GMC Acadia 2017 Review
Posted by Zaran Tarapore on Feb 5, 2017
The GMC Acadia is a mid-size crossover SUV that shares the group’s Lambda platform with the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse and rivals segment heavyweights such as the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot.
Key Features: Engine 3.6L / V6 Transmission 6-speed automatic Power 310 Hp / 367 Nm Top Speed 185 km/h Price OMR 19,200Exterior
In its second generation, the GMC Acadia flaunts a sharper exterior design than its predecessor, that helps highlight its shorter, narrower, and lighter frame. Taut headlamps are complemented by a protruding octagonal grille and come together to lend the American crossover a commanding presence.
With a prominent rear diffuser and a bold chrome strip adorning the boot-lid, the Acadia’s tasteful use of chrome and bold character lines are a welcome change to a relatively humdrum segment of the market.
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Interior
Decorated with supple leather and faux wood trim, the cabin of the GMC Acadia 2017 is a big step in the right direction. While the previous generation model focused on a more symmetric approach, the all-new model challenges the norm to create an interior that is, in many ways, a lot more contemporary.
Rubber-embellished rotary knobs and chunky contours within the cabin, connote the mid-size crossover’s utilitarianism – a fact that is further proven with seating for seven and an impressive amount of under-floor storage.
Safety & Features
Keeping up with the times, the Acadia’s interior is sprinkled with technology that covers a wide range of entertainment, convenience, and safety features. While the 8-speaker Bose sound system gets paired to a touchscreen infotainment system that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, it also offers 5 USB ports and a 230-volt power outlet.
In its comprehensive arsenal of safety features, the Acadia relies on a network of cameras, radars, and ultrasonic sensors to offer Blind Spot Detection, Rear Parking Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert – features that play a vital role in its top safety rating.
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Drive
Powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, the GMC Acadia 2017 is good for 310 horsepower and 367 Nm of torque. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, it directs its power through an All-Wheel-Drive layout and offers numerous drive modes to choose from. While Sport mode livens up the throttle response and engages quicker shifts, Trailer mode focuses its efforts on low-end power and transferring it to the tarmac in a controlled manner.
Although the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer are equipped with 280-and-290-horsepower respectively, the Acadia’s frugality in the power department sees it deliver an astounding fuel economy figure of just 9.4 liters / 100 km – a number simply unheard of in V6 territory.
Verdict
Bolder than it’s ever been, the all-new GMC Acadia is equipped with the right set of tools to challenge its rivals head-on. Economically priced and filled with features, the second-gen Acadia is what its predecessor set out to be: a game changer.
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