Spy Pictures: GMC Acadia Refresh Caught Testing
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GM has a refresh planned for the current, second-generation GMC Acadia – and that’s exactly what our spy shooter has just caught roaming the streets of Michigan.
The white tester model features a healthy amount of camouflage concealing the front and rear ends, suggesting that GMC’s midsize crossover is in for a nip-tuck in the near future. The updates will likely give the Acadia design cues introduced by the new, second-generation 2018 GMC Terrain.
The 2018 GMC Terrain front end might foreshadow what we will see with the GMC Acadia refresh
The rear end of the GMC Acadia refresh might gain design elements similar to this 2018 GMC Terrain
We’re not quite sure what purpose that black strip of camo tape along the lower edge of the doors serves, though it could be masking a new door cladding treatment. Additionally, it doesn’t look like the cabin is covered up in any way, telling us that the interior isn’t likely to get any updates for this round of the Acadia refresh.
The second-gen Acadia was introduced for the 2017 model year, and the refresh pictured here will likely arrive for the 2020 model year. That would mark a rather quick turn for a refresh of an all-new model, similar to what’s taken place with the updated 2019 Spark, 2019 Cruze, 2019 Malibu and 2019 Camaro on the Chevrolet side of the house. Other examples include the updated 2019 Cadillac CT6, 2019 Cadillac XT5 and 2019 Buick LaCrosse – with the latter two models expected to get refreshes in the near future.
We expect the 2020 GMC Acadia to continue being powered by the same engines as the 2017-2019 models, namely the standard 2.5L LCV I4 as well as the optional 3.6L LGX V6. However, the current model’s 6-speed automatic gearbox will be replaced by the new GM 9-speed automatic transmission that was co-developed with Ford.
Stay tuned as we learn more about the 2020 GMC Acadia refresh, as well as for more GMC Acadia news.
GMC Acadia
2017 GMC Acadia during its launch media drive
The GMC Acadia is a mid-size crossover utility vehicle (CUV). It is the largest GMC crossover currently offered, slotting above the compact GMC Terrain.
The current model was introduced for the 2017 model year and represents the second generation of the Acadia nameplate. It rides on the GM C1 platform shared with the Cadillac XT5. It is expected that the upcoming, future Chevrolet Blazer will ride on the same platform. Meanwhile, the second-generation Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave use a longer-wheelbase variant of the same architecture.
Compared to its first-generation predecessor, the second-gen Acadia is an all-new vehicle that is one size segment smaller, while also being sleeker, more modern, more tech-laden and much lighter. Despite its smaller size, the second-gen Acadia manages to retain three rows of seating and generous cargo space.
The GMC Acadia is built exclusively at the GM Spring Hill factory in Tennessee operated by GM USA.
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That black tape is covering the strip that say Denali. They are just hiding the name.
The wheels are new and better looking.
Shark fin antenna on the roof is ne too.
Note the white panel under it. That is black on present model C1XX models.
I would guess 2020.
Cars are changing too quickly nowadays. But in the crossover market that’s how you stay competitive I guess.
Not really. We’re just in the middle of a model shift from cars to crossovers. Most models still average around a 6-year cycle with a refresh 3 years in. Cars changed the quickest in the late 50s and early 60s, when they often had a facelift every year. Pickup trucks have definitely been changing faster though., now that buyers demand more from them.
Back in the 60s and 70s they made noticeable changes just about every year. If you knew what you were looking at you could know exactly what year the car was.
This notion of them sitting for 5 years with no change is a feature they picked up in the 80s and I’m glad to see they’re moving away from it.
I’m going out on a limb and predicting the refresh will result in a larger grille and a “bolder, more confident” appearance.
Hope to see LED Headlights
I just expect some tweaks to the grille but a change in the head lamps to more Terrain/new Sierra like. They may change from HID to LED. At least on the Denali.
As for change cars use to change yearly. Nice to see the cycles speed up.
The reason I expect this to be the 2020 is the new Holden version is much the same as the present one.
I’m glad the Acadia is getting a refresh. I’ve never really liked the front end of this generation. It doesn’t really fit in with the rest of the lineup.
I think it’s boring. The Terrain has character which is what the Acadia lacks. It’s not ugly like some competitors tho
In this hot segment GM can’t afford to run the same looking vehicle for much past 3 years . Although GM had luck withe 2nd generation Equinox and Terrain untouched for 6 years and then only a front end treatment for their final 2 years , and the SRX for 6 years as well .
That black tape on the front doors is wider than on the rear , could it be hiding the Acadia name and the mirrors look different too . Also that feature line in the fenders look to slope more down towards the front clip , or it’s the lighting .
Above statements are true that GM used to change body styles , grills , headlights and tailights on a yearly basis especially at Oldsmobile , how could they afford to do that then and not now with technology as it is . Front ends and bumper covers are all injected plastic covers , but back in the day bumpers were actually chromes metal as well as the grills .
Can they add some ground clearance to this, it just looks so LOW?!? To me that’s the biggest drawback of the “new” Acadia versus the older one.
I really think that GM needs to put the 2.0 turbo engine from the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse RS into the updated GMC Acadia model. The 2.5 liter base engine needs to go away. That engine is a straight DOG! Make the 3.6 liter V-6 the standard engine across the Acadia line up and put a high output 2.0 turbo in the SLT and in the Denali. We still don’t have standard HID headlamps in the Acadia like the new 2018 GMC Terrain.
i hope they change the ugly front grill,,when a car dealer said they screw the acadia it mean something,,
I think the GMC Acadia could do awesome with better reliability and mostly a great transmission like the new GM 9 speed!
My 2017 Denali with 12000 miles just got a brand new transmission. Some weird, 1-off problem that GM decided required a new trans so they could do an autopsy on my old 6 speed. Otherwise the reliability has been spot-on. Rides good, drives good, MPG is good. Love it!
I’m glad they’re putting the new 9 speed in it. I really hope one can finally get the twin clutch awd system in the Denali this time around instead of only in the All Terrain.
What is shown is a 2020.
The order info is out and only color and a few option package changes are due.
No body or transmission changes yet on the Acadia per order info.
where can I view the 2019 order guide?
found at gmfleet
lots of new colors
black edition
not much else
It sickens me that these updates are not being applied to the Impala as they should be