www.ADandP.media
"This is one of the most interesting vehicles I've ever had
the opportunity to work on," says Matt Noone, director of
GMC exterior design, speaking of the 2017 GMC Acadia, the
second-generation of the crossover SUV. The frst-generation
Acadia originally appeared as a model year 2007 product,
based on the GM Lambda platform, which also gave rise to
the Buick Enclave, the Chevrolet Traverse and the now-passed
Saturn Outlook.
The new Acadia is based on the new GM midsize crossover
platform that is also used for the 2017 Cadillac XT5. The
major diference between the 2016 and the 2017 Acadia is the
size. Explains Paul Spadafora, chief engineer for both the
new Acadia and the XT5, when they looked at the Acadia they
took into account the use of the vehicle, and learned from
customers that there was an interest in something smaller,
more garage-able and with a reduced turning radius.
So the 2017 Acadia is dimensionally smaller than its prede-
cessor, and while the 2016 model can be confgured to seat up
to eight people, the new one handles a maximum of seven.
In terms of the size diferences:
Arguably, the 2017 model is a much tidier package than
its predecessor.
Noone says that when they set about to design the new
vehicle, they kept the key "Professional Grade" characteristics
in mind—and it is worth noting that they've been using
2016 2017
Wheelbase: 118.9" 112.5"
Length: 200.8" 193.6"
Width: 78.9" 75.4"
Height: 72.6" 68.7"
The 2017 GMC Acadia is all-new, a
smaller three-row crossover than the
vehicle it replaces. According to Matt
Noone, GMC's director for exterior
design, they worked to develop
a vehicle that is more stylish and
sophisticated, while staying within the
"Professional Grade" category that is
characteristic of the brand.
45
AD&P; ∕ JULY 2016
ACADIA