As you may have already heard, GMC repositioned the all-new, second-generation Acadia from the full-size to the mid-size space. That translates to shrinking exterior dimensions, from 200 inches (5,101 mm) in length to roughly 194 inches (4,917 mm) while also reducing the width from 78.9 inches (2,003 mm) to 75.4 inches (1,916 mm). But the changes to the exterior dimensions only tell part of the story; the other, perhaps more important part, is how the smaller exterior impacts the cabin.
What should not come as a surprise is that the smaller body also translates to a smaller interior, as nearly every interior dimension is smaller on the second-gen, 2017 Acadia compared to the first-generation model. There are two exceptions to this, however, both on the second row:
- Second row headroom remains the same between both models
- Second row legroom grows almost three inches on the 2017 Acadia
| Metric | 2017 GMC Acadia | 2010-2016 GMC Acadia | + / – 2017 Acadia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seating capacity: | 5, 6 or 7 | 7 or 8 | -1, -2, -3 |
| Headroom | |||
| First row (in /mm): | 40 | 40.3 | -0.3 |
| Second row (in / mm): | 39.6 | 39.6 | 0 |
| Third row (in / mm): | 37.2 | 38.4 | -1.2 |
| Legroom | |||
| First row (in / mm): | 41 | 41.3 | -0.3 |
| Second row (in / mm): | 39.7 | 36.8 | +2.9 |
| Third row (in / mm): | 31.1 | 33.2 | -2.1 |
| Shoulder room | |||
| First row (in / mm): | 59.4 | 61.6 | -2.2 |
| Second row (in / mm): | 58.7 | 61.0 | -2.3 |
| Third row (in / mm): | 54.3 | 57.8 | -3.5 |
| Hip room | |||
| First row (in / mm): | 55.7 | 58.0 | -2.3 |
| Second row (in / mm): | 53.3 | 57.8 | -4.5 |
| Third row (in / mm): | 42.9 | 48.3 | -5.4 |
| Cargo volume | |||
| Maximum behind first row (cu ft / L): | 79 | 116.1 | -37.1 |
| Maximum behind second row (cu ft / L): | 41.7 | 70.1 | -28.4 |
| Maximum behind third row (cu ft / L): | 12.8 | 24.1 | -11.3 |
Note: headroom measurements for models without without sunroof
| Metric | 2017 GMC Acadia | 2010-2016 GMC Acadia | + / – 2017 Acadia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seating capacity: | 5, 6 or 7 | 7 or 8 | -1, -2, -3 |
| Headroom | |||
| First row (in /mm): | 1016 | 1024 | -8 |
| Second row (in / mm): | 1006 | 1006 | 0 |
| Third row (in / mm): | 945 | 975 | -30 |
| Legroom | |||
| First row (in / mm): | 1042 | 1049 | -7 |
| Second row (in / mm): | 1008 | 935 | +73 |
| Third row (in / mm): | 789 | 843 | -54 |
| Shoulder room | |||
| First row (in / mm): | 1508 | 1565 | -57 |
| Second row (in / mm): | 1490 | 1549 | -59 |
| Third row (in / mm): | 1378 | 1468 | -90 |
| Hip room | |||
| First row (in / mm): | 1414 | 1473 | -59 |
| Second row (in / mm): | 1355 | 1468 | -113 |
| Third row (in / mm): | 1090 | 1227 | -137 |
| Cargo volume | |||
| Maximum behind first row (cu ft / L): | 2237 | 3288 | -1051 |
| Maximum behind second row (cu ft / L): | 1181 | 1985 | -804 |
| Maximum behind third row (cu ft / L): | 362 | 682 | -320 |
Note: headroom measurements for models without sunroof
Before we get to the more notable changes, we should say that the following two measurements are smaller, albeit in very negligible ways:
- First row headroom (down 0.3 inches)
- First row legroom (down 0.3 inches)
The largest decreases on the 2017 Acadia are in the third row and cargo area:
The third row is significantly less spacious:
- Headroom is down 1.2 inches
- Legroom is down 2.1 inches
- Shoulder room is down 3.5 inches
- Hip room is down 5.4 inches
There is also less cargo volume, which is down:
- 11.3 cubic feet behind the third row
- 28.4 cubic feet behind the second row
- 37.1 cubic feet behind the third row
And since the new Acadia is narrower, hip and shoulder room suffer as well:
Hip room is down:
- 2.3 inches in the first row
- 4.5 inches in the second row
- 5.4 inches in the third row
Shoulder room is down:
- 2.2 inches in the first row
- 2.3 inches in the second row
- 3.5 inches in the third row
All in all, there is no denying that the 2017 GMC Acadia is smaller overall than the model it replaces. But is the new, second-generation Acadia “too small”, or was the first-generation model simply “too big”? We’ll leave that for you to hash out in the comments section below.
