A/W: 2017 Acadia first drive

[kevm14]

http://autoweek.com/article/car-reviews ... dailydrive

In 2007, GMC unveiled a three-row crossover built on the then-new Lambda platform. Dubbed Acadia, the new Suburban-lite shared the platform with the likes of the Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook and Chevrolet Traverse. At the time, the Acadia was perfectly acceptable and provided people with what they wanted: a comfortable, attractive three-row crossover.

But by today’s standards, nearly a decade on, the Lambda platform is heavy. The outgoing 2016 Acadia tips the scales at 4,656 pounds in front-wheel-drive base trim, but jumps to 4,850 pounds when optioned with all-wheel drive. That heft requires the sole engine, a 281-hp DOHC V6, to work hard to haul itself around and it still feels like a dog.

For the new 2017 model, GMC added what the Acadia needs most: lightness. GMC claims the 2017 Acadia will tip the scales, in I4 FWD trim, at 3,956 pounds -- a whopping 700 pounds lighter. Some of the weight savings comes from dropping the base V6 in lieu of a lighter, naturally aspirated 2.5-liter I4, but even V6 models are more than 600 pounds lighter.

I think Bob can attest to the middle paragraph on the previous gen.

[Bob]

Yes, I have had the previous gen as a rental and it the engine feels extremely taxed. I think it needs a small block