2017 GMC Acadia: The Complete Review of GMC's Redesigned Midsize SUV
A Strategic Downsizing: The New Acadia Philosophy
GMC made waves in the automotive world by strategically repositioning the Acadia for 2017, transitioning from a full-size minivan alternative to a more agile midsize SUV. While the vehicle shed approximately 700 pounds and several inches from its footprint, it retained its hallmark third-row seating - albeit in a more compact seven-passenger configuration rather than the previous eight-seat layout.
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Key Transformation: The 2017 Acadia represents a fundamental shift in GMC's approach to the family SUV market. No longer positioned as a minivan substitute, the new model focuses on delivering a superior driving experience while maintaining practical family functionality.
This strategic redesign places the Acadia in direct competition with segment leaders like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer. GMC also introduced an innovative five-seat All Terrain variant specifically designed to challenge the Jeep Grand Cherokee's dominance in the premium off-road SUV category.
Powertrain Options: Efficiency Meets Performance
The 2017 Acadia lineup offered buyers two distinct engine choices, each catering to different priorities:
1. The Surprisingly Capable 2.5L Four-Cylinder
Base models through SLT trims featured a new 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that defied expectations:
- Delivered adequate power for most driving situations despite its 9+ second 0-60 mph time
- Featured a standard stop-start system (non-deactivatable per GM policy)
- Achieved impressive EPA ratings of 21/26/23 mpg city/highway/combined (FWD)
- Proved particularly well-suited for urban and suburban driving environments
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2. The Potent 3.6L V6 Option
For buyers prioritizing performance:
- 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque from the redesigned 3.6-liter V6
- 4,000-pound towing capacity (reduced from 5,200 lbs in previous model)
- Featured cylinder deactivation technology (operates as a V4 under light loads)
- EPA ratings of 18/25/21 mpg (FWD) or 17/25/20 mpg (AWD)
Real-World Performance: During test drives combining highway and rural routes, the four-cylinder model actually exceeded its EPA highway rating, achieving 26.4 mpg at an average speed of 36 mph.
Driving Dynamics: From Minivan to Sports Crossover
The 2017 Acadia's most dramatic improvement came in its driving character. The combination of reduced weight (approximately 700 pounds lighter than its predecessor) and refined chassis tuning transformed the driving experience:
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| Feature | Improvement |
|---|---|
| Handling | More carlike with reduced body roll |
| Steering | Well-tuned variable-assist system |
| Turning Circle | Reduced to 38.7 feet (from 40+ feet) |
| Braking | Linear pedal feel with predictable bite |
The Denali Difference
The range-topping Denali trim offered an optional adaptive suspension system ($1,200) that elevated the driving experience:
- Sport mode provided a planted, confident feel in corners
- Rear-biased all-wheel drive in performance settings
- Simultaneous adjustments to throttle, transmission, and steering response
- Reduced body motion beneficial for passengers prone to carsickness
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Interior: Thoughtful Design Meets Practicality
The 2017 Acadia's cabin represented a significant step forward in both design and functionality:
Seating Configurations
- Standard Setup: 7-passenger (2-2-3) with second-row bench
- Optional: 6-passenger (2-2-2) with second-row captain's chairs
- All Terrain: 5-passenger (2-3) with underfloor storage
Key Interior Features
While not luxurious, the Acadia's interior offered several notable advantages:
Excellent outward visibility compared to competitors
- Impressive noise isolation for a quiet cabin environment
- Thoughtful storage solutions including rear console drawer
- Comfortable seating with sliding/reclining second row
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Third-Row Reality Check: While the third row could accommodate adults up to 6 feet tall (with knees raised), cargo space behind it measured just 12.8 cubic feet - nearly half that of the previous generation Acadia.
Technology & Safety: Keeping Pace With Premium Brands
The 2017 Acadia brought GMC's tech offerings up to segment standards:
Infotainment Highlights
- Standard 7-inch or available 8-inch IntelliLink touchscreen
- Physical knobs retained for critical audio functions
- Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Available Bose premium audio system
- Generous USB distribution (5 ports total)
Available Safety Features
While not class-leading, the Acadia offered a respectable suite of driver aids:
- Forward collision alert
- Lane departure warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Surround-view camera system
- Adaptive cruise control (upper trims)
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Trim Level Breakdown & Value Proposition
The 2017 Acadia arrived in six distinct configurations:
| Trim | Key Features | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| SL | Base model, FWD only, 7-inch screen | $29,995 |
| SLE | Added convenience features | $32,800 |
| SLT | Premium interior materials | $38,300 |
| All Terrain | Off-road styling, 5-passenger | $40,800 |
| Denali | Luxury features, premium grille | $46,800 |
Price Advantage: The redesigned Acadia came with significantly reduced pricing compared to its predecessor - ranging from $1,905 less for base models to nearly $3,000 savings for AWD Denali versions.
Competitive Positioning: How the Acadia Stacks Up
In the crowded midsize three-row SUV segment, the 2017 Acadia carved out a distinctive niche:
Against Key Rivals
- vs Toyota Highlander: More engaging drive, but less reliability reputation
- vs Honda Pilot: Slightly smaller interior, but better handling
- vs Ford Explorer: Superior outward visibility, less truck-like feel
- vs Jeep Grand Cherokee: All Terrain model offered similar capability with more family focus
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Who Should Consider the 2017 Acadia?
The redesigned Acadia particularly appealed to:
- Families wanting three-row flexibility without minivan proportions
- Drivers prioritizing handling over maximum cargo capacity
- Buyers seeking premium features at mainstream prices
- Urban/suburban users who value maneuverability
Final Verdict: A More Focused, Driver-Friendly SUV
The 2017 GMC Acadia represented a bold reinvention of GMC's three-row SUV formula. By sacrificing some size and absolute passenger/cargo capacity, GMC created a more engaging, efficient, and premium-feeling vehicle that better matched how most families actually used their SUVs.
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While not without compromises - particularly in third-row space and towing capacity - the new Acadia delivered where it mattered most for daily driving: responsive handling, improved fuel economy, and a quieter, more comfortable cabin. The introduction of the All Terrain model also gave GMC a credible alternative to luxury-adjacent SUVs like the Grand Cherokee.
The Bottom Line: For families who don't absolutely need minivan-level space, the 2017 Acadia offered one of the most compelling blends of driving enjoyment, premium features, and practical family functionality in its class.
