GMC Acadia going big again?
07-07-22 | 10:56 AM
#1
GMC Acadia going big again?
GM shrank the Acadia for 2017
GMC is testing what looks a lot like a new full-size SUV alongside its current midsize Acadia, signaling the likelihood that it will return to full-size segment after the current generation has run its course. GM downsized the Acadia for the 2017 redesign, carving nearly 10 inches off its length and 3 inches from its girth. For the next generation, it appears that script will be aggressively flipped.
The hierarchy of GM's unibody family SUVs was already a bit wonky before the Acadia's 2017 redesign, and continues to be now. While it would be logical for the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave and Cadillac XT6 — all three-row crossovers — to be different skins on the same fundamental chassis, that's not actually the case. The Acadia is a full foot shorter than either the Traverse or Enclave, with the XT6 falling in between. Based on these photos, that will no longer be the case when the new GMC Acadia debuts. Since the current one went on sale in 2016 as a 2017 model, it's about due for a replacement.
The hierarchy of GM's unibody family SUVs was already a bit wonky before the Acadia's 2017 redesign, and continues to be now. While it would be logical for the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave and Cadillac XT6 — all three-row crossovers — to be different skins on the same fundamental chassis, that's not actually the case. The Acadia is a full foot shorter than either the Traverse or Enclave, with the XT6 falling in between. Based on these photos, that will no longer be the case when the new GMC Acadia debuts. Since the current one went on sale in 2016 as a 2017 model, it's about due for a replacement.
We can't see much beyond basic proportions here, but those tell a clear story. It's pretty obvious that the hood on the prototype is wider and sits higher than on the current car, with perhaps less slope to the now-wider nose. We can also see the faintest impressions of creasing on the flanks, likely leading to the same broad, angular hip treatment present on the current car. Viewed side-by-side, we can see a little more front and rear overhang. There's no obvious hint of substantially longer wheelbase here (the rear doors line up almost perfectly), so we're probably looking at something that is wider but not necessarily much longer.
In any event, we shouldn't have to wait too long to find out exactly what GM has in store for its "Pro" brand.
In any event, we shouldn't have to wait too long to find out exactly what GM has in store for its "Pro" brand.
07-07-22 | 01:50 PM
#2
Lexus Fanatic
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Time and sales will tell, but I'm not sure that retro-expansion is the way to go with the Acadia.
Many buyers and potential buyers seemed to like the downsizing for 2017, although the awkward push-pull shifter buttons received some (IMO, legitimate) complaints.
I myself considered a recent Acadia (among several other choices) before I went with the smaller Encore GX.
Many buyers and potential buyers seemed to like the downsizing for 2017, although the awkward push-pull shifter buttons received some (IMO, legitimate) complaints.I myself considered a recent Acadia (among several other choices) before I went with the smaller Encore GX.
Last edited by mmarshall; 07-07-22 at 06:23 PM.
07-07-22 | 05:58 PM
#6
Pole Position
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From: IL
Makes me think they didn't want the Acadia literally casting a shadow on the "luxury"-priced Enclave with which it shares a showroom. Typical GM (think Malibu with no back seat so the Epsilon II Impala would still sell), but it sounds like the marketplace has spoken, and bigger is better. The demand for 3-row hogs is insatiable.
07-07-22 | 05:59 PM
#7
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The size of those big GM crossovers is excellent. The Traverse and Enclave have great space, but I don't like the egglike look and feel of the Enclave, or the look and feel of the Chevy, but I would be interested in a GMC version.
I rented an Enclave for a week in FL and really liked it...but I hate how they look.
I rented an Enclave for a week in FL and really liked it...but I hate how they look.
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07-07-22 | 06:22 PM
#8
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Virginia
GMC downsized the Acadia to differentiate in the lineup and showroom, as well as give something for GMC to go against the Grand Cherokee. Grand Cherokee has since brought out its own 3 row, but the 2 row is still quite popular and not going away any time soon.
I think it would be a miss to give up the smaller size unless they bring a better 2-row size (similar to current Blazer) to go alongside the massive 3-row length of the Traverse and Enclave.
