structure is the foundation, and it is augmented by a wide stance and low center of gravity that reduces the likelihood of a rollover. Acadia 's responsive four-wheel independent steering system also enhances safety by providing stable ride and handling characteristics. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are standard.
Acadia is equipped with six standard air bags: two dual-stage frontal air bags, for the driver and front passenger, two seat-mounted side-impact air bags in the first row and two head curtain side impact air bags that cover all three seating rows. The head curtain air bags are among the longest air bags in any production vehicle. Complementing the air bags is GM's rollover sensing system, which can preemptively activate the side-impact air bags if sensors determine a rollover is imminent. In the event of a rollover, the air bags stay inflated longer to provide increased occupant containment and because rollovers are typically longer than non-rollover crashes.
