2020 GMC Acadia Review: A Family SUV for the Middle East

The GMC Acadia is a popular family car in the Middle East. Having recently undergone a facelift, we were eager to test drive the refreshed 2020 model to see if this American SUV can compete with the Ford Explorer, the Korean Kia Sorento, and the Japanese Nissan Pathfinder, which are three equally popular seven-seater family SUVs in the region.

Exterior

What’s worth highlighting is that the second-generation GMC Acadia is indeed smaller than the model it replaces. As part of General Motors’ plans to refresh its lineup, the Acadia became lighter, moving it from the full-size SUV segment to the mid-size segment.

Being an American SUV, particularly the Denali version, there’s an abundance of chrome on the bodywork of the refreshed Acadia. The grille, which is extremely prominent, is lifted off the Sierra pick-up truck; however, it’s not just the styling, but the size that makes it seem disproportionate. With sleek LED headlamps flanking the grille and subtle chrome piping highlighting the air vents in the bumper, it’s a prominent sight, albeit not a particularly pleasant one.

Interior

In terms of design, it’s clear that the Acadia carries forward the same overall layout and fit and finish found in other GM models, giving it a unified design language. Rubberized rotary controls are contrasted with supple leather and chrome inserts, lending the cabin a dignified yet rugged persona.

Being a seven-seater SUV, the Acadia offers ample space in all three rows. The second row is particularly interesting, with the option to slide and recline the 60/40 split seats, as well as the addition of a slide-out drawer system integrated into the front armrest console, providing handy storage for chargers and other small items.

The only letdown in the interior would be the quality of materials used. Hard, grainy plastics are prevalent, and although the Acadia tries to distract with attractive open-pore wood running along the dashboard, center console, and door panels, the overall fit and finish just isn’t as good as its rivals.

However, what it lacks in quality, it makes up for in features. Notable features include:

• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Heated and ventilated seats for driver and passenger
• Dual sunroofs
• 360-degree cameras
• Adaptive cruise control
• Unique 'rear seat reminder' that chimes an alarm five times when the rear seat is being used

Drive

In the driver’s seat, the high-riding position of the Acadia offers unhindered outward visibility. However, the gear buttons, a combination of switches and buttons placed in close proximity to the AC controls, may take some getting used to. With the pedal to the metal, the Acadia will gladly spin its wheels, as the 3.6-liter V6 isn’t short of power. With 310 horsepower and 373 Nm of torque, it’s equipped to handle everything you throw at it, including a dedicated Sport mode and an Off-Road mode.

Smooth and easy to drive despite its size, the Acadia is relatively fuel-efficient, averaging 13.1 liters per 100 kilometers. It features cylinder deactivation, which can deactivate two to four of the six cylinders depending on load and power demand to enhance efficiency. For those seeking a comfortable city cruiser, the Acadia excels with its softly sprung suspension, effectively eliminating road noise and bumps.

Verdict

With a starting price of 122,000 Dirhams, the GMC Acadia offers a lot. For those in need of a spacious SUV with plenty of features, the Acadia delivers. While it may fall short in material quality, its affordability compared to rivals and unique features make it a strong contender on the road.