Having reconfigured its Acadia in 2017 to fit inside a tidier footprint, this mid-size crossover moves into 2019 with minor updates ahead of a planned mid-cycle refresh set for the 2020 model.
Changes include an express up/down driver's window (last year's was express-down only) in SLE-2 and SLT-1 trims, and SLT All Terrain trim can be ordered with an ebony interior colourway. Also available in the SLT is a new Black Edition trim that brings 20-inch wheels and black details on the grille, headlights and tail lights, mirror caps and roof rails.
Otherwise, this good-looking crossover carries over unchanged from last year. The range starts out as the SLE-1 FWD with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that makes 193 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque. SLE-2 trim sticks with FWD but swaps in a 3.6L V6 engine good for 310 hp and 271 lb-ft.
Both SLE-1 and -2 can be optioned with AWD. The V6/AWD combo is common to rest of the range: SLT-1 and -2 and Denali. Regardless of engine and drive configuration, power gets to the wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.
GMC's decision to downsize the Acadia was a good one, as this smaller version competes better with competitors like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder. It also allowed for some differentiation between GM's various mid-size models, which also include the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave, both of which are larger. The Acadia's high-zoot Denali trim gives GMC an upscale model to line up next to the relatively posh Enclave, too.
Standard features include 17-inch wheels, manually-adjustable front seats (four-way driver and two-way passenger), seven-passenger seating, 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, automatic climate control with rear air conditioning, passive keyless entry and start and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
SLE-2 brings a power tailgate, six-passenger seating, 18-inch wheels, fog lights, eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats and remote engine start.
SLT-1 adds rear park assist, a driver alert package of blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and rear park assist, auto-dimming side mirrors and rearview mirror, 120-volt power outlet, 4.2-inch colour driver information display, 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, eight-speaker stereo, driver and front passenger lumbar adjustments and a garage door opener.
SLT-2 adds a trailering package of a Class III hitch and heavy-duty cooling system (among other items), 20-inch wheels and an upgraded driver alert package of low-speed forward automatic braking, lane change alert, front pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, front park assist, lane keep assist, forward collision alert and GM's safety alert driver's seat.
Finally, Denali trim gets a heated steering wheel, navigation, ventilated front seats and a power-adjustable steering column.
Fuel consumption estimates are 11.0/9.2 L/100 km (city/highway) with the four-cylinder engine and 13.1/9.4 with the V6; adding AWD to either results in a nominal bump in consumption.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
