2017 GMC Acadia Wheelbase

Arguably the most important development for the new GMC Acadia are it use of high-strength and lightweight steels throughout its construction. All told, the car weighs a considerable 700 pounds less than the outgoing model. That significant weight saving doesn't just help at the fuel pump, but also improves performance and makes the car more agile. Compared to the 2016 Acadia, its successor is smaller in all areas being 7.2-inches shorter, 3.5-inches narrower and 3.9-inches lower. The wheelbase itself has also been decreased in size by 6.4-inches.

Due to the vehicle's reduced size, it is no longer available with eight seats. Instead, the three-row design allows for five, six and seven-seat configurations. Despite being smaller than the 2016 model, the new car actually has more cargo capacity, 79 cubic feet versus 70 cubic feet.

In terms of engines, the entry-level model utilises a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing an undisclosed amount of power. We do know that it returns 22 miles per gallon in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, comes standard with a stop-start feature and is mated as standard with a front-wheel drive system. 2017 GMC Acadia customers also have the option of a 3.6-liter V6 pumping out 310, 19 hp more than the current model. Despite the additional power, towing capacity actually drops from 5,200 pounds to 4,000 pounds.

While both these engine options are offered solely with a six-speed automatic, all-wheel drive is offered both in standard and All Terrain guise. Each drivetrain has its own distinct drive modes. For example, front-wheel drive models include a Snow mode, the standard AWD model has 4x4 and Off Road modes while the All Terrain model appropriately receives an All Terrain mode, particularly helping with climbing steep hills.

Other key developments for the 2017 GMC Acadia include the addition of front pedestrian braking, a following distance indicator, Surround Vision camera system, forward collision alert, lane keep assist and front and rear parking sensors. Inside, customers receive the company's latest IntelliLink system offering support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An OnStar 4G LTE WiFi hotspot is also offered.