2014 GMC ACADIA HIGHLIGHTS SAFETY, CONVENIENCE FEATURES
07/16/2013
GMC
With its reputation for comfort, performance and efficiency, GMC Acadia has remained a popular choice since it was introduced as the brand's first crossover SUV in 2007. Its luxury-minded Denali model, which came to market in mid-2010, has widened this midsize crossover's appeal to customers looking for a high level of style, power and functionality.
In 2014, the Acadia focuses on safety with the addition of Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning, crash-avoidance systems that use a camera and sensors to help detect when the driver is getting too close to a vehicle ahead, or when the vehicle enters another lane without the use of a turn signal. The systems alert the driver with visual cues on the dashboard, as well as audible signals. They complement Side Blind Zone Alert and Cross Traffic Alert, which were added in 2013.
The camera technology was recently named a "Top Ten Tech Breakthrough of 2012" by Popular Mechanics.
The new model year also brings an additional convenience feature: two charging-only USB ports on the rear of the center console to power up electronics from the second row.
Acadia's lineup for 2014 includes the SLE (with SLE-1 and SLE-2 trims), the SLT (with SLT-1 and SLT-2 trims) and the Denali models, with seven- or eight-passenger configurations. A 3.6L V-6 VVT engine that uses gasoline direct injection technology powers all Acadia models, optimizing performance and fuel economy across the board.
The engine is paired with Acadia's fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission to help give FWD models an EPA-estimated 24 mpg on the highway. The transmission controls provide quick and consistent shifts for a commanding feel behind the wheel. All-wheel drive is also available. Towing capability for the Acadia is 5,200 pounds (2,364 kg), when properly equipped.
Known for its interior functionality especially popular with families, including the SmartSlide seating system, Acadia allows easy access to the third row for both seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations. Additionally, the second and third row still fold flat for class-leading maximum cargo space, including the ability to carry 48-inch-wide sheet goods, such as drywall and plywood.
Acadia Denali
The 2014 Acadia Denali, available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models with seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations, continues to turn heads on the road. With signature design cues including a monochromatic exterior highlighted with chrome accents, the Denali exudes luxury through its many high-end details.
Some of Denali's impressive exterior design cues include unique body-side moldings with chrome accents and Denali badges, dual flow-through chrome exhaust outlets that are integrated into the rear fascia, High-Intensity Discharge headlamps and 20-inch machined aluminum wheels (chrome wheels are optional).
Denali's standard comfort and safety features continue to inspire drivers on the inside, too, with interior features such as perforated leather seating and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mahogany inserts. Denali-specific aluminum trim and accent lighting in the footwells and sill plates add to the interior ambience, while heated and cooled seats provide an extra level of relaxation. Technology continues to play a role in the Denali with the Color Touch navigation system, which allows drivers to use a wide range of functions from a touch screen infotainment center, including music, maps, Bluetooth, weather and more.
When it comes to safety, the Acadia Denali is up to the task with the Side Blind Zone and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, a radar system that helps detect things drivers might not see in a blind zone. Also standard on 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.
Acadia Denali also features an exclusive interior acoustic package that makes it the quietest model in the Acadia lineup.
Exterior highlights and features
With a sleek and sculpted exterior design, the 2014 Acadia emits a look of refinement. From the three-bar grille in front and the standard diffused LED running lamps to the rear spoiler, the beauty of this vehicle is in the details.
Offered with 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheel designs that complement the exterior's lines and stance, Acadia is stylish and functional. Vehicle entry and exit is an easy maneuver with a body-frame integral structure that enables lower entry/exit height for passengers. The front door step-in height is only 18.9 inches (480 mm), and the rear door step-in height is 19.8 inches (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 SL, SLE and SLT models, while Acadia Denali comes with standard high-intensity discharge headlamps (available on SLT-2).
Additional standard and available exterior features include:
Power liftgate is standard on SLE-2, SLT-1, SLT-2 and Denali models
Chrome door handles are standard on all models
Outside heated power-adjustable, power-folding mirrors with driver-side auto-dimming, body-color with integrated turn signal indicators are standard on SLT-2 and Denali
Exterior colors include Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Cyber Gray Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Crystal Red Tintcoat, White Diamond Tricoat, Champagne Silver Metallic, Atlantis Blue Metallic and Iridium Metallic.
Interior highlights and features
Acadia's refined interior uses upgraded soft-touch materials, with French stitching that adds a tailored look and red ambient light flowing across the dashboard. SLT and Denali models have aluminum accents on the center console, doors and dash.
A feeling of openness is abundant in the Acadia's interior, with a car-like "low and away" instrument panel that exudes roominess and control. The instrument panel and other interior elements feature high-quality, low-gloss materials and tight gap tolerances.
All Acadia models offer three rows of seating that can be configured for seven or eight passengers, regardless of trim level. The seating configurations include two front bucket seats, a 60/40-split second-row bench (three passengers) or two second-row captain's chairs (two passengers) and a 60/40-split third-row bench seat.
GM's exclusive Smart Slide feature is standard, allowing quick and easy access to the third-row seating area. The second-row seat cushion flips up while the seatback slides forward, effectively compressing the space occupied by the seat with the pull of a lever. The Smart Slide system also allows the second row to be positioned fore/aft. When adjusted rearward, the second-row seat provides more legroom for taller passengers. When adjusted forward, it provides more storage space or additional legroom for third-row passengers.
