2013 GMC Acadia Preview

By Suzanne Kane

Suzanne Kane

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Suzanne Kane is an editor at High Gear Media focusing on covering the latest product and other auto-related information for Family Car Guide... More

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3,765 views Feb 8, 2012

2013 GMC Acadia

2013 GMC Acadia introduction, Chicago Auto Show, Feb 2012

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Five years after the Acadia’s launch as GMC’s first crossover, the 2013 GMC Acadia and Acadia Denali make their debut at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show sporting a new exterior design and technology and safety updates.

2013 GMC Acadia Denali introduction, Chicago Auto Show, Feb 2012

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The segment, three-row crossover SUVs, is gaining in popularity. In fact, GMC says that the Acadia and Acadia Denali (which was added mid-year 2010) had its best-selling year in 2011 with 79,288 deliveries.

With its updates for 2013, GMC is aiming to capture even more buyers looking for an eight-passenger family crossover. Acadia’s key competitors include the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander, which sold 135,704, 116,297 and 101,252 units, respectively, in 2011.

Just what are the changes to the 2013 GMC Acadia that should matter to consumers? We take a look at some of the highlights.

2013 GMC Acadia

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Styling

The most obvious changes to the new Acadia occur on the outside. In the front, there’s a new three-bar grille situated prominently in a “more upright design,” says GMC. LED daytime running lamps, new taillight design, wraparound rear glass and a new rear spoiler add to the exterior changes.

Three new wheel choices include standard 18-inch or optional 19-inch, and standard 20-inch wheels on Denali.

2013 GMC Acadia

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Interior

Upgraded soft-touch materials, French stitching, red ambient lighting on the dashboard and the SmartSlide seating system are standard. SLT and Denali models receive aluminum accents on the doors, dash and center console.

Performance

All Acadia models are powered by a 288-horsepower 3.6-liter direct-injection V-6 with variable valve timing that delivers 270 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a next-generation six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available.

EPA-estimated fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway in front-wheel drive and 16/23 mpg in all-wheel drive.

Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

2013 GMC Acadia Denali introduction, Chicago Auto Show, Feb 2012

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Safety and technology

The 2013 GMC Acadia and Acadia Denali are the first vehicles on the market with GM’s front center airbag system, designed to protect front-seat occupants from far-side impact crashes where the affected passenger or driver is on the opposite or non-struck side. How it works is that the front center airbag deploys from the inboard side of the driver’s seat and positions itself between the driver and the front passenger.

Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems are standard on the Acadia Denali and available on Acadia models.

The GMC Color Touch Radio, first introduced on the 2012 GMC Terrain, is now standard in Acadia.  The infotainment system features capacitive touch controls and available IntelliLink and HD Radio.

A rear vision camera and six months of OnStar service are standard on all models.

Other options include a rear seat entertainment system, dual SkyScape sunroof and a trailering package.

The 2013 GMC Acadia and Acadia Denali will be built in Lansing, Michigan and will go on sale later in 2012.  Pricing and more details will be available closer to the on-sale date.

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