Smaller, More Efficient GMC Acadia Bows

Aiming to expand its industry-leading share of the red-hot CUV segment, General Motors will unveil later today a redesigned ’17 GMC Acadia with a smaller footprint and room for one fewer passenger but added functionality and efficiency.

“GMC is a strong, growing premium brand and the Acadia is a cornerstone of our success story,” says Duncan Aldred, vice president-sales and marketing at GMC.

“The all-new Acadia leverages GMC’s proven SUV experience to take on and shake up one of the largest vehicle segments, with a strong blend of design, technology and capability,” he says in a statement ahead of the Acadia’s introduction at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The new model shrinks a bit from its predecessor, with seating for up to seven passengers instead of eight, but the downsizing could draw more buyers to a model that last year delivered a record 96,393 units and commanded 24.2% of the Large CUV segment, according to WardsAuto data.

GM wears the overall U.S. CUV sales crown, with 16.7% of the segment in 2015.

The new Acadia is over 7 ins. (178 mm) shorter than the outgoing model and its wheelbase is trimmed by more than 6 ins. (152 mm). The smaller footprint makes the truck more maneuverable and since it is 700 lbs. (318 kg) more spry, fuel efficiency increases with the addition of a downsized 4-cyl. for entry-level models and a lighter workload for the returning-but-also-redesigned V-6.

How confidently the 194-hp 2.5L 4-cyl. might propel the 3,956-lb. (1,794-kg) Acadia remains to be seen, but it will not be the first in the segment to offer an I-4 and GM estimates fuel economy of 22 city/ 28 highway (10.7/8.4 L/100 km). The engine includes standard stop-start technology to boost efficiency.

A redesigned 3.6L V-6 offers 310 hp and an estimated 4,000 lbs. (1,814 kg) of towing capability. Fuel-economy estimates have not been determined.

Both engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

It is available in 5-, 6- or 7-passenger seating configurations and fits into the GMC portfolio between the Yukon large SUV and the more compact, 5-passenger Terrain CUV.

The Acadia’s smaller proportions also improve maneuverability, underpinned by a turning radius of 38.7 ft. (11.8 m) ins. compared with 40.4 ft. (12.3 m). of its predecessor, and it will be available with either front- or all-wheel-drive.

Known for its distinct, “Professional Grade” exterior and interior styling, the redesigned model does not depart from that winning look but takes a slightly different tack. Highlights include a familiar chrome-trimmed grille, squared-off and flared wheel arches and wraparound rear side windows with dark D-pillars.

“It’s a confident design influenced by extensive customer input,” says Helen Emsley, executive director-global GMC design and user experience. “The original Acadia was very truck-inspired, but the new model has a decidedly SUV influence conveyed in sculptural details, softened corners and a sleeker windshield angle.”

The premium Denali model with items such as a dimensional chrome grille, integrated chrome side trim, chrome-accented door handles, a chrome lower-rear fascia and specific 6-spoke wheels also will return in ’17. An All-Terrain model will be new, offering enhanced off-road ruggedness with an advanced AWD system and unique styling cues.

Connectivity options improve with the availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone pairing, while the popular OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability remains.

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