Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

2018 GMC Acadia

The GMC Acadia Aims to Impress

GMC has long been known as a truck manufacturer, but that all began to change in 2007, when the automaker rolled out its first crossover vehicle. Even more importantly, rather than using a truck platform, GMC built its first crossover on a car platform. That new crossover sports utility vehicle was the GMC Acadia.

Since that initial rollout, the GMC Acadia has incrementally gone from a large crossover SUV to what the market refers to as a midsize crossover. With that significant modification, the Acadia has continued to gain popularity in the SUV market.

Last year, GMC introduced a brand new, redesigned Acadia. In 2018 the GMC Acadia carried over that momentum, further redesigning the SUV’s body style and adding additional features and options.

Spacious and Comfortable

 

As previously noted, the GMC Acadia is considered a midsize crossover, but that doesn’t mean it’s not spacious. In fact, it’s just the opposite. GMC has been both ingenious and innovative when it comes to the Acadia’s cabin space. The midsize crossover can seat up to seven passengers and comes with available third-row seating.

Comfort begins the moment you’re walking toward your vehicle, with Keyless Open-and-Start technology coming standard on the 2018 GMC Acadia. This technology provides you with the convenience of your vehicle unlocking and interior lights turning on within seconds after detecting your key fob and confirming its code when you are in proximity of the vehicle. Once inside, to turn the ignition on, you simply need to apply the brake and press the start button. How convenient is that?

Nothing says comfort like having conveniences of your home and office at your fingertips on the road, which the Acadia provides. You have access to numerous standard and available features, depending on your vehicle’s configuration, housed in a high-tech cabin space. Features include a seven- or eight-inch Infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, five USB ports, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and OnStar services. GMC did not forget about the rear passengers. The Acadia offers access to rear climate control and a second row pull-out console.

If you need to haul cargo, whether it’s packages from a shopping trip or material for a home-renovation product, the Acadia can accommodate your needs. The second row—and available third-row—seating can be folded down flat, extending the cargo space to 79.0 cubic feet. Additionally, GMC has included covered, in-floor storage space at the back of the SUV, immediately beyond the rear seating.

Overall, whether you’re seated in the front or rear, you will be able to experience everything the Acadia has to offer in a quiet environment, courtesy of Active Noise Cancellation. This feature, as the name implies, is designed to reduce the noise from any of the car’s systems, as well as outside noises, such as the wind and traffic.

Powered for Success

 

The 2018 GMC Acadia comes standard with the 2.5-liter dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) four-cylinder spark-ignited direct injection (SIDI) engine, yielding 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet lb-ft. of torque. This engine comes equipped with Stop/Start Technology and Variable Valve Timing (VVT) designed to enhance performance.

The Stop/Start Technology monitors the engine, switching it off when power is not needed. This simple process maximizes fuel efficiency.  VVT also enhances performance. This innovative technology monitors the intake/exhaust valve system, varying the timing of the valve-lift process in both systems. The variable timing of the valve-lift process maximizes fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. The result is enhanced performance.

The 2018 GMC Acadia also comes with an available 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine that yields 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft. of torque.

Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Safety Is a Priority

 

You can drive with confidence knowing the 2018 GMC Acadia is designed to keep you and your passengers safe, including and especially the younger passengers.

The 2018 Acadia comes standard with Teen Driver. This feature keeps your teen safe on the road by initiating a specific set of features, if available, that motivate teens to drive safely. Additionally, this technology allows parents to set limits on other vehicle features. Teen Driver provides teens and their parents with a report card, outlining their driving trips. This is an excellent tool for parents and teens to work together to improve their driving skills and keep everyone safe on the highway

A Rear Vision Camera is another standard feature the new Acadia offers. The camera provides drivers with a clear view of any stationary objects obstructing the driver’s path when backing up to avert a potential collision.

The 2018 GMC Acadia also offers a host of available safety features. Here are of a couple of them.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert is an excellent complement to the standard Rear Vision Camera. This feature alerts drivers to any moving objects obstructing their path as they attempt to back up or are backing out of a parking spot.

Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert is especially helpful when driving on the highway. This feature will alert you if there is a vehicle or vehicles in your blind spot when attempting to make a lane change. The system will provide a visual alert in the side mirror.

Everyone wants to be safe on the highway, and GMC took that into consideration with the new Acadia.

Impressive Towing Capacity

When you talk about towing capacity, typically a truck is the cornerstone of that conversation. The 2018 GMC will change those dynamics because … well … it’s not your typical midsize SUV. With the standard 2.5-liter engine, the Acadia has a maximum towing capacity of 1,000 pounds. Impressive, right? There’s more.

Opting for the available 3.6-liter engine quadruples this midsize SUV’s maximum towing capacity to 4,000 pounds. In a nutshell, at its maximum capacity, the new Acadia can tow two tons. And if you need a physical comparison, two tons is roughly equivalent to two adult African elephants.

Conclusion

 

The 2018 GMC Acadia is a good selection if you’re shopping for a midsize crossover SUV. It’s a versatile vehicle that’s going to keep you safe when driving to work or heading off on a road trip. It’s heavy on options but light on your wallet. In fact, speaking of your wallet, GMC has you covered when it comes to maintaining your vehicle as well.

Pro Grade Protection comes standard on the new Acadia. GMC offers warranty coverage for pretty much all the vehicle’s key features and systems for an extended time frame. GMC even includes a couple of maintenance visits to cover routine services needed.

If you want to learn more about the 2018 GMC Acadia, how GMC’s Pro Grade Protection helps you take care of your vehicle after the sale, or you simply want to experience this midsize crossover SUV firsthand, call or visit your local GMC dealership today. A professional sales staff is waiting to assist you.