After nine model-years as a full-size SUV, the GMC Acadia has been reborn as a midsize crossover for the 2017-MY. The new vehicle now shares General Motors’ Lambda platform with the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave and joins a class crowded with the likes of the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, and Toyota Highlander.

The Acadia still seats up to seven people in three rows and can tow up to two tons, but it’s about 7 inches shorter (by length and by height), 3.5 inches thinner, and 700 pounds lighter than the 2016. The maximum cargo capacity drops from 116 cubic feet to 79.

The base powerplant is a 2.5-liter four-banger that delivers 193 horsepower (hp) and 188 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque.

Specs for 2017-MY GMC Acadia

Specs for 2017-MY GMC Acadia

An optional 3.6-liter V-6 ups the ante to 301 hp and 271 lb.-ft.; both are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and can be equipped with front- or all-wheel drive.

Any configuration — involving the 2.5-liter — burns 23 miles per gallon (mpg) in combined city and highway driving. That is competitive for the segment, but the base engine’s 193 horsies could leave some drivers thirsty for more.

The big V-6 manages a combined score of 21 and 20 mpg with front- and all-wheel drive, respectively.

The Acadia is available in SL, SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1, SLT-2, and Denali trims. The base model comes with 17-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition, three-zone climate control, and built-in Wi-Fi. Buying into the SLE and SLT market brings extras such as a power liftgate, running lamps, all-wheel drive, the ability to add the V-6, a dual-pane sunroof, and more.

The top-of-the-line Denali gets all of the above plus unique lighting and styling cues, including a toothy grille. A trail-crushing All Terrain package, which can be bolted onto any Acadia equipped with the V-6 and all-wheel drive, adds GMC’s “Active Twin” clutch, hill descent control, roof rails, and 18- or 20-inch wheels.

The new Acadia is in showrooms now. MSRPs start at $29,070 for the base model and range up to $46,240 for the Denali. Fleet buyers who carry a torch for the prior generation can, until further notice, opt for the Acadia Limited, which carries over from 2016 with a base price of $43,850.

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Tariq Kamal

Tariq Kamal

Contributing Editor

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