LOAD UP YOUR CARGO, PASSENGERS IN A REBORN GMC ACADIA

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com

Numerous seven-passenger SUVs compete vigorously in the market but with a total makeover inside and out, the GMC Acadia has been reborn. Positioned between the smaller Terrain and the larger Yukon, the 3.6-liter V-6 engine has been discarded in this third-gen 2024 SUV. So is the 2.0-liter inline-4. Now, the sole powertrain is a 2.5-liter inline-4 turbocharged engine blasting off 328 horsepower (up 100) @ 5500 rpm and 326 pounds-feet (68 increase) of torque @ 3500 rpm. Power routed through the 8-speed auto gear box delivers sufficient performance. An independent MacPherson strut front and a 5-link rear suspension as well as the electric power steering have been retained. Trims include a new entry-level Elevation, off-roader AT4 and top-level Denali.

This year’s model is larger than its predecessor in every respect, especially 10.6 and 3.2 inches longer and taller respectively. Cargo capacity behind the third and first-row seats is up 80 and 23 percent too. A first for GMC is a large standard 15-inch infotainment screen, 11-inch driver information center, and available Super Cruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, on all trims. Riding on all-terrain 18-inch wheels, underbody skid places and red tow hooks, the AT4 is taller by an inch and gets Active Torque Control AWD with twin-clutch differentials to boost confidence in adverse weather/road conditions.

C-shaped LED headlights flank a mammoth grille hosting the familiar GMC emblem while the rear shows off quad exhaust tips.Of course, it’s in the passenger/cargo department that the extravagant Acadia truly shines. The traditional gear shifter has been replaced with a stalk on the steering wheel to open up room in the center console. Maximum cargo space is an impressive 97.5 cubic feet. Standard goodies on the Elevation model are a power lift gate, eight-way power driver and four-way front-passenger heated seats, manual tilt/telescopic steering column, 12-speaker Bose sound system, underfloor storage bin, wireless phone charging pad and tri-zone auto a/c.

GMC touts over 15 standard safety features such as dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock and auto emergency brakes with pedestrian detection, forward collision alert, blind zone steering and rear park assists, nine cameras, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and tire pressure monitor.

Available as front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the hands-on and robust Acadia is a fine blend of performance and style. Based at $42,600 and peaking at $56,300, you will be hard-pressed to find a midsize luxury SUV with a sundry of tempting options and upgrades. This recent massive overhaul makes it an even more alluring alternative in our eyes.

ACADIA DENALI ELEVATION (FWD)

Tires: 265/65R18

Wheelbase: 120.9 inches

Length: 208.9 inches

Width: 79.5 inches

Height: 70.9 inches

Fuel capacity: 19.4 gallons

City: 20 mpg

Highway: 27 mpg

Tow capacity: 5,000 pounds

Web site: www.gmc.com