The 3-row in the Acadia was quite serviceable, if not leaving a ton of space behind it when used, similar to the Sorento today. Plenty of people looking to avoid the 200 inch plus lengths that Traverse/Enclave are.
I think it would be a miss to give up the smaller size unless they bring a better 2-row size (similar to current Blazer) to go alongside the massive 3-row length of the Traverse and Enclave.
The 3-row in the Acadia was quite serviceable, if not leaving a ton of space behind it when used, similar to the Sorento today. Plenty of people looking to avoid the 200 inch plus lengths that Traverse/Enclave are.
07-07-22 | 06:34 PM
#9
Lexus Fanatic
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https://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/09...move-says-gmc/
I suspect, though, that after 2019, some potential buyers either decided to start moving up to Cadilllac, or, perhaps, defect to Lincoln's newer SUVs, which despite their noted unreliability, have superbly-done fit/finish and interiors.
07-07-22 | 06:39 PM
#10
Lexus Fanatic
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07-07-22 | 06:45 PM
#11
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Have you seen the Sport-Touring package for it.....or doesn't that package alter the looks of it enough for your taste?
I know you like posh luxury, but I would not recommend the Avenir version. Buick stubbornly (and, foolishly, IMO) puts lower-profile tires on that version that have a stiffer ride.
Last edited by mmarshall; 07-07-22 at 06:50 PM.
07-07-22 | 07:33 PM
#12
Lexus Fanatic
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Each to his own, I guess, but the downsized 2017 and later models actually did quite well in the marketplace.....particularly in 2017 and 2019, where 2017 was a record year. A lot of buyers apparently liked the new design. Ford, unfortunately, no longer has a brand between Ford and Lincoln the way GM does with the GMC brand in between Chevy and Cadillac.
https://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/09...move-says-gmc/
I suspect, though, that after 2019, some potential buyers either decided to start moving up to Cadilllac, or, perhaps, defect to Lincoln's newer SUVs, which despite their noted unreliability, have superbly-done fit/finish and interiors.
https://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/09...move-says-gmc/
I suspect, though, that after 2019, some potential buyers either decided to start moving up to Cadilllac, or, perhaps, defect to Lincoln's newer SUVs, which despite their noted unreliability, have superbly-done fit/finish and interiors.
Have you seen the Sport-Touring package for it.....or doesn't that package alter the looks of it enough for your taste?
I know you like posh luxury, but I would not recommend the Avenir version. Buick stubbornly (and, foolishly, IMO) puts lower-profile tires on that version that have a stiffer ride.
I know you like posh luxury, but I would not recommend the Avenir version. Buick stubbornly (and, foolishly, IMO) puts lower-profile tires on that version that have a stiffer ride.
And I like posh luxury in a luxury sedan, but I don't need it in a family vehicle. In fact I like an SUV to look a little more rugged.
07-08-22 | 12:19 AM
#13
Lexus Test Driver
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I blasted GM for downsizing the current Acadia. And now here they are wanting to make it larger. Once again, confused with their product offerings. With the smaller Acadia, there is too big of a gap between it and the next model up- Yukon/Tahoe.
Similar to Cadillac's confusion and mis-matched sedan models.
Similar to Cadillac's confusion and mis-matched sedan models.
07-08-22 | 06:48 AM
#14
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Virginia
I blasted GM for downsizing the current Acadia. And now here they are wanting to make it larger. Once again, confused with their product offerings. With the smaller Acadia, there is too big of a gap between it and the next model up- Yukon/Tahoe.
Similar to Cadillac's confusion and mis-matched sedan models.
Similar to Cadillac's confusion and mis-matched sedan models.
There's obviously a need for the larger size, but GM has that covered with Traverse and Enclave. Definitely can see where GMC folks wouldn't want the Buick it typically shares the room with, completely different design themes etc.
Although wouldn't put it past GM to just bring all 3 sizes (2 row blazer, 3 row Acadia/XT6, 3 row Traverse/Enclave/New GMC/New Cadillac) to every brand they have.
07-08-22 | 07:46 AM
#15
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Thats why I find the size of that vehicle so appealing, I want the interior room of the Tahoe, but without the height and bulkiness of the big truck platform. Nothing taller than ~ 74 inches can fit in my garage, so that rules out a Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade but a Traverse would fit fine.