2013 GMC Acadia [Gazette, The (CO)]

(Gazette, The (CO) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Since it's launch in 2007, GMC's first crossover, Acadia, has played a big part in the rise in popularity of crossover SUV's. When the Denali model was added in mid-2010, the Acadia's appeal was expanded to include luxury customers because of its styling as well as performance.

For 2013, GMC has established new exterior styling, greater interior resourcefulness and more safety features, including the industry's first front center air bag, as well as a new infotainment system with touch-screen controls.

Acadia's 2013 model comes with a new chiseled, three-bar grille which sits in a more upright design and the diffused LED running lamps portray a first-class appearance. Standard projector-beam headlamps and fog lamps and new LED tail lamp design also reflect Acadia's new improvements. Additional exterior updates include wrap- around rear glass and a new rear spoiler.

Acadia also introduces new 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheel designs that complement the redesigned exterior's lines and stance.

The Acadia lineup includes several trim models along with Denali, and will include seven- or eight-passenger configurations. All 2013 models are powered by a 3.6L V-6 VVT engine using gasoline direct injection technology to optimize performance and fuel economy.

Paired with Acadia's fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission, this engine will help give front-wheel drive models an EPA-estimated 24 miles per gallon on the highway. The transmission controls have been revised for 2013 to provide quicker and more consistent shifts resulting in a higher-quality feel behind the wheel. All-wheel drive is also available.

Denali adds standard comfort and safety features such as the special interior acoustic package that makes it the quietest model in the Acadia lineup.

For 2013, Acadia retains the interior functionality buyers are looking for, including a SmartSlide seating system. SmartSlide allows easy access to the third row for both seven- and eight- passenger seating configurations. In addition, both the second and third row still fold flat for class-leading maximum cargo space.

Upgraded soft-touch materials add a refined feel to the interior with French stitching that adds a tailored look. SLT and Denali models get aluminum accents on the center console, doors and dash.

The instrument panel enhances the feeling of openness in the front-row seats and offers an imposing view. The instrument panel and other interior elements feature high-quality, low-gloss materials and tight gap tolerances.

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 easily incorporate online services such as Pandora [registered] internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio [registered] using hands-free voice 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/SiriusXM tuners, CD player with MP3 playback, auxiliary and USB inputs.

A USB port is standard on all models so drivers or passengers can plug in their own media to play through the radio.

According to GMC, 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 (215 kW) and 270 lb.-ft. of torque (366 Nm). 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.

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