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Comments
What’s interesting is that Chevy’s Traverse and Buick’s Enclave reportedly won’t be following GMC’s decision to downsize which might possibly mean there’s another reason for GMC’s decision to get small.. although one would have to think GMC’s Acadia would become more agile especially given a 700 lb weight drop.
The only complaint that I have ever heard about on these models is the fuel economy especially in AWD mode.
I would have expected the Chevy to downsize and the GMC/Buick to stay the original size but isn’t Chevy supposed to get a new crossover this size too at some point?
Isn’t second row legroom on ’17 Acadia 39.7 in? Thus making the difference +2.9 in?
But even if it’s +1.9 in. and third row is -2.1, than by sliding second row seats forward will negate the difference, which means legroom didn’t really change much along with headroom where the change is minimal.
Where the most noticeable change occurred is in the width of the vehicle. Front and 2nd row lost about 2 inches. I wouldn’t worry about 3rd row at all since it’s a two-seater now so with two people back there you probably won’t notice the difference at all.
I actually sat in the Traverse today. I’m 6’2″/200 and there is no way three of me would fit in the 3rd row. Front and 2nd row are very roomy so losing 2 inches in width won’t be noticeable.
It looks like the biggest looser is cargo volume.
I was surprised when I saw the new GMC Acadia in person. It shrunk so much. I thought it’s a smaller version of Acadia. Still I appreciate that they did a great outlook on the exterior and it’s impressive. But when I look into its interior, even the 2014 Acadia has used a great premium good quality line up materials and lots stitch stylish patterns in its interior. But the new one is just plain and simple. We can compromise all this considering it’s a good vehicle having some better fuel efficiency. Still…. The while dissapointment lies in its truck or boot. It’s such a congestion in there. Not even enough to keep a good big luggage bag. It’s really disappointing to see that
I am 6ft 3in……..I bought my 2014 Acadia for comfort on long trips…….I will not buy a smaller version…..what are you people thinking
The real question is whether the smaller dimensions of the new Acadia will negatively impact the comfort you are looking for. Given that the first row dimensions are nearly the same between both models with the exception of width, I don’t think you will be dissapointed. And who knows, maybe it’s not that the new Acadia is too small… But perhaps the first generation is too big.
I’m sorry but your conclusion is stupid.
I bought a GMC Acadia because I needed a SUV that has space for 3 teenagers at the third row. The Acadia was the only one that could do it compare to the competitors… And it won’t be possible anymore with the new one which has less space for the shoulders and for the legs at the third row.
The Acadia had this huge advantage and loss it !!! and has now the same size as competitors !!!
The conclusion is not stupid. GMC right-sized the Acadia to compete in the mid-size segment. The first gen Acadia was really just another large SUV in the lineup (and was unable to compete with the MPG and agility of most/all other mid-size competition).
If you need a larger-than-mid-size SUV, your GMC option is the Yukon (which makes sense from a marketing perspective).
Oh man who wants a Yukon? Those are the WORST. I’d never buy one, I get one every time my Acadia is in service, and they drive like a 2500H Sierra. And stop like one. And turn like one. And the roominess in the second and third rows of a Yukon is terrible – knees into the chin! The floor height is very high – seats plopped straight onto a pickup bed. The Expedition is simply better inside.
The Acadia had the advantage of being DESIGNED for a large 3 row SUV, unlike the Yukon, which is a covered pickup with seats slapped in the back and a retarded price on top of that.
