Luxury SUVs have been around for a while now, and as modern technology continues to develop, each new model year brings more comfort and convenience to the family vehicles we already love. There’s no question, GMC is at the top of their game when it comes to SUVs. Countless families across America rely on GMC to get them where they’re going, and for good reason. Whether your focus is storage, strength, or safety, they’ve got you covered, and with an abundance of luxury options to boot. One of the most underrated of these solid vehicles is the 2019 GMC Acadia, coming fresh off the assembly line this year with more than a few great quality of life improvements.
Performance & Efficiency
The 2019 GMC Acadia has two engines at its disposal; a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is the standard option, providing 193 horsepower, 188 lb-ft of torque and a combined city/highway mileage of 23 MPG. The alternative engine option is a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder, with an output of 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. If you opt for the 3.6-liter engine, you’ll have access to the Acadia’s maximum towing capacity of 4,000 lbs, which is certainly nothing to sneeze at. After all, 4,000 lbs. is just about the same weight as the Acadia itself.
Overall the vehicle performs well, and even the standard 4-cylinder engine never leaves you wanting for more power. Its acceleration is commendable, helping it reach 60 MPH from a stopped position in barely over 6 seconds (when equipped with the V6 engine, of course). When it comes to handling, the 2019 GMC Acadia is a lot more maneuverable than you might expect from a vehicle its size. Its steering can sometimes feel a bit airy, and it’s a bit harder to feel the road through the wheel, but those are two incredibly minor drawbacks when measured against the benefits of its comprehensive driveability.
Interior & Storage
If you’re looking for an SUV, there’s a pretty good chance that you’re in the market for something with a decent storage capacity. Maybe you need a vehicle that will compliment your family outings, with enough space to fit luggage for five people, or maybe you just need enough room to fit a single pair of snow-skis. Either way, the Acadia has got you covered. Both rows of rear seating can be folded down to create a flat cargo space, and in any configuration you want. If you want to leave one seat up and load the rest of the passenger area with luggage, that option is available to you. Or, you can load only one side and keep the seats on the other side up.
In case that isn’t enough storage, the Acadia also comes equipped with a segmented compartment for additional storage underneath the floor of the main cargo area. It’s a great place to store things like umbrellas or tools that would otherwise be rattling around loose in your cabin. Another handy spot like this is the available second-row storage drawer, which works great for storing smaller items or devices.
The interior is comfortable and quiet, which probably sounds appealing to anyone who spends a significant portion of their day on the road. The seats are soft and the suspension is cooperative, creating a nice environment for long commutes. The third-row seating isn’t quite as comfortable, particularly for taller passengers, but that’s the only major drawback when it comes to the Acadia’s interior. Whether you’re carpooling a bunch of hyperactive kids or enjoying a peaceful commute to work, the Acadia is a smooth, enjoyable ride.
Entertainment
The 2019 GMC Acadia is equipped with a 7-inch display that utilizes the GMC Infotainment System. An 8-inch display is available as an upgrade, and even though one inch might not sound like a huge difference, as far as display screens are concerned, every inch counts. The system has several remarkably convenient features, and while it shares most of the same basic functions of many other infotainment systems on the market, the GMC Infotainment System is consistently more responsive and more intuitive than a majority of its competitors. While some brands’ have touch displays that lag behind or freeze up, GMC’s system just works, and there isn’t much more to it than that.
Built-in navigation is available, but if you’ve got an Android or Apple smartphone then you can skip that option and use your phone’s navigation instead. Thanks to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, your smartphone can be fully integrated into your infotainment system, and you can access apps and information on your phone completely hands-free using voice commands. Once you pair your phone with your car, you’ll be able to send texts, make calls, set a destination or pick a song, all without taking your hands off the wheel.
There are five USB ports spread throughout the cabin, so you shouldn’t have to deal with many arguments about taking turns charging devices. A fully capable 120-volt power outlet is also available, which is perfect for charging laptops on the go or plugging in a vacuum to clean. With the ability to charge any device you may need to, the 2019 GMC Acadia is ideal for entertaining passengers during long rides.
Safety
There’s nothing more important than the safety of your loved ones, so when you’re choosing a new vehicle it’s essential to find something durable and dependable. Thankfully, GMC SUVs are capable of delivering the resilience necessary to protect your priceless cargo. The 2019 Acadia is no exception, scoring well across the board in extensive crash tests administered by both the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
The 2019 Acadia offers a full suite of driver assistance features, which help to maintain maximum situational awareness. Lane change and side blind zone alerts are available and provide a visual indicator on the side view mirror when there’s a vehicle in (or approaching) one of your blind spots. Rear park assist emits an alert that increases in speed as you reverse closer to an object, allowing you to park with more confidence. Rear cross traffic alert works similarly, using sensors on the back of the car to detect approaching vehicles and then alerting you to them. This feature is most handy in crowded parking lots, or if you ever have to back out of an obstructed driveway.
A rear vision camera comes standard, as well as Teen Driver Mode. With a way to set guidelines for how your car is driven, you can not only help to reinforce positive habits in new drivers but also keep your friends from doing anything stupid if you ever let them borrow your car. The 2019 GMC Acadia’s available safety options are all wonderful ways to provide an extra layer of protection, but as with all driver assistance features, they’re no replacement for safe driving.
Closing
Even if you don’t have kids, SUVs are incredibly practical vehicles. From their often generous cargo space to their overall durability, it’s hard to go wrong with any solid SUV, and GMC has made their SUVs a priority for years. That’s why they’re known for their dependability, and why they’re one of the best brands to consider when you’re looking for a well-built luxury SUV.
