Drivers agree, the 2014 GMC Acadia delivers a smooth, whisper-quiet ride and has a spacious, comfortable cabin with an upscale interior and plenty of leg-room, a great vehicle for long road trips and for those who need the option to seat eight people.
The Acadia lineup for 2014 includes the SLE (with SLE-1 and SLE-2 trims), the SLT (with SLT-1 and SLT-2 trims) and the Denali models, with seven- or eight-passenger configurations. Acadia has a sleek, sculpted exterior design and a look of refinement from the three-bar grille and standard LED running lights in front to the standard spoiler in the rear. Halogen projector- beam headlamps are standard on SLE and SLT models, while the Denali model comes with high-intensity discharge headlights (available on SLT-2). Offered with 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheel designs that complement the exterior’s lines and stance, Acadia is stylish and functional.
Under the hood in all models is a 3.6- liter, 288 hp V-6 VVT engine with direct injection technology. The engine is mated to a Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic gearbox with automatic grade braking, shift stabilization and precise shift control, and hill start assist. The fuel-saving sixspeed automatic helps give FWD models an EPA-estimated 24 mpg on the highway.
All-wheel drive is also available and towing capability for the Acadia is 5,200 pounds when properly equipped. The intelligent AWD system provides increased traction on slippery roads by actively managing the torque distribution between the front and rear axles, based on wheel speed, throttle and surface conditions. There is no driver intervention as the system automatically decides how much torque to apply and delivers it to the wheels that have the best traction.
Acadia has developed a reputation for comfort, performance and efficiency since it was introduced as the GMC’s first crossover utility vehicle in 2007. The luxury Denali model came on market in 2010 and widened the midsize crossover’s appeal to consumers wanting a higher level of style, power and functionality.
In 2014, the Acadia focuses on safety with the addition of Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning, crashavoidance systems that use a camera and sensors to help detect when the driver is getting too close to a vehicle ahead or when the vehicle enters another lane without the use of a turn signal. The systems alert the driver with visual cues on the dashboard, as well as audible signals. They complement Side Blind Zone Alert and Cross Traffic Alert that were added in 2013. Two charging-only USB ports have been added to the rear of the center console to power up electronics from the second row.
The MSRP on the 2014 GMC Acadia ranges from: $34,335 to $48,675.
Grant Miller is the publisher of Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or by addressing email to Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com
