Remember how so many complained that GMC made the second-generation Acadia a size class smaller, moving it from full-size to midsize status, or how the brand-new crossover placed dead last in a recent family crossover comparison? Well, forget about all that — because GM’s Big Red brand was right about making the 2017 GMC Acadia smaller, and the naysayers were wrong.
That’s because the crossover has set all-time sales records for each of the last eight months, starting in September 2016. Granted, the Acadia is setting records in a market ripe for crossovers… but a sale is a sale and a record is a record, no matter how you look at it.
To wit: in September 2016, the Acadia accounted for 6,795 U.S. deliveries, which is only about 2.2 percent higher than the 6,647 units sold in September 2015 — the second-highest September sales result in the Acadia’s history. But the biggest jump is in March 2017, when Acadia deliveries jumped 84 percent to 11,432 units compared to 6,214 units in March 2016. The second-highest March sales result is March 2013, when the Acadia accounted for 10,006 deliveries. Even so, the March 2017 figure is 14.2 percent higher than the March 2013 number.
Sales Results - USA - Acadia
Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | 2,558 | 2,558 | 2,558 | 3,336 | 3,336 | 3,336 | 4,818 | 4,818 | 4,818 | 5,680 | 5,680 | 5,680 | 49,178 |
2023 | 5,315 | 5,315 | 5,315 | 8,068 | 8,068 | 8,068 | 5,133 | 5,133 | 5,133 | 3,591 | 3,591 | 3,591 | 66,322 |
2022 | 3,112 | 3,112 | 3,112 | 5,110 | 5,110 | 5,110 | 4,802 | 4,802 | 4,802 | 4,647 | 4,647 | 4,647 | 53,014 |
2021 | 6,652 | 6,652 | 6,652 | 8,755 | 8,755 | 8,755 | 3,152 | 3,152 | 3,152 | 1,411 | 1,411 | 1,411 | 59,913 |
2020 | 5,895 | 5,895 | 5,895 | 5,081 | 5,081 | 5,081 | 6,077 | 6,077 | 6,077 | 7,126 | 7,126 | 7,126 | 72,537 |
2019 | 10,400 | 10,400 | 10,400 | 9,473 | 9,473 | 9,473 | 6,779 | 6,779 | 6,779 | 6,490 | 6,490 | 6,490 | 99,429 |
2018 | 7,444 | 10,705 | 11,751 | 6,703 | 6,703 | 6,702 | 4,495 | 4,495 | 4,495 | 8,376 | 8,376 | 8,376 | 88,621 |
2017 | 8,899 | 8,781 | 11,432 | 10,164 | 8,835 | 7,884 | 9,722 | 9,497 | 7,564 | 9,012 | 8,649 | 10,837 | 111,276 |
2016 | 5,385 | 6,972 | 6,214 | 7,004 | 6,407 | 6,200 | 7,462 | 6,101 | 6,795 | 8,569 | 9,168 | 12,189 | 88,466 |
2015 | 5,898 | 7,061 | 7,410 | 8,767 | 10,498 | 9,421 | 10,671 | 9,050 | 6,647 | 6,928 | 6,776 | 7,266 | 96,393 |
2014 | 5,463 | 6,780 | 8,339 | 6,283 | 6,282 | 8,023 | 8,095 | 8,216 | 6,392 | 6,368 | 6,408 | 7,323 | 83,972 |
2013 | 5,188 | 6,628 | 10,006 | 6,681 | 8,815 | 9,174 | 7,564 | 7,801 | 5,565 | 6,882 | 7,566 | 7,923 | 89,793 |
2012 | 4,870 | 6,630 | 5,649 | 6,087 | 9,128 | 9,796 | 7,390 | 8,148 | 6,159 | 5,613 | 3,631 | 5,179 | 78,280 |
2011 | 5,723 | 7,547 | 6,418 | 6,912 | 6,926 | 6,285 | 10,424 | 6,491 | 5,287 | 5,034 | 4,886 | 7,355 | 79,288 |
2010 | 5,460 | 6,478 | 6,824 | 4,877 | 5,823 | 5,862 | 5,574 | 4,223 | 4,608 | 5,407 | 5,541 | 7,618 | 68,295 |
*** This manufacturer is now publishing only quarterly numbers for this market. Monthly figures may be averages.
And though there will be those that will always complain about the size of the second-gen Acadia, it would appear that the crossover hits at the sweetspot at large has taken a liking to GMC’s first true midsize CUV and we wouldn’t be surprised if the much-speculated 2019 Chevy Blazer will come to enjoy a similar level of success, as it is rumored to ride on the same regular wheelbase C1 platform and be the same size as the second-gen Acadia.
