Back in the more mainstream world of large crossovers for large families of large Americans with large amounts of stuff, GMC's revised Acadia three-row soft-roader bowed today in Chicago.
The Acadia's redesigned sheet metal comes across as a bit more athletic, stripping off some of the bulkiness of the current design and trading that model's inoffensive nose for a dramatically more assertive grille. The squared-off wheel arches do it no visual favors but bring the Acadia more in line with the rest of the GMC lineup.
Changes under the new skin focus on increased usability (the cargo bay now handles 48-inch-wide plywood or Sheetrock laid flat) and safety. Along with optional blind-spot and rear monitors, there is now a front-center-mounted airbag to help cushion the passenger on the far side from a side impact. Note: This is not intended for passengers who may be riding on the center console.
The drivetrain is largely unchanged: a 3.6 liter direct-injection V6 spins an updated six-speed Hydra-Matic, with power going to either the front or all four wheels. A towing package that can handle 5000 lbs. is available.
The Acadia Denali (a name which will likely amuse, annoy, and/or confuse your outdoorsy friends) heaps on the trim and makes the optional radar eyes standard.
The Acadia will be produced at Lansing Delta Assembly in God's own Michigan and go on sale closer to the end of the year.