Test Drive: 2014 GMC Acadia

The 2014 GMC Acadia Denali AWD is a significant improvement over the previous model. It looks better, drives with an air of confidence and feels significantly more comfortable inside. Sometimes changes to a vehicle seem minuscule and you are left scratching your head as to why did they bother. In this case, the new GMC Acadia will have you doing none of that, but instead you are more likely to be impressed with every turn of the steering wheel.

Performance comes in the form of a 3.6-litre V6 direct injection engine with dual exhaust. It highlights 288 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,400 rpm. This is no heavyweight in the power class, but its no featherweight either. Power is smooth and transitions competently through the 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

Four-wheel independent suspension feels pliable on all road surfaces. It gives and takes bumps and smooth pavement in equal stride. Where other SUV/CUV choices in the market seem to compromise on either on-road or off-road performance, the 2014 GMC Acadia Denali AWD is set on taking the middle ground. Steering is power rack-and-pinion with assist to make 2,219 kg feel light on its feet.

If you are a serious adventure seeker, the new Acadia Denali AWD may be a bit too tame. But then, how many buyers in this segment actually take any of todays utility vehicles off the beaten path is a constant topic for discussion. My opinion is a lot less than advertisers would have us think. Brakes are power 4-wheel disc and 4-wheel ABS. Hill Hold and Panic Brake Assist are standard. StabiliTrak and traction control are also included.

Exterior design details include LED signature headlights. Body coloured moulding, roof side rails, deep tinted rear glass and a rear spoiler are standard on the Denali edition. Unlike many previous GMC utility vehicles, the newest model has the appearance of a finely-tuned athlete wearing a stylish sports jacket and dress pants.

Safety is paramount with the 2014 GMC Acadia Denali AWD. Seating is available for up to 8 occupants. The new Acadia features multiple front, side and side curtain airbags, covering all three rows. Moving around in tight spaces is made easier in the Denali AWD with the rear vision camera. This feature offers such an advantage when parking or manoeuvring around town that I almost cant imagine a new vehicle without it.

Inside, remote keyless entry accesses standard programmable power door locks. Of course, windows are powered as well as the 8-way adjustable driver and front passenger seats. Comfy is a word I would use to describe the front seats, but not in the old-fashioned Lazy Boy style of yesteryear. Todays GMC Acadia and especially the Denali AWD, is well-crafted so as to encourage buyers of other makes to give it a try.

The Denali package features the preferred equipment group, which includes among other items, a 2-panel glass sunroof, HID headlamps and 20 bright metal wheels. Interior add-ons consist of perforated leather seating in the first two rows, heated/cooled front seats, Head Up display (HUD), wood trim and plush floor mats.

Tri-zone climate control, Bose premium speakers, 2nd row audio adjustment and more are also included with the upgrade. In addition, they topped up our option list with a colour touch screen navigation system, full Bose 5.1 surround sound stereo, overhead LCD screen with headphones, white diamond tri-coat exterior paint and 20-inch chrome clad alloy wheels.

The 2014 GMC Acadia Denali AWD packs a lot in its svelte exterior shell. The drive is definitely GM, but not over-the-top North American as it has been in the past. This is a driver and passenger friendly utility vehicle that will carry a lot and do it with class. If you dont mind the high sticker price, this may be just the ride you and 6 or 7 of your family members and friends are looking for.

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Test Drive: 2014 GMC Acadia