In a time where crossover SUVs or CUVs are the fastest-selling piece of the automotive landscape, it comes as no surprise to carmakers that if you aren’t in it, you aren’t playing it right. According to many market surveys, crossovers outsell hatchbacks and sedans put together. It appears that GMC took note of this survey and decided to do something about it. So, in 2006, the American giant launched their first-ever crossover. And they called it the GMC Acadia. The GMC Acadia represented the marquee’s first, true monocoque crossover construction, and it was to be the entry-point into the brand’s lineup.
The GMC Acadia shares much of its basic underpinnings with the Chevrolet Traverse. The first-generation Acadia remained in production for almost a decade, but it was to be replaced by the all-new second-generation model in 2017. Much like its predecessor before it, the new Acadia boasted a lightweight unibody chassis – this updated platform also underpins the new Chevy Traverse and Cadillac XT5. The 2019 GMC Acadia goes up against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer.
Exterior
Compared to its lumpy predecessor, the new 2019 GMC Acadia features a more contemporary and soothing exterior design. Its stance also portrays a sense of poise and composure, which was lacking in the previous-gen model. The handsome front face gets a well-sculpted and muscular hood, large triple-slotted grille, smart-looking sweptback headlights with LED DRLs, sporty bumper with LED foglights, chrome garnishing, and an air intake.
The seemingly curvy yet upright side profile of the 2019 Acadia highlights this CUV’s squared wheel arches, bold 20-inch alloy wheels, flared fenders, plastic body cladding, and notable roof rails. The tall rear end houses a subtle roof-mounted spoiler, wrap-around rear windows, crisp LED taillights, and a chunky bumper with a built-in air diffuser and dual-exhausts. The 2019 GMC Acadia measures in at 4.917 meters in length, 1.915 meters in width, 1.676 meters in height, and gets a wheelbase of 2.858 meters. With all seven seats in place, the Acadia’s total boot space is 362 liters.
Interior
The design and styling of the interior space of the 2019 GMC Acadia has been thoroughly revised and it shows. This cabin undoubtedly looks more appealing and modern over its predecessor, plus it’s also more comfortable and boasts a better use of space. The quality of materials, trim pieces, and textures have gone up by a few notches, too. The general layout with its different use of colors and textures looks upscale, and so does the touch and feel of some of the materials. Space for first and second row occupants is great, though the third row is tight.
The new Acadia’s onboard gadgetry list sees acoustic windshield, adaptive cruise control, adaptive HID headlights, power tailgate, panoramic glass roof, all-round parking sensors with camera, leather seats with heating and cooling, rear-seat entertainment screens, 8-inch touch-display with navigation, and a premium sound system. Some of its safety tech comes in the form of 6 airbags, active headrests, electronic stability and traction program, hill assist, attention assist, collision detection etc.
Engine and performance
Powering the 2019 GMC Acadia Denali is a 3.6-liter six-cylinder that produces 310 hp with 366 Nm of torque. This naturally-aspirated motor comes paired to a 6-speed torque converter gearbox and an all-wheel-drive system. The end result is a 0-100 km/h runtime of 7.0 seconds, top speed of 210 km/h, and an average fuel burn of 9.6 L/100 km.
Verdict
The 2019 GMC Acadia range is priced between AED 136,500 and AED 213,200, while insurance costs start from AED 3,071 and AED 4,797.