What’s more, moving the second-gen Acadia into the midsize space gives GMC an opportunity to introduce an even larger, full-size CUV. Having both a midsize and full-size crossover enables the brand to generate a much higher combined sales volume from both crossovers than one model could ever account for. A potential full-size GMC crossover would essentially share the dimensions of the 2018 Chevy Traverse and 2018 Buick Enclave, while wearing the Acadia XL badge.
Notes Of Interest
For the sake of full disclosure, we feel responsible to state the following:
- Sales figures in the table above include deliveries of the second-gen Acadia as well as the first-gen Acadia, which was sold alongside the all-new, second-generation 2017 Acadia as the 2017 Acadia Limited.
- GMC does not split out sales of the second-gen model vs. first-gen Acadia Limited, but we have reason to believe that the sales figures are mostly comprised of the second-generation model, with the first-gen Acadia Limited comprising 10-15 percent of total Acadia sales starting in Q2 2016
- A circumstance that could contribute to the increase in Acadia deliveries is an increased delivery rate to fleet customers.
More Information & Reporting
- GMC Acadia info
- 2017 GMC Acadia info
- 2018 GMC Acadia info
- 2018 GMC Acadia changes, updates, new features
- 2018 GMC Acadia order guide
- Running GMC Acadia sales numbers
Comments
I had one of these to drive the other day while getting some work on my truck done.
I was glade to get it since the wife wants one.
I must say it was much better than I expected even in SLE trim. Even the 4 cylinder ran decent for such a large vehicle. I still would rather have a V6.
The one beef I had was the auto stop was a pain as it shook on start at every light.
The ride and drive was great and it really did not feel like a FWD.
One other beef is that he installed Denali rocker covers in a SLE. That is a big slip for today’s standards but not one many would notice or complain about.
The reason they are selling so well is they are discounting them well. When I was truck shopping I could get a $51k Denali for $41k and that was a good buy. Many GMC dealers were offering similar deals.
I noticed many in this area on the roads so many have taken advantage of the deals.
I’ve been following this one pretty closely and the incentives are on par with the rest of the crossover lineup. They’re not out of control… and the example you present is a one- or two-time occurrence.
Even so, it’s worth noting that when GM places their cars in direct segments like with the new Acadia, sales shoot up. I expect the same to take place with the 2018 Equinox and Terrain.
The Nox has already taken off as you could fling a dead possum and the odds are good you could hit one.
The last two week they are everywhere.
I was not a fan on the show floor but out in the wild they do look very nice.
It also looked smaller and lower but next to our Terrain even on the 19″ wheels the size is ever so close.
The interior is much better.
Anyways the wife likes ther Acadia styling so that may be the next purchase. I am ok with either as she has to drive it so get her what she wants.
It will be interesting how the Terrain styling goes.
The price incentives really did help on the Acadia as most of them on large discounts were Denali models and most on the road are Denali models with temp tags.
I’m assuming you’re referring to the second-gen Equinox, which has taken off… but my comment specifically mentions the 2018 Nox, which sold 4,500 units in April. Its success is highly limited due to availability/supply constraints associated with almost any vehicle launch, so it has yet to take off.
Again, the Acadia incentives were a one and two-month affair… so I would caution in attributing the Acadia’s substantial and sustained increases in sales volume on them. They helped in April and perhaps in December (partial month incentive change-over). Outside of that, incentives have been in line with or below segment average.
Mind you, this observation is not a seat-of-the-pants “I see Denalis on the road” or “I see incentives this month so it must mean they have been around for the last 5 months” type of deal. This is something we actually track here at GMA month after month (and will soon make available to our readers).
Cheers!
This the third-generation Equinox…..
