Chicago 2012: The 2013 GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Refreshes Crossover Segment
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When General Motors introduced the GMC Acadia back in 2007, it was not only the first crossover offering from big red, but it was also the first three-row crossover on the market — offering room for up to eight and returning 24 highway miles per gallon. Needless to say, the crossover has been a hit. However, the crossover hasn’t seen any major updates since its introduction, and has begun to show its age in many ways. What we see here today looks to change that.
With the reveal of the 2013 GMC Acadia comes a fresh new exterior, new tech, and new safety, while retaining the elements that helped garner the vehicle’s popularity. Consumers will still be able to find seven- and eight-passenger seating, the capacity to hold products 48 inches wide (drywall, anyone?) while offering new features and innovations.
From a design standpoint, the 2013 Acadia brings a more muscular face to the table, with a three-bar grille present and accounted for — a design element that has become commonplace in the GMC family. Additionally, we see a ton of resemblance in this new face to that of the GMC Granite concept revealed a few years ago in Detroit. However, the rear tail lamps appear to be ripped straight off the bygone Saturn Outlook, but it doesn’t seem to be all that bad of a thing.
Overall, the stance of the Lambda-based crossover sits a little more upright, with LED running lamps being standard on all trim levels. The rear glass also wraps around a bit more, and new 18 and 19-inch wheel designs enhance the stance.
The interior also sees improvements, utilizing more soft-touch materials, along with French stitching and red ambient light flowing across the dashboard. SLT models get aluminum accents on the center console, doors and dash, as well.
As revealed earlier last year, General Motors has been working on an industry-first center airbag to be implemented into its Lambda-platformed crossovers. The 2013 Acadia will be first introduce the new system to market, which is designed to help protect drivers and front passengers from side-impact collisions. The system deploys from the inboard side of the driver‟s seat and positions itself between the driver and front passenger. Blind zone alerts and rear cross traffic alert systems will also be available, while a backup rearview camera will be standard for the 2013 Acadia. The OnStar RemoteLink smartphone app will now allow for remote vehicle status reports, extended locking and unlocking capability, and remote start functionality from wherever users can find a data signal on their Apple iOS- or Android-based device.
Interior technology takes another step in the 2013 Acadia with the Color Touch Radio – first introduced on the 2012 Terrain – which will be standard on the refreshed large crossover. The IntelliLink infotainment system will be available as well. Minor interior tech improvements include HD radio capability, a photo viewer and a standard rear-vision camera with dynamic guide lines that will display on the high-definition screen.
While the 2013 Acadia receives some pleasant visual updates, it won’t amount to much if it drives like drowsy buffalo. Thankfully, the 2013 Acadia benefits from a next-generation Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission which promises better shift responses. Yay! However, We’re puzzled as to why GM failed to display new engine variety from the Acadia’s 3.6L V6 engine, which also continues to produce the same 288 horsepower it has since 2007. Where’s the extra grunt from the V6 in the form of the LFX engine? Where’s the EcoBoost-fighting, fuel efficient 2.0L turbocharged engine to take on the new Ford Explorer? Is the 288-horse engine really that satisfying and sufficient that it needs no updates, or an alternative? We find that hard to believe.
Lack of engine updates aside, we will embrace the 2013 GMC Acadia at first glace, and hope to take a closer look at it later this year. But we, and General Motors, enjoy your reactions. Give feedback in the comments below to take this topic to another level.
Where’s the gallery?
Photos weren’t released until a few minutes after we published. It’s there now
wait so it still have 288 hp?
I love the LED accents!
But what about if there’s any push button start or smart key?
I like the front end, it’ll probably share some features with Sierra.
Correction: Its Chicago 2012 not Chicago 2011
I think it looks even better, its just that this update should have been on dealer lots about a year ago, and the complete redesign should have been two years after the update, so about early 2013, instead its going to be early 2014, plenty of time for the competition to steal some sales.
“Correction: Its Chicago 2012 not Chicago 2011″
Wait, when did that happen?
And they finally add the 8 way on the passenger side!
After a 2nd look, this is actually a Saturn Outlook with new headlights, bumper, grille, hood, taillights and interior.
Not seeing it on the front fascia.
I am, however, seeing it on the D-pillar wrapped in glass and the tailights. It’s that D-pillar treatment I liked on the Outlook that I’m happy to see on the Acadia.
Wait so on the Nav area is it kinda like the MyFord Touch because I don’t see any buttons
alex, manoli vic and all others how do you like? there are some saturn design cues that I think give it a fresh look all over, we are interested in all opinions. sierra which you will see soon has some of these design cues. do you like the front end?
Overall the front end is good but I dont like the “thing” under the headlights, looks cheap.
I like it overall but didn’t you say there were going to be engine updates too JD?
Me Gusta the front end. But when you implement design cues from a dead brand, people are going to compare them as such. The face would look great on k2xx. But no engine updates?! COME ON
The black accents under the grill remind me of the eye paint on football players.
I’m not fond of the three bar grille. Isn’t that what Ford was doing – that they’re moving away from? Don’t follow. Lead. A four bar grille would even be ok – not three – too similar to Ford.
The rear end styling doesn’t connect with the front end. The front suggests a rugged planted stance. The rear reminds me of the Saturn, but looks thinner and less stable than the front. Maybe place some black accents in the back at strategic points (under the tail lights?) to give the perception of a more surefooted and aggressive stance that has some synergy with the front. Maybe, make the taillights a bit larger and angled slightly to complement the front. The back end needs more attention, if that is what the competition is supposed to be staring at.
And here I thought GMC was supposed to be rugged humm
GMC is suspose to be professional grade, As far as engine there will be further future anouncements about the whole family of crossovers cannot say at this time.
JD — those who supported the Granite… how did they think that Granite was “Professional Grade”?
Alex, Are you saying that a small car cannot be Professional Grade?
Or are you concerned that GM does not have the capability to make a car based on the sonic Professional Grade.
“..it was not only the first crossover offering from big red, but it was also the first three-row crossover on the market”
Incorrect, the 2004-2009 Cadillac SRX had an optional 3rd row seat. Albeit not as accessible as the Acadia, but it was there. I have a 2007 SRX with the 3rd row and it comes in handy for short trips or for kids.
I would like to know how come Foward collisioning is not available on this car and it’s available on Terrain??