I think it’s just terrible to get rid of the large Acadia, which stood alone. Now I have to look at the loud & cheap Traverse, or the ugly and granny Enclave? Or consider the Acadia against all the other same sized vehicles, like the Grand Cherokee. Hmmm, diesel Grand Cherokee or Acadia? There’s a no-brainer. Same size afterall.
It looks like GM wanted a mid-size competitor.
Fine. So make one. Instead they didn’t replace this wonderful vehicle, but axed it and put nothing in its place. To me, that is stupid, and it leaves me with few options in the same size if I at around 50k; Odyssey, Sienna, Flex, Enclave, Traverse. And I don’t like any of them.
If I’m going to have to spend 80k for a Yukon, then Mercedes GL line is the closest I can get to the same size as the Acadia and the same price as the Yukon, for a way better vehicle.
Not all people want a V8 Gas Guzzling Monster thanks but your assessment of comparing ACADIA 2016 to YUKON 2016 is over-simplified. The original 2016 Acadia will always have a place for me in my SUV heart the skinny “Car-like” 2017 Acadia ,… just ewww…. GMC took the professional Grade right off the table there, FAIL.
The GMC Yukon in my opinion, fails in third row leg room in comparison to the older GMC Acadia. GMC’s motive for shrinking the Acadia, in my opinion, was to separate the the Acadia from the Yukon and make buyers spend thousands more for a over priced Yukon! That is if you must have a GMC. Personally, I’ll stick to the 2012-2016 Acadia. Nice try GMC, but I won’t be buying your smaller less of a product for more money.
Overshadowed by the shrinkage is the long-due update to the dash electronics. The Denali package has a customizable screen, instead of the current model’s digital “rows” of info. And it looks like all models have push button start/stop.
It’s enough to win me over. Though I wish they had updated the engine to an 8 speed.
For 2K you can add a superior third party 8200 NEX unit and get REAL control over your entertainment, no need to buy a new vehicle to get great infotainment in your SUV. Thats not good enough to replace reliable GMC quality with the second gen junk they built …
The only advantage between Acadia and all the other suvs was interior space in third row and cargo space, if they took this off there is nothing left but some unsignificant gadgets
Bang on man, you got it. I love the look of the Acadia 2016 model the 2017 has nothing on it that appeals exterior wise is total YUCK. really, they did all that? really?
The primary reason I bought the Acadia was because it is wide enough to fit a piece of plywood in the cargo area. Few CUVs/small SUVs today can do that, and even the Traverse and Enclave can’t because their liftgates are too curvy. I’m assuming a narrower 2017 won’t retain this feature. I would hope that the Traverse gets a redesigned liftgate and can fill this gap, but if it’s also moving to C1XX it’ll probably be narrower too, even if it’s not shorter. Guess I’m glad I got mine when I did.
Say Goodbye to the ability to haul 4’X8’ sheet goods in a 2017 Acadia unless you buy the 2017 Acadia Limited.
The new downsized model will not even let you get the sheets into the back at an angle.
I needed to replace my 1998 Subaru Forester. The old Forester model allowed me to get 4’x8’ sheets through the back door and the sheets ended up resting on the top of the rear strut towers with the rear hatch open and 2 feet sticking out the back
I wanted a vehicle that is AWD, can carry at least 5 people, can haul 4’x8’ sheet goods, and is comfortable to drive.
The choices I came across for my short list were the 2016 Honda Pilot and the 2017 GMC Acadia Limited. The Honda has better fuel mileage. The Acadia Limited has a better ride. We opted for the GMC Acadia Limited. I just hope I won’t regret going with the GMC in 6 years when the extended warranty is up.
I just found out about the limited this week. I’m going to test it out at the dealer.
I purchased a 2016 Denali in a hurry before they release the 2017 and discontinue the current model mainly because of the overall cabin size, generous cargo space behind the 3rd row, and the 2-2-3 configuration. My wife and I chose the 2016 Acadia over the Infiniti QX60, Ford Explorer Platinum, and Acura MDX for these reasons. It’s currenly the closest an SUV will be to being a minivan without having the minivan-look…and we really wanted to avoid buying a minivan. These features make the Acadia a unique vehicle, far from other SUVs currently in the same class and price range. By shinking and/or eliminating these key features in the next Acadia, buyers will have more vehicles to compare it to which pretty much already have the same, if not better, features. As for the new bells and whistles in the 2017, I have to say I’m still a bit overwhelmed with what the 2016 already has.
