2013 GMC Acadia has Great Safety Features and New Styling

GMC hangs its hat on what it calls professional grade vehicles.

But that doesn't mean it has nothing to offer those in search of family transportation.

The 2013 Acadia, a large crossover, has gotten a facelift in its most recent iteration.

This vehicle, with seating for up to eight, has new safety technology and styling, making it a tough competitor among models in the family-sized SUV category.
The Acadia has a new design at its front and in the interior, and comes with a front center airbag, which isn't offered in other vehicles. It's designed to prevent driver and passenger from colliding in the event of a crash, as well as stabilizing both occupants so that they are not thrown about upon impact.

If you want to spend a bit more, you can get the Denali luxury trim, which the test-drive model was.

On the inside, the dashboard and console have been redesigned to include softer surfacing, which General Motors seems to be using more frequently.
There is also wood-patterned and satin-styled trim, and aluminum trim on the dash, console and doors of the SLT and Denali models.

The IntelliLink multimedia system, also found in GM's Buick brand, is featured, giving smartphone users the opportunity to connect their phone and stream Pandora and Stitcher audio.
On the outside, the new design presents a more sculpted hood and a grille with three bars and a squared-off shape.

Accompanying this large grille are squared headlights underlined by decorative air vents.
At the rear, there are corner posts (D-pillars, if you prefer) that are part of the wrap-around rear window, as well as a rear spoiler.

LED running lights are standard, and you may choose from 18-, 19- or 20-inch wheels.

The latter choice is found on the Denail trim, which also includes a chrome grille and panoramic sunroof.
The Acadia comes with front- or all-wheel drive and has a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that makes 288 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Gas mileage is not too bad for a vehicle of this size, with EPA rating of 17 mpg city, 24 highway for the front-wheel drive model and 16 and 23 with all-wheel.

The Acadia is a bit pricey, ranging from around $35,000 to about $49,000.

But if you want to haul the family around in style, and still enjoy practicality, convenience and good safety features, it's a good choice.