Detroit Debut: 2017 GMC Acadia, Shedding Pounds, and Size [Photo Gallery+Video]

2017 GMC Acadia at 2016 NAIAS in Detroit

GMC has introduced its all-new midsize Acadia crossover SUV at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, and the theme is efficiency. Bucking the trend of making larger vehicles from one generation to the next, GMC has actually given the 2017 Acadia a wheelbase that’s 6.4 inches shorter than the 2016 model, and overall length that’s been decreased by 7.2 inches. Width and height have also shrunk by several inches each. The biggest shrinkage of all, though, is the weight. The new Acadia comes in at an estimated 3,956 pound curb weight for FWD models. That’s 700 pounds lighter than the outgoing model.

When combined with the new 194 horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, GM estimates the smaller Acadia will get 28 miles per gallon on the highway and 22 in the city. If you’re willing to sacrifice a few mpg for more power, opt for the optional 3.6-liter V6 rated at 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The V6-powered version is estimated to get 17/25 mpg (city/hwy). Both variants come with a 6-speed automatic.

2017 GMC Acadia Denali Interior

Front-wheel-drive will be standard, with an AWD model available. Both models have selectable driving modes. Front-wheel-drive Acadias will get Normal, Sport, Snow, and Trailer/Tow modes, while AWD versions get 2 x 4, 4 x 4, Sport, Off-Road, and Trailer/Tow modes. Both vehicles will come with a MacPherson strut front suspension, five-link rear suspension, disc brakes at all four corners, and an available electronically controlled continuous damping system. It will be interesting to see how the downsized Acadia does against its former self. Are Americans ready to go smaller for the sake of increased maneuverability and efficiency (max seating decreases from eight to seven)? We’ll find out when the GMC goes on sale this Spring.

Learn all the important facts about the redesigned 2017 GMC Acadia in this “everything you ever wanted to know” video shot at the 2016 auto show in Detroit.