I did the exact same thing, I bought my 2016 Denali before they poof’ed… sad situation really Its too bad GMC had to do this… I would really love to see the business case and sales projections on that move… what a disaster waiting to unfold. Its not a SUV anymore its a car. better not try and fool people because your consumers will tell you like it is. I will be watching this event unfold, this story is not over. Maybe 2017 is the final year for the acadia.. in 2018 I will welcome back another refreshed lambda based Acadia 2018 which is not downsized but UPSIZED to Yukon territory and only offered in Denali edition with all updated gizmos yummy 14 speaker subwoofer powered monstrosity … then, you can get access to my wallet again…
So I’m so confused, I loved the Acadia because of space but hated the gas Milage. I would love to get better gas on it but Space I think is more important.
Would love to see the Acadia stay with an updated Lamda platform — take some weight out of it, add an 8 speed transmission, maybe some new engine offerings.
Having said that, I like the new one too…….
I was looking at the specs on a Murano V6 AWD versus an Equinox V6 AWD — the Murano is bigger, lighter — so we should be able to get a lot of weight out of the Lamda — or a replacement platform — in the next iteration
Those of you commenting that the Yukon is the answer to the people who liked the size of the Acadia are so misinformed. The Acadia has more cubic feet in the interior than the Yukon. Unless you needed the towing capacity or the height of the Yukon who in their right mind would pay and extra $20,000 for a car that actually has less storage? The answer
Is no one in their right mind. The almost 100,000 people that bought an Acadia in 2015 did so because of its size. Why would you butcher a car that sold 100,000 units in a year? Why not make a smaller vehicle instead of murdering the one currently selling so many? Anyone that switched from a minivan to an Acadia will NEVER buy the 2017 Acadia and why would they spend an extra $20,000 to get something smaller with seats that don’t slide forward and back? They WONT. They’d have been smarter to release a new model or release an Acadia that’s smaller along size an Acadia XL that’s the same size as the 2016 Acadia. I’d love to see the pool of people they surveyed to determine this was a solid strategy to sell more Acadias.
We bought our 2016 Acadia Denali over the 2016 Buick Enclave, and the HUD was the deciding factor. It was a great choice!
I heard that the HUD is missing on the new re-sized 2017 Acadia, which is too bad if it’s true. That aside, we like so many others bought our 2016 Acadia for the excellent interior capacity which provides comfortable (and safer) long distance travel. We’re certainly glad we bought when we did. Faced with the new and much smaller Acadia, we’d be ending our very long relationship with GMC and be heading over to the Ford dealership. What on earth were you thinking, GMC??
What a huge mistake! We are in our second Acadia in a row and the key factor in buying was the storage behind the 3rd row and 2-2-3 seating design, unlike EVERY other SUV in the class with a 2-3-2. Unfortunately, my second Acadia will be my last.
I currently am coming to the end of my lease on my 2014 GMC Acadia SLT-2 and I feel completely stuck on what to lease next. I came from a 2012 Dodge Caravan and the moment I sat in the current Acadia model, I felt like I was back in my van (which I loved), but had gained a higher ride quality and all wheel drive! The interior space more than makes up for the lack of great fuel economy, and moms like myself who came from minivans know that gas mileage isn’t an issue, space is! I am very disappointed in the look of the new Acadia. I think they got this one wrong. I am sad to see my time with GMC come to an end, but sadly there isn’t an option for me in the GMC family. I also refuse to look at a Traverse because of its lack of quality, and I wont pay the price of the Buick Enclave, especially if I can’t even get push button start for 50k. I guess I will be looking at the new Ford Explorer, or maybe the current outgoing model of the Dodge Durango.
