The 2017 Acadia Shrinks and Loses Two Cylinders

2017 GMC Acadia (Credit: © GMC)

The GMC Acadia has been more than overdue for a full redesign for some time now, but it had to make do with just a comprehensive refresh for 2013. Recently, at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show, GMC finally gave in and revealed a fully redesigned version of its midsize crossover that features a new look, new dimensions, and new powertrains.

The most obvious change to the Acadia for this new model year is its body, as it is almost unrecognizable from last year. This new body features a redesigned chrome grille, new headlights, new taillights, more elegant lines, and so much more. Buyers can go more premium with the Denali model, which adds in HID headlights and more.

2017 GMC Acadia (Credit: © GMC)

If you break out the tape measure, you’ll find that the 2017 Acadia is a good bit smaller than last year’s model. Its body is about 7 inches shorter in length, 3 inches thinner, and 4 inches shorter in height. This all adds up to a weight loss of up to 700 pounds, making the midsize crossover more tossable than ever.

GMC did not go too deep into the 2017 Acadia’s new cabin, but the images alone show some stunning new digs to sit in. Like previous years, the 2017 Acadia has seating for up to seven people, but it loses a good bit of room for cargo and seating. Most buyers likely can still make good use of the new model’s up to 79 cubic feet of cargo room, but current Acadia owners may find it a little too tight.

2017 GMC Acadia (Credit: © GMC)

With the huge loss of heft, GMC felt it was okay to fit the 2017 Acadia with a standard four-cylinder engine. Specifically, this is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 194 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque while delivering up to 28 mpg highway. While the four-pot is likely not the engine of choice for most buyers, there is a revised 3.6-liter V-6 available that cranks out 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines mate to six-speed manual transmissions and deliver power to the front wheels as standard. All-wheel drive is an option.

The 2017 GMC Acadia will hit showrooms in the spring of this year. Pricing will roll out at a later date.