Correct. The second-gen Equinox “took off” but the 2018 (third gen) has yet to the constraints I outlined in my comment above.
No I am speaking of the latest model.
I know models are limited but they are already in a short time moving off the lots and onto the streets. Often it can take many new vehicles 6 months to a year to pick up like the first gen Cruze and even the second gen Acadia.
We saw the second gen Nox jump right off the lots as well the Colorado as supplies are still slim. on it and the GMC.
I understand you watch the number as I also do. But I also make observations of inventories and the number of temp tags on the road. I have been watching the Acadia due to the wife’s interest and with the incentives they have really moved even more product in the last few months. The number show it for the last two months and I expect it will continue for May.
More on the streets will also help sell more product when the incentives are cut back. More people will discover them and take a look.
Often many cars get over looked due to the fact few are seen in many areas. People just have not clue on some models.
Out of sight out of mind.
You are ok looking at overall numbers but also you have to look at supplies and how long they sit on the lots when supplies are low. This is a indicator of how well something is selling. I found this on the mid size trucks as many dealers did not have more than 1-3 Crew Short beds. Some dealers even now do not have one truck yet in inventory and when they get them they last about a week or two at best.
I was lucky to find mine.
We shopped the Nox when it arrived on the second gen. The dealers were moving them in days so there was always little supply. The prices remained up for nearly 2 years with few deals till we went in 12 to get out Terrain.
Metric have six ways to Sunday to look at them, It is like looking at the polls for an election as you have tells you can watch for in the public and often they lead to indications if a product will be a hit early. Right now the third gen I believe will pick up where the last one left off.
The Nox and Terrain were odd though. While most products start fast and slow down. They both grew sales each and every year till just recently. That is a reverse trend that you normally do not see but it was a good tend and puts pressure on the new model.
The Acadia is really starting to grow on me. I think it could use more powertrain options, but truth be told, I think all the C1XX crossovers could use more powertrain options (save for maybe the Traverse and Blazer).
Why haven’t we seen a forced-induction LGX?
There is a forced-induction LGX called the LGW, though it’s 0.6L smaller in displacement and therefore not a direct replacement to the LF3/LF4.
LGW info:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/gm-engines/lgw/
That said, a performance variant of the Traverse would be great to compete with the Explorer Sport with an LF3/LF4 or LG# replacement. The same holds true for the Acadia and rumored 2019 Blazer — would be great to have a rival to the Edge Sport with a boosted LGW.
The Acadia is a perfect sized SUV, it is however missing alot.
First of all the Acadia should be built on a modified Alpha chassis making it RWD based with AWD optional.
Secondly, the 420hp 3.6L Twin turbo v6 should be the base engine while the 455hp 6.2L LT 1 V8 should be the top of the line engine option.
Third. The 10-speed auto should be standard in RWD setup with an optional AWD setup with magnetic ride, Brembo brakes, adjustable suspension, etc.
The V8 AWD 10-speed should be an SS Version to combat the Durango SRT-392
Except Durango doesn’t even sell that well
vbondjr1 That’s just wishful thinking.
First of all, the days of rear-drive crossovers in the mainstream space are numbered. Not counting the Wrangler, the only ones remaining are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango. I would not be surprised to see both move to a transverse-engine/front-drive platform for the next generation as all automakers look to draw scale efficiencies between crossovers and sedans.
Second, the vehicle you’re describing is quite cool (and I like the Durango SRT and GC SRT myself)… but both sell in such small quantities, that I don’t think either will see a next generation… especially if they switch to a transverse/FWD platform.
Third, making such things as the 420-hp LF3 the standard engine will require the addition of standard AWD, propelling the STARTING price of the Acadia to roughly $40,000. How many do you think they’ll sell at that volume? How will that impact the vehicle program’s CAFE standing in the grand scheme of things?
And finally: the Alpha platform is not capable of supporting crossovers. If it were, then the Cadillac XT3/4 and XT5 would be riding on it. Perhaps A2 will support CUV applications. But even so, the days of mainstream crossovers on RWD platforms are numbered, as per #1.
Even BMW’s own X1 went from a 3-series platform to the mini platform
Yes, and the second gen X1 is fine vehicle… though I personally would still take the RWD first-gen over it.