I can NOT believe GMC butchered the gorgeous 2016 Acadia to make this 2017 piece of crap Acadia. Why on earth would you want LESS cargo room behind the 3rd seat and only 2 seats in the back!?! It doesn’t make sense to me. I was driving a 2013 Traverse LTZ up until a head on collision totalled it back in January and thought for sure I would just get a new Traverse, but then I met a 2016 Acadia Denali and forgot all about the Traverse. It’s the same size as the Traverse, the interior has the same setup (2-3-3) but the best part is that there is more cargo space behind the 3rd row, which is extremely important seeing as how I have kids who are active with several different sports. Plus my family goes on a road trip every summer and my husband and I like that we can fit all our luggage behind the 3rd row seats so the interior is free for us to move around easily (aside from having to step over the cooler). If someone wanted a smaller crossover, why wouldn’t they just buy a Terrain instead of the Acadia? Now GMC has 2 vehicles that are similarly sized crossovers and the only way to get 3 people in the backseat is to pay at least $20,000 more for the HUGE Yukon that makes it feel like you’re driving a tank down the road. Or, you can go with the stupid overpriced Traverse or the ugly ass grandpa Enclave. I was so excited and proud to have a GMC Acadia Denali, but if this ugly, small Acadia doesn’t disappear by the time my lease is up, sadly, it’ll be buh-bye GMC.
I have a ’14 and love it BECAUSE of the cargo area and the SIZE! I’m not in the market for a mid-size SUV (crossover). Sorry GMC, but a frien with a ’15 and I both say the same thing- you got it right with he 1st Gen and all WRONG with the 2nd- that cargo space behind the third row?! Ha, what space! I’m gonna laugh if the numbers don’t come out the way you expect, and I’m NOT buying a Yukon next year!!!!
We sold an Audi Q7 and bought an Acadia basically for carpooling convenience. Captain chairs in the 2nd row plus room for 3 kids in the 3rd row meant no struggling with folding a 2nd row bench seat to squeeze kids in/out. Just open the door and let them find their way to their seats. Also, with the 3rd row seat up, there was still significant storage space behind the seats, perfect for weekend trips, baby strollers and shopping errands. Although I would like for this vehicle to handle a little better, that probably could have been done without giving up so much space and functionality.
Hey everyone, thought I posted this before, but someone else reminded me by posting it- The Limited is our larger body style option for 2017, starting at 44,775 (I believe).
But not in a Denali
I have had a Tahoe, Suburban, Equinox, and my 2014 GMC Acadia. The Acadia was absolutely perfect for out traveling needs with 2 dogs and a cat. We were ready to but a new one and what did you do? You made it smaller, and now there isn’t a car in the line I would like to but. Why didn’t you do that to the Traverse and leave my Acadia alone? I was told since Jeep made the Grand Cherokee smaller, GM followed suite. DUH, ARE YOU CRAAZY! Disappointed at the car dealership!
If you like the larger size Acadia you might want to check out the 2017 Acadia Limited. It uses the older, larger body, with the SLT trim. It is on the GMC website at http://www.gmc.com/suvs/acadia-limited-mid-size-suv.html
Worst change ever! I have an Acadia so I can fit 3 kids with 2 car seats in the 3rd row. Looks like I will be looking at other vehicles. GM you shouldn’t have changed it.
The Acadia Limited is same body as the prior model year and I’m looking into it. If not, I may end up a Cadillac owner as their new SUV is comparably priced. I just have to check the size.
Well what makes it limited?
It’s only available in 1 model and it’s the old ’16 body style. It’s just what they named it is my guess
It’s called a limited because GM is only producing this certain model until March of 2017. It is basically an SLT-2 with Denali rims and heated steering wheel and blind spot monitoring. I looked into it and found that most dealerships in my area are sticker pricing this model around $46,000.
you can still purchase the enclave or traverse as a similar 16 and older acadia !
Neither of those cars look the same or have the heads up display
EWWW .. to both of those, Come on really, you would have us purchase BUICK or CHEV instead of a GMC.
Seriously fail. Like how is that any different than asking a Cadillac loyalist to purchase a traverse or a enclave
Went shopping today just to see the 17 Acadia and could immediately tell it was smaller than my ’14 which I love but I am coming to the end of my lease. I just assumed the new body style would be same size just a litttle different style! Well wrong about that!! I may end my lease early and get a ’16. Sad to see the major changes and I am not paying for Buick or Yukon. Really liked this Acadia more than my previous Traverse. May have to go back?.
