2017 GMC Acadia | CarGurus Test Drive Review

[@mouthguardcomic]

Although this is an older review, thanks for describing what it feels like to sit in the driver's seat. Most reviewers jump right in and start talking about the dashboard and dials. He provided a very clear and detailed pitch that changed my mind about this car.

[@jaffarbaqi]

Great review. I am surprised however that you did not say nearly enough about ride, handling, and NVH. After all, these are the Denali's strong forte.

[@MikeDPerkins]

I discussed it both in the video and in my full review at cargurus.com.

[@richardcrouse4644]

Excellent review. Thank you for calling it like it is. from Texas

[@ludah99]

I agree about the safety options, there should be no reason you need to pay extra for safety packages, these technologies should be available on all vehicles, u shouldn't have to pay more for something that can save your life and possibly someone else's.

[@MikeDPerkins]

Or at the very least, make it available to any trim level.

[@ludah99]

Michael Perkins excalty, they shouldn't make saving lives a means of profit for them.

[@ludah99]

Don Alan u calling me a socialist?? or the reviewer??

[@MikeDPerkins]

Because I think the safety options should be available at every trim level? From that you've derived that I'm a socialist? Me thinks you've been drinking your breakfast.

[@ludah99]

Michael Perkins lol 😂😂😂

[@haidesu572]

Michael, I am in the market for this type of SUV. I drove many from this and many some say "true" luxury SUVs such as Audi, Infiniti, etc. Specifically, I drove the XT5 and although I had a preconceived notion the 8-speed tranny was going to be superior than the 6-speed on the Acadia Denali, I was surprised such was not the case. Admittedly, the 8-speed in the XT5 is smoother but not by much. I was not as much disappointed in the 6-speed than I was the 8-speed. I believe AISAN is the supplier of the 8-speed and I had that in a LS460. Much smoother in that car than the XT5. My mind was prejudiced against the Acadia Denali not have the 8-speed, however I was surprised after driving both. Would I rather have the 8-speed? Hell yes! But I think the 6-speed does a acceptable to good job in the Acadia. Thanks for the good review. PS I never tried the foot method of opening the rear liftgate (nor did I see it any other review so far) and it would be nice to see. Take care.

[@east5871]

Scratch Acadia off the list. Thanks for the review.

[@Ibby25]

No matter what the car is, I would take a ride with Mr. Mike! #truth

[@DriveAndBeDriven]

Nice review, Michael! I am so glad GM redesigned this vehicle! It was definitely getting just a little long on the tooth, and was in desperate need of a redesign. I really like the new front end fascia of the Acadia! It has a lot more of a swoopy and flowing front end design, as oppose to the very blunt and boxy front end design of the outgoing model! The rear looks decent, but could definitely flow a little more. I feel like it doesn't entirely suit the overall design of the vehicle, and falls a little to much on the conservative side. That just my opinion, though! The interior looks fairly high quality and appealing to the eye! The standard/available equipment on this vehicle doesn't sound too shabby either! In regards to them adding the 8-speed, GMC should totally consider it! It will mostly likely make the Acadia even more fuel efficient, and if you insist a better driving vehicle! (I cannot judge too much on driving since it cannot drive yet... 😞). Also, that is very silly how they make that safety feature package exclusive to just the Denali trim. Everyone should be able to have the utmost protect and safety no matter how much money they cough up! In my opinion optional equipment should be left to just amenities and cosmetics! I seriously cannot wait until I can get my hands on one of these new Acadia's and it's Chevy sister! I really wonder how they will fare in my tests! Keep up the great work, Michael! 👍😉 -DriveAndBeDriven 🚘 "The Quest To Record The Best!"

[@MikeDPerkins]

Thorough as always! Thanks!

[@migalgarcia258]

85

[@civiliansheepdog3637]

Great honest review.

[@MikeDPerkins]

Thanks!

[@kyleBlittle]

If you are going to review it with a i4 and tell us about power loss. Then maybe you should have reviewed the v6?

[@bcuz2975]

Good review. Improved styling cues. 8 speed tranny is industry standard GM should feature..

[@dcjohnson2490]

I understand the fuel economy concerns, but I think this vehicle should have just had a V6 engine and no 4 cylinder.

[@patjaoable]

DC Johnson honestly if you haven't driven the 4 you will be pleasantly surprised, just like I was

[@brixtonwa]

Great review however I want to know what you think about the thigh support in the driver seat is there enough bottom cushion for someone who is tall like you are?

[@MikeDPerkins]

brixtonwa Yeah, I didn't have an issue at all.

[@lowflyerxx]

Very nice review! Thank you... I am trying to decide between this Acadia (SLT2 trim) and Explorer Limited.. Hate to say, but since the Ford has a LOT MORE luggage capacity, it may win, even with the 2.3 Turbo... cheers

[@MikeDPerkins]

Dav U Very welcome!

