GMC Acadia SLE-1 3.6 AT AWD 2014

What's New for 2014:

• Forward-collision alert system
• Lane-departure warning system
• Standard USB charging ports for back seat

Introduction
The 2014 GMC Acadia is a full-size crossover SUV with seating for up to 8 passengers in 3 rows of seats. Sold in SLE, SLT, and luxury-themed Denali trim levels, the 2014 Acadia competes against 3-row SUVs such as the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Flex, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Highlander. It is similar to the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse.

Models and Features
GMC offers the 2014 Acadia in three levels of trim: SLE, SLT, and Denali. The Acadia SLE is equipped with 8-passenger seating with premium cloth upholstery, front and rear air conditioning, a Color Touch radio with Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port, satellite radio with 3 months of free service, and OnStar telematics with 6 months of free service. Additionally, the Acadia SLE offers a driver information center with a compass and external temperature display, USB charging ports in the back seat, automatic headlights, reversing camera, rear park-assist sensors, luggage rack, and 18-inch aluminum wheels.

Add the SLE-2 package to the Acadia to include a center side-impact air bag for the front-seat occupants, IntelliLink connectivity and services, 8-way power driver's seat, 2-way power front passenger's seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote engine starting, and a power tailgate. This model is also equipped with 7-passenger seating thanks to the installation of second-row captain's chairs.

The 2014 GMC Acadia SLT is equipped with fog lights, variable-effort steering, heated exterior mirrors, and 19-inch wheels. Inside, this model gets aluminum trim, triple-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and an 8-way power front passenger's seat. A premium audio system is standard for the Acadia SLT, along with rear-seat audio system controls, rear headphone jacks, and a universal garage door opener. Add the SLT-2 package to this version of the Acadia, and the SUV includes power-folding outside mirrors, memory for the driver's settings, side blind-zone alert, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Acadia Denali sits at the top of the lineup, equipped with unique styling details, xenon headlights, and 20-inch wheels. New forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning systems are standard for the Acadia Denali, which also includes a dual-panel SkyScape sunroof, perforated leather, heated and ventilated front seats, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, head-up display, and upgraded floor mats. Denali models also have stereo controls located in the cargo area, an upgraded noise suppression package, illuminated doorsill plates, and a trailering package.

Options and Packages
GMC Acadia buyers can upgrade the SLE with many of the features offered on the SLT, and can improve the SLT with some of the upgrades that come standard on the Denali. Additionally, the Acadia can be optioned with a rear-seat entertainment system that includes a 115-volt rear-seat power outlet, navigation system, and a premium surround-sound audio system. All Acadias can be outfitted with 8-passenger seating.

Under the Hood
Every 2014 GMC Acadia is equipped with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. The engine is rated to make 288 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,400 rpm, with 90% of peak torque available from 2,500 rpm to 6,000 rpm. All-wheel drive is optional, and the Acadia can tow up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Fuel Economy
The EPA had not published official 2014 GMC Acadia fuel-economy ratings as this overview is written.

Safety Ratings and Technology
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2014 GMC Acadia an overall crash-test rating of 5 stars, the highest possible. As this overview is written, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not published official crash-test ratings for the 2014 Acadia.

Automatic Crash Response is included in every 2014 Acadia model, active for the first 6 months of ownership, after which it can be paid for with a monthly subscription. Automatic Crash Response activates when the Acadia's air bags deploy, putting a live operator in touch with the SUV's occupants to check on their condition, and to dispatch emergency personnel to the Acadia's exact location to help hasten rescue.

Unique among SUVs, the GMC Acadia shares an optional front center air bag design with its corporate siblings, the Buick Enclave and Chevy Traverse. A new forward-collision warning system and a new lane-departure warning system are also available for 2014.