Storage space of 24.1 cu. ft. (682 liters) is available behind the third-row seat (with the cargo management system removed). Maximum available storage capability behind the first row of seats is 115.9 cu. ft. (1,382 L).
Additional interior features include:
Two new charging-only USB ports on the back of the center console for second-row use are standard on all models
Rear-seat entertainment system is available on Denali, SLT-1, SLT-2 and SLE-2 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
Tri-zone automatic climate control, standard on Denali and SLT-1 and SLT-2 trims and available on SLE-2 (with the rear entertainment system)
Three-prong household-type power outlet is available on SLE-2, SLT-1, SLT-2 and Denali models equipped with the rear entertainment system
Head-up display is standard on Denali and available on SLT-2
Remote keyless entry is standard on all models
Remote vehicle start is standard on Denali, SLT-1, SLT-2 and SLE-2 models
Center console with sliding armrest and storage is standard on all models
Eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat is standard on Denali, SLT-1 and SLT-2
Cloth seating trim is standard on SLE models
Leather-appointed seating with heated front seats is standard on SLT-1 and SLT-2 models
Perforated leather-trimmed first- and second-row seats with heated and cooled front seats are standard on Denali and available on SLT-2 models
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls is standard on SLE-1, SLE-2 SLT-1, SLT-2, and the Denali adds wood accents
Dual SkyScape two-panel sunroof is standard on Denali and available on SLE-2, SLT-1 and SLT-2 models.
The interior color/trim combinations include Ebony, 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 Pandora(R) internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio(R) 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.
Additional audio system features include HD radio capability, 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 features a 3.6L engine with direct injection technology that helps produce power similar to many V-8 engines with the use of 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.
Ride and handling
Acadia rides on a long 118.9-inch (3,019 mm) wheelbase, with wide 67.3-inch (1,721 mm) front and 67.4-inch (1,709 mm) rear tracks - a combination that lowers the center of gravity and enables smooth, stable ride and handling characteristics.
Additional chassis and suspension features include:
Independent front and rear suspensions
Low-flow shocks and struts for improved ride and handling
A front suspension featuring a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar and aluminum knuckles. Isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration
A rear suspension with a compact, linked "H" design, which uses an isolated mounting system to reduce noise and vibration transmitted to the passenger compartment
Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is standard; variable-effort steering is available
Four-wheel disc brakes with antilock are standard on all models, with additional brake features including dynamic rear proportioning, hydraulic brake boost and panic brake assist.
Safety features
The 2014 Acadia continues a tradition of offering the latest in safety developments with Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning standard on Denali and available on SLT-1 and SLT-2 models. The crash-avoidance systems employ a high-resolution camera mounted on the windshield to determine if the driver is too close to vehicles ahead. There are visual signals, as well as audible alarms, to warn the driver of a possible collision. Sensors also can detect if the vehicle is changing lanes without a turn signal to give the driver time to correct.
Side Blind Zone Alert and Cross Traffic Alert are standard on Acadia Denali and SLT-1.
They match smart engineering with driver-centric safety, using radar to help watch where drivers might not see. When a vehicle enters the blind zone or approaches in cross-traffic, the systems warn of a possible collision.
Acadia is the leader of the segment with a front center air bag system, which was created to protect drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes where the affected occupant is on the opposite, non-struck side of the vehicle. It deploys from the inboard side of the driver's seat and positions itself between the driver and front passenger.
The front center air bag is part of a 360-degree safety system that helps protect passengers before, during and after a crash, including anchor pretensioners for outboard occupants and pelvic-thorax seat-mounted side air bags. The structure is reinforced in numerous areas with high-strength steel, including a stiff steel cross-car beam welded across the floor between the B-pillars.
It also uses dual-phase steel in select areas, such as the lower engine compartment rails. Dual-phase steel is strengthened in the paint oven and offers easier formability, reduced mass, greater strength and better crash energy absorption than most high-strength steels.
Standard on the Acadia Denali and available on other models are Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems. These systems use radar to watch spots the driver may not be able to see - and provide visible and audible warnings to help prevent collisions.
Additional safety features include:
Standard head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for all seating rows
The roof-mounted head curtain air bags include design features that provide increased rollover protection and occupant containment. These head curtain side air bags stay inflated longer than air bags developed only for side impacts, since rollover incidents can last longer. The deployment duration and other design features of the air bags combine to provide increased occupant protection and the ability to help keep occupants inside the vehicle
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology is standard on all models and incorporates full-function traction control
Rearview camera system is standard on all models. It is designed to provide the driver with a view of people or objects in the rearward path of the vehicle
Standard four-wheel-disc brake system with ABS featuring smooth, quiet operation, longer pad life and more resistance to brake pulsation
Pretensioners minimize forward movement during a collision and are standard on the front safety belts. Load-limiting retractors cinch the belt more tightly
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat attachment system is included in all second-row seating positions
Standard tire pressure monitoring system
Standard remote keyless entry system provides a second function for the red panic button. Drivers can use it to locate their vehicle without sounding the panic alarm
Strong body structure to absorb crash energy and provide a protective "safety cage" around occupants.
OnStar details
Six months of OnStar Directions and Connections service is standard on Acadia. OnStar is the global leading provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology.
OnStar's RemoteLink Mobile App allows smartphone users to control vehicle functions, access vehicle information and send directions directly to the vehicle. An opt-in service called FamilyLink allows subscribers to stay connected to loved ones by checking the location of their vehicle online or by signing up for vehicle location alerts.
More information about OnStar can be found at www.onstar.com.