GMC Acadia – the brand’s first crossover – helped define a segment that has surged in popularity since its 2007 launch. The Denali model, added in mid-2010, broadened Acadia’s appeal to luxury customers with its combination of functionality and style.
For 2013, Acadia and Acadia Denali introduce new exterior styling, greater interior versatility and more safety features, including the industry’s first front center air bag, as well as a new infotainment system with touch-screen controls.
The Acadia lineup includes SLE, SLT (SLT1 and SLT2 trims) and Denali models, with seven- or eight-passenger configurations. All models are powered by a 3.6L V-6 VVT engine that uses gasoline direct injection technology to optimize performance and fuel economy.
The engine is paired with Acadia’s fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission to help give FWD models an estimated 9.8L/100km on the highway. The transmission controls have been revised for 2013 to provide quicker and more consistent shifts, for a higher-quality feel behind the wheel. All-wheel drive is available.
The Acadia also is capable of towing up to 2,364 kg when properly equipped.
Acadia for 2013 retains the interior functionality popular with families, including the SmartSlide seating system, which allows easy access to the third row for both seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations. Likewise, both the second and third row still fold flat for class-leading maximum cargo space.
Exterior highlights and features:
The 2013 Acadia has a new chiseled, three-bar grille that sits prominently in a more upright design, while diffused LED running lamps lend a premium look. They are standard on all models, including the standard projector-beam headlamps and foglamps. A new LED taillamp design reflects the advancements up front. Additional exterior updates include wrap-around rear glass and a new rear spoiler.
Acadia also introduces new 19- and 20-inch wheel designs that complement the redesigned exterior’s lines and stance. A body-frame integral structure enables lower entry/exit height for Acadia passengers. The front door step-in height is only 480 mm, and the rear door step-in height is 503 mm. Entry to the second- and third-row seats is easy with very wide rear doors and GM’s exclusive Smart Slide second-row seat feature.
The Acadia’s design is sleek and highlighted by chrome accents and large wheels, including 20-inch wheels on Denali models. Halogen projector-beam headlamps are standard on SLE and SLT models, while Acadia Denali comes with standard high-intensity discharge headlamps (available on SLT2).
Additional standard and available exterior features include:
- Tri-zone automatic climate control is standard on Denali and SLT trims and available on SLE (with rear entertainment system)
- Rear-seat entertainment system with USB port is available on Denali, SLT and SLE models and includes rear-seat DVD player with remote control, overhead display, Bose 5.1 surround sound system with 10 speakers and two sets of wireless headphones
- Three-prong household-type power outlet is available on SLE, SLT and Denali models equipped with the rear entertainment system
- Head-up display is standard on Denali and available on SLT
- Remote keyless entry is standard on all models
- Remote vehicle start is standard on Denali, SLT and SLE models
- Center console with sliding armrest and storage is standard on all models
- Eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat is standard on Denali and SLT
- Cloth seating trim is standard on SLE models
- Leather-appointed seating is standard on SLT models
- Perforated leather-trimmed first- and second-row seats with cooled front seats are standard on Denali and available on SLT2 models
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls is standard on SLE and SLT, and the Denali adds wood accents
- Dual SkyScape two-panel sunroof is standard on Denali and available on SLE and SLT models.
The interior color/trim combinations include Ebony and three new color combinations for 2013: Dark Cashmere, Cocoa Dune and Light Titanium.
Color Touch infotainment
GMC’s Color Touch Radio with touch-screen control is standard in the Acadia, with available Color Touch navigation (standard on Acadia Denali). Available IntelliLink allows customers to seamlessly integrate online services such as Stitcher SmartRadio® and touch-screen controls via Bluetooth-enabled phones.
IntelliLink adds stereo audio streaming and wireless control of smartphones, building on the voice-activated Bluetooth hands-free calling capability, while retaining all the capabilities of today’s entertainment functions, including AM/FM tuners, CD player with MP3 playback, auxiliary and USB inputs. Additional audio system features include a photo viewer and a standard rear-vision camera with dynamic guide lines that will display on the high-definition screen. A USB port is standard on all models, enabling passengers to plug in their own media to play through the radio.
Powertrain details
The Acadia’s 3.6L engine’s direct injection technology helps produce power similar to many V-8 engines and uses regular unleaded gasoline. It is rated at 288 horsepower and 366Nm of torque. Ninety percent of the engine’s peak torque is available from approximately 2,500 rpm to more than 6,000 rpm.The 3.6L engine is mated to the Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission, an advanced transmission with clutch-to-clutch shift operation for front- and all-wheel-drive vehicles. It also offers automatic grade braking, shift stabilization and precise shift control, as well as hill start assist.
The available intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system provides increased traction on slippery roads by actively managing the torque distribution between the front and rear axles, based on factors such as wheel speed, throttle and surface conditions. There is no driver intervention: The system automatically decides how much torque to apply and delivers it to the wheels that have the best traction.
Acadia Denali details
The Acadia Denali is available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models, as well as seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations. It stands out with its signature Denali design cues, highlighted by a monochromatic exterior and satin-chrome accents. It also wears a number of specific exterior design cues, including:
- New, three-dimensional polished grille
- Redesigned lower front and rear fascias
- Body-color lower cladding and rocker moldings and rear fascia
- Unique body-side moldings with satin-chrome accents and Denali badges
- Dual flow-through chrome exhaust outlets integrated into the rear fascia
- Twenty-inch machined aluminum wheels and optional chrome wheels
- High-Intensity Discharge headlamps.
Inside, Denali adds standard comfort and safety features, including:
- Perforated leather seating and Denali-specific Cocoa Dune upholstery color
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mahogany inserts and power tilt/telescope
- Unique aluminum trim accents
- Cooled front seats
- Accent lighting in footwells and lighted sill plates with the Denali logo
- Color Touch navigation system
- Side Blind Zone and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Dual SkyScape sunroof system, with sliding front sunroof and fixed rear section.
Acadia Denali also features an exclusive interior acoustic package that makes it the quietest model in the Acadia lineup.
Also standard on all Denali models – and all Acadia models – is hill-hold assist braking technology, which applies the brakes for 1.5 seconds when the driver’s foot leaves the brake pedal on inclines of 5 percent or steeper. To avoid unintended acceleration, an enhanced electronic pedal override reduces power to the engine when the brake and accelerator pedals are depressed at the same time.
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