This week we had the 2019 GMC Acadia in SLE-2 trim and assembled in Spring Hill Tennessee in the United States, with an MSRP of $45785.
Fun Factor: 5
Can it Family: 8
Fuel-Friendly: 7
HWY-warrior: 7
Karaoke Friendly: 5
Baby friendly: 8
City Cruising: 5
Our Acadia came with the optional V6 that produces 310hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The result was a 0-100km/h in 8.1 seconds with winter tires, GMC announces 7.7 seconds. From the line, the Acadia feels quick, the acceleration then slows down as it has to bring in motion 3904 lb. The steering has nothing exceptional especially when needing to park into small spaces, the turning circle is smaller then what we would like for a car this size. As for the road comfort, the ride was well balanced. If the Chevy Traverse is not rugged enough the Acadia will be. Both of these vehicles are built on the same platform and use the same engine, transmission combo. What we did enjoy is the Acadia does feel more like a car than an SUV with little body roll typical to SUV this size.
The Acadia surprised me in several aspects as you can have it as a 5, 6 or even seven-seaters, the one we drove had six seats and found it to be the sweet spot as it gives easy access to the 3rd row when needed. The middle row comes with captain chairs and can accommodate child seats. As for cargo, you’ll have space for up to 2 strollers while riding around will all 6 seats up, and you’ll still be able to fit some groceries. If you have to go to hardware store and get some supplies folding the rear is simple and can be done directly from the back hatch.
Our gas consumption with the Acadia gave us the following results 9.1L per 100km on the HWY and 12L per 100km. Our tests were made while the average ambient temperature was -10C. We averaged 11.1L per 100km having done most of our driving in the city without traffic.
The Acadia is comfortable on the HWY and gives you the added security of having AWD, and we did find the fuel economy on the higher end for a crossover this size, what it does have going for itself are the low cabin noise and comfortable seating. In a colder climate, the heat seat setup in the Acadia really makes the ride enjoyable you can either choose to warm your bum or both your back and your bum in the case that your jacket is already warm enough or not.
The sound system is decent for everyday usage, while the infotainment is simple to use we did prefer the layout that GM used in the Buick Regal. Great features for the Acadia is the 4G hotspot for all your teenagers traveling with you they'll be happy to watch their Netflix or YouTube videos.
The Acadia has three rows and can give you a different type of layout to install car seats. They are relatively simple to install, the ISOFIX are found slightly hidden in the seat and are not too hard to install or remove. For your smaller children, the higher stance of the car will make helping them getting into the vehicle something you’ll need to do on a regular basis.
As for city driving the Acadia has a couple of inconveniences, such as a small turning radius, parking in smaller spots or at the mall will be something of a challenge in case you’re not prepared. Also, the elephant in the room was our fuel economy in the city with 12L per 100km with very economical driving the Acadia isn’t necessarily the choice for city drivers. What we did enjoy is an excellent quality rear view camera and easy to perceive dimensions when parking.
What we’ve liked on the Acadia, the choice of having multiple configurations for seating, a nice alternative to the more traditional SUV, comfortable accommodation and attention to details with the heated seats, driving dynamics similar to a car.
What we’ve liked less on the Acadia, Turning radius at low speeds, gas consumption in the city, some specific interior trims do not fit with the rest of the car.
Next week we will present the Ford F-150
