GMC is using the 2012 Chicago Auto Show to showcase its revised 2013 GMC Acadia. The biggest changes to the full-size crossover include minor exterior revisions to the front and rear of the vehicle, along with minor interior upgrades. Not including the arrival of the 2011 GMC Acadia Denali, this is the first update of any note for the crossover since its debut as a 2007 model.
The first noticeable difference between the present GMC Acadia and the 2013 model is its new upright front-end design and chiseled, three-bar grille. The LED running lamps are new and are standard across all Acadia trim levels. GMC says the LED lamps give it a premium look whether equipped with the standard projector headlamps or optional High Intensity Discharge (HID) units.
Around back, a new taillamp design complements the front-end changes. The rear of the GMC Acadia also gains wraparound rear glass and a new rear spoiler. The 2013 Acadia also receives new 18- and 19-inch wheels that have been designed to better integrate with the exterior updates.
Inside, the Acadia receives upgraded, soft-touch materials, with French stitching for a more premium look and feel. Red ambient lighting flows across the dashboard. Aluminum accents on the center console, doors, and dash have been added to the SLT trim. GMC's SmartSlide seating system, which helps to ease access to the third row, and the flat-folding second- and third-row seats are still standard. The DualScape sunroof remains on the Acadia's option list. The automaker also boasts that the Acadia can carry 48-inch-wide building materials inside.
GMC has added new safety tech, and says the optional front center airbag system is an industry first. During a side collision, the airbag deploys from the inside side of the driver's seat between the driver and front passenger to protect the occupant opposite of the side of impact.
Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems are also available. Both systems use radar to monitor driver blind spots, and deploy display visual and audible warnings to alert the driver.. A rear back-up camera, with guidelines, is now standard for all trim levels.
GM's OnStar system is also standard and comes with the first six months of service free. GM touts OnStar as another safety feature because the system is capable of providing drivers with services such as automatic crash response and emergency roadside service, plus remote vehicle locking and unlocking to turn-by-turn navigation. Remote start can be added to your smartphone to extend the range compared with the limited distance capability of the key fob.
The 2013 Acadia receives GMC's Color Touch Radio, first seen on the 2012 Terrain.. The audio system also includes HD radio capability and a photo viewer. A rear-seat entertainment system is still available.
Available IntelliLink lets customers sync their smartphones via Bluetooth or USB ports for hands-free calling and Internet music streaming, (Pandora and Stitcher), and allows voice-activated control of iPods connected through the USB port.
The full-size, three-row crossover continues to be powered solely by GM's venerable 3.6-liter direct-injection V-6 with variable valve timing. Horsepower and torque remain at 288 and 270 lb-ft, respectively. Front-drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. The only change to its drivetrain is the next-generation Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission, which GM says offers "better shift response and improved drivability." Acadia's maximum towing capacity is 5000 pounds with the trailering package.
Pricing and an on-sale date haven't been released for the 2013 Acadia. GMC says those details will be announced closer to its late 2012 on sale date.