I ended up leasing a new 17 Acadia after my 14 lease was up and I am still disappointed with the size issue. My salesman showed me the Acadia limited which is the same body style as my 14, but the sticker price was almost 50k. It was a sad situation as I said goodbye to my old Acadia and not really loving my new one. The only perk I will say about the new style is that it is very easy to drive and maneuver around small spaces and fuel economy is better, but I would trade both of those aspects to have my old car back. I even contemplated buying a used Acadia in the old style just to have it as an extra vehicle: I loved it that much…hopefully they will realize the error of their ways and GM will bring back the Acadia we love…good luck on your car buying!
As a midsized suv owner of a 2012 Acadia. This was a terrible decision by GMC. I had a loaner 2017 acadia and it was almost exactly the same size as the Terrain. I would assume I will not be the only old Acadia owner not buying a new Acadia.
This totally sucks they shrunk the suv! We have 2012 Acadia Denali and was ready to get a new one this year. We loved the captain seats and 3 seats in the 3rd row. Especially with 3 kids two of which need a car seat. The 48 inch width allowed me to haul material from our local hardware store w/o needing a truck or paying over 10k more for Tahoe or Yukon. Which significantly larger and have marginal difference in high way mileage with v4 active and city might as well forget it. They put themselves in position to cut material cost and keep or increase MSRP which is money their pocket. But Put buyers in a position where it inconvenience parents putting kids in the back and someone who’s a jack of all trades that don’t want to truck for simple jobs. It also forces people to search else where seeking full 3rd with captain seat. This size of market is shrinking not only physically but available options on the market. We don’t want a mini van we like the mid SUV and sporty/rugged look that comes with it. So disappointed
We were so glad we bought our Acadia Denali in late 2016. This year our son was looking at getting a Denali like ours . They have 2 small children in car seats and need the size like ours, but that’s no longer available. They went to Ford and got a great deal on a 2017 Ford Explorer. It’s almost identical to our Acadia, with a few perks our GMC doesn’t have. Just a suggestion.
Robert
Bought a 2016 GMC Acadia for its size ( seats and cargo). Just drove past a 2017 GMC Acadia, looks good on the outside but inside looks to be to small for my needs. I have kids in college and need all that room when I go back and forth. I guessed I will look elsewhere when I need to replace. Big disappointment.
Look at the 2017 Acadia limited! Same interior size at the 2016.
Yeah just a little over priced..
One of the main reasons I leased my 2015 Acadia because of its size. Love it can carry 8 people comfortable and carry almost everything I threw at it. I was certain I would get a new Acadia when my lease ends later this year until I saw how small the new body style is compare to the my 2015. Now the new Acadia is just like any other mid size SUV out there. Gone is the unique competitive advantage. Why GM would kill a winning formula is beyond me.
Now I might just go with a Mazda CX9 which has a much nicer interior or something else.
Bad move GM/GMC
If I would have wanted a smaller GMC SUV I would have purchased a Terrain. I probably have bought my last Acadia and got the 2016 before they reduced the size. Loss of the cargo room is a loser for me.
they left the traverse and enclave both with the same amount of room as the old acadia. the terrain is wayyy smaller than the new redesigned Acadia!!!!! totally different set ups and vehicles….
If GM wants to make the new Acadia work, they should get rid of the third row of seats altogether. Just make it a two-row SUV instead of a three-row vehicle and it’ll be a winner.
I hate the smaller size. I have a 13 Acadia and I absolutely love it. I looked up upgrading to a new one but I hate the smaller size. HATE IT. bad move GMC.
I just bought a 2014, I refuse to buy the new one that’s smaller. I needed the space. It is just what I need without having to buy a more exspensive Yukon.
Just bought a 2016 Acadia SLT….the BEST vehicle for long journeys with our 3 dogs and 2 cats since my 1992 AWD Aerostar. Purchased from Carvana. WHO buys an SUV and worries about 1 or 2 MPG? Fantastic in the snow. Ground clearance is adequate for the country roads we sometime take. Rides like a car but FEELS like an SUV! Test drove new 2019 2020 Cherokees, Explorers,Acadias etc…..nothing but a modern day station wagons.