It’s interesting to note that the transition of the X1 from RWD to FWD platform happened because of the space constraints in the 3 series architecture and BMW’s desire to make all 1/2 series level vehicles ride on its new FWD-based platform, shares with MINI.
We have a 2017 Acadia Denali. A few likes and a few dislikes:
Likes: Drives nicely, handles more like a car. Decent power with V6. Looks nice.
Dislikes: Smaller than last generation. “Wood” trim is terrible, looks like shelf paper. “Leather” seating feels like vinyl. Radio/control panel is slow. I can start the car and back out the garage to the street before the rearview camera comes on. You have to have an app on your phone to get the handsfree to work. The memory seat keeps forgetting.
Good observations, thanks for sharing Mike 🙂
I think that it’s worthy to note that the second-gen Acadia was not meant to be a direct replacement for the first-gen Acadia. Perhaps they should have called it a different name, while keeping the Acadia name reserved for the rumored/potentially-coming full-size Acadia XL.
Also, you should not need an app on the phone to have handsfree (by which I assume you meant Bluetooth) to work. It works with any Bluetooth-equipped phone out of the box. Now, if you’re referring to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, that’s different… but those work out of the box also on Apple iPhones and vary from phone to phone on the Android side of the world.
Alex-
Since the Enclave/Traverse are getting the new 9 speed, has GM confirmed that the Acadia will receive it as well for the 2018 model year? It seems implied, but I was hoping for confirmation to aid my purchase decision and timing.
Brian – nothing on the 9-speed for the 2018 Acadia:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2017/05/2018-gmc-acadia-sees-new-color-expanded-availability-of-v-6-engine-and-all-terrain-package/
Fingers crossed for 2019…
The problem with the acadia is value. A base highlander with a v6(in Canada)is a much nicer vehicle over the four cylinder Acadia. Incentives will have to increase for me to even consider one.
Not sure if you are getting out incentives but I was looking at $10k off MSRP ON MODT Denali models and found them a very good value rapt that price.
As for Highlander it is a matter of perspective. To me they are not worth the money other than trade value. They are not over priced but nothing special for the price they are. But that is my opinion and one of how many out there.
I think it’s the same problem for highlander and pilot as both in their top end trims does not look like they’re worth more than 47k
The truth is most of these models in top trim are not worth the cost but many people buy for image of owning the top model.
Hey I on a Denali but I only bought it once they discounted it yo the same price I was going to pay for the SLT. But now that I own it everyone miss a big deal that it is the Denali.
Hey more power to any of these companies as the can make good money on these worth it or not.
Why does the All Terrain package come with a mandatory third row seat delete? As best as I have been able to find, there is no mechanical/structural reason the third row seat had to be removed to accommodate the change in rear differential.
It’s a “head scratcher” of a move by GM.
This restriction has been removed for the 2018 model year. Probably just an initial production restriction:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2017/05/2018-gmc-acadia-sees-new-color-expanded-availability-of-v-6-engine-and-all-terrain-package/
Or they’re testing water for all-terrain model
I’m aware that all will hate me when I at that Dodge Durango trumps Arcadia and comes with a greater discount.
I’m expecting 20 down votes.
As a two year noob to all things GM (Buick Encore 2015) I must say few GM cars GRAB me. Probably under ten in all. That’s not bad considering entire lines of cars (Hyandai, Volkswagon, Chrysler) don’t even inspire further attention.
When I bought my Encore the GMC Terrain of 2015 was saying, “Look at me.” “I”m bigger.” “I’ve got a funky square-ish design but really that’s kind of the cool part.” This model of the car ALWAYS makes my head turn.
The Acadias from the same period? Meh. Too big, too bulky. All the refinement on the Terrain totally missing on Acadia.
I’ve seen the new Terrain. Despite the asinine gear buttons which make the vehicle a non-starter I simply dislike the new look. Gone is the obvious indication it’s a Terrain. Now it looks like a ‘Nox that was minimally tweaked and rebadged. With bald disinterest.
The Acadia? A too big bus you couldn’t GIVE me? Like the old Terrain I can see it coming up the road. Very distinctive, very smart, a head turner.