[@K7008B]

Someone said that the windshield "heads up display" feature is no longer available. WHY??..... one step forward - two steps backward! There are emergency trunk releases on virtually all passenger cars. If there was an emergency that prevented passengers from exiting from side doors, how are you supposed to open the rear hatch to escape??.

[@MikeDPerkins]

For behind-the-scenes shots and footage, and coverage of upcoming reviews, follow me on Instagram @mikedperkins

[@DriveAndBeDriven]

Michael Perkins, Will do! 😉 -DriveAndBeDriven "The Quest To Record The Best!"

[@tommyus4]

I have the 6 speed in my Sierra and I hate it. Reminds me of my old 72 LTD where you have a learning curve to 'shift' with your gas foot. I guess 'old school' is what I would call it. So now, being early 2018, the Denali can be had for 42K while the Traverse and Enclave don't have anything remotely near a 20% discount, mid year. SIX SPEED. I would prefer the Denali because the other two are boats (the Enclave has some special ride package and the Traverse has frameless windows that create wind noise) but they do have 9 speeds. So the above author's '15 mpg' is real world because of that 6 speed. My Sierra is a horror show. While people are reporting better than EPA rated MPG with the 9 speed. I just can't believe what a dumb mistake they made. They put it in the 25K Malibu but not the 50K A-Denali. I'd fire someone for that. GM cost themselves millions with the 6 speed, for the 17 and 18 model years. The 2018 leftover Denalis will be around 38K this fall, if not lower. I guarantee the 9 speed will be in the 2019. If not then I would never buy another GM product. Some of us are paying attention. Even a good/shrewd salesman should be able to use this to sell anything in the segment against them. PS: The honesty is refreshing. I hate wasting my time on people who seem to be being paid to review only the positives. They too assume we're stupid. I'll trust this reviewer in the future. Nice job, you're the first (and to date, only) to point out both the visibility AND the tranny mistakes.

[@MikeDPerkins]

T Tommytom Appreciate that. Thank you.

[@tommyus4]

I used to walk to the library (uphill both ways) as a kid (late 60's) to read Car & Driver and MotorTrend. I have a lifetime love affair with cars. I've been watching KZbin since day 1 and you just became my first subscription. So thank YOU.

[@_Matsimus_]

You go over the whole car and don't even show the interior of the 3rd row..... LAME.

[@MikeDPerkins]

Matsimus Gaming Totally lame. Worthless review. It looks like the second row but smaller.

[@sergevivier2023]

But the headlights are poor.

[@BlackMamba08]

My 2017 durango citadel has way more options for less price and it doesn't look like an out of this planet aircraft. Plus it's bigger!

[@haidesu572]

The Durango also has very poor reliability overall. I hope you had better reliability than the norm. I like the Durango's look, size, and towing prowess. It was on my list of SUVs but I have to rule it out due to reliability. I am still on the hunt for a luxury SUV with a good value in price for my wife's daily driver. The new Acadia Denali is the winner so far. Now I have to haggle to get the price I want...

[@DevPack]

The Denali take rate is about 50% on the Acadia lol

[@MikeDPerkins]

DevPack Astonishing, no?

[@DevPack]

Yea the deals are pretty good. At least they were about 3-4 months ago.

[@waseemullahkhan]

OMG 4-cylinder only!!!!! GM is losing in this one, I guess this brand will die!

[@PRO4XKEV]

comes with the v-6 also for a few bucks more.

[@haidesu572]

A thousand bucks more but well worth it.

[@nonna1920]

no they hace 6cyl. too.

[@patjaoable]

The 4 is fine I've had no issues with speed at all. It's actually pretty peppy

[@kcast12]

If theres half the trunk space ppl should just buy the older Acadia

[@baldheadlogic]

this reviewer consistently is part of your negative reviews. I agree with alot of his points but I notice that his reviews are usually negative.

[@MikeDPerkins]

Just because I bring up a few "missteps" by the manufacturer, that doesn't mean the whole review is negative. After all, I'm not producing a commercial for the car. My goal is to find the things that you might not notice in a short, 5-minute test drive, so you can make an informed decision with your hard-earned money.

[@williamcarlisle8188]

yes

[@williamcarlisle8188]

yes

[@kim-yd9yo]

I definitely agree @baldheadlogic

[@fernandoprado5151]

Burp

[@Lexlugr]

GM has done well with the exterior design, but it still reeks of cost cutting. You've hit the nail on the head with that 6 speed... it's atrocious and one of the worst I've driven. If fact, it was the main reason I traded the previous version of this less than 6 months of owning it, just couldn't do it.

[@DanielEnochs]

Looks similar to a Jeep Cherokee

[@ronanbreuler1352]

First

[@migalgarcia258]

.ñp

[@migalgarcia258]

.ñp