2017 GMC Acadia: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for 2017 is a complete redesign: the main GMC Acadia moved to a smaller, roughly 700-pound-lighter platform with new engines and modern phone integration. GMC also kept the previous, roomier design for one last year as the Acadia Limited.

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About the 2017 GMC Acadia

Second generation, first year for the redesigned Acadia; the first-generation Acadia Limited was sold alongside it for its final model year.

GMC positioned the redesigned Acadia as a more manageable midsize family SUV rather than the extra-large crossover it replaced. Its core appeal was three-row flexibility, a quieter and easier-to-drive body, straightforward controls and a broad range from practical cloth-seat versions to V6-powered luxury trims. The separate Acadia Limited served shoppers who valued maximum passenger and cargo room over the redesigned model’s smaller size and newer smartphone technology.

The redesigned Acadia is a seven-passenger SUV aimed at families who want easier maneuvering without giving up three rows. SL and SLE-1 emphasize four-cylinder efficiency, while SLT-2 adds a standard V6, added safety aids and towing hardware rated for up to 4,000 pounds. Denali is the luxury-focused version, with ventilated leather front seats, navigation, Bose audio and a hands-free liftgate.

What changed, by category

Structural

The main Acadia moved to a shorter, narrower platform that was roughly 700 pounds lighter. The redesigned model seated up to seven and had 79 cubic feet of maximum cargo room, compared with eight seats and 116.1 cubic feet previously. The former larger body continued separately as the one-trim Acadia Limited.

Powertrain

The redesigned lineup gained a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a stronger 3.6-liter V6, both paired with a six-speed automatic. Engine fitment varied by trim, and the redesigned model's maximum tow rating was 4,000 pounds rather than the previous 5,200 pounds.

Styling

The second-generation Acadia received a new exterior and cabin design shaped around its shorter, narrower proportions. Denali added its own lighting and exterior details.

Safety

Blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning became standard on SLT-1, while lane-departure warning became standard on SLT-2. Rear parking sensors changed from standard to optional on SLE-2.

Tech

Every redesigned trim gained keyless entry and push-button start, plus a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Screen size was 7 inches on lower trims and 8 inches on SLT and Denali models.

2017 GMC Acadia specs and features by trim

Feature	2017 GMC AcadiaSL0 in stock	2017 GMC AcadiaBase0 in stock	2017 GMC AcadiaSLE-14 in stock	2017 GMC AcadiaSLE-25 in stock	2017 GMC AcadiaSLT-111 in stock	2017 GMC AcadiaSLT-21 in stock	2017 GMC AcadiaDenali14 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd
Drivetrain	FWD	AWD	FWD	FWD	FWD / AWD	FWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	21 mpg	15 mpg	21 mpg	18–21 mpg	18–21 mpg	18 mpg	18 mpg
MPG Highway	26 mpg	22 mpg	26 mpg	25–26 mpg	25–26 mpg	25 mpg	25 mpg
Horsepower	194 hp	288 hp	194 hp	194–310 hp	194–310 hp	310 hp	310 hp
Torque	190 lb-ft	270 lb-ft	190 lb-ft	190–271 lb-ft	190–271 lb-ft	271 lb-ft	271 lb-ft
Max Towing	1000 lb	5200 lb	1000 lb	4000 lb	4000 lb	4000 lb	4000 lb
Trunk/Cargo	79 cu-ft	116.1 cu-ft	79 cu-ft	79 cu-ft	79 cu-ft	79 cu-ft	79 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	31.1 in	33.2 in	31.1 in	31.1 in	31.1 in	31.1 in	31.1 in
Seats	7	8	7	7	7	7	7
Doors	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Adaptive Cruise Control
Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic Headlights
Automatic High Beams
Blindspot Sensors
Hill Descent Control
Lane Departure Warning
Parental Control System
Park Assist
Rear View Camera
Stability Control
360 Camera
Traction Control
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
LED Daytime Running Lights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Panorama Moon Roof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Power Liftgate/Trunk Release
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Side Steps
Trailer Hitch Receiver
Entertainment & Electronics
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Rear DVD Entertainment System
Smartphone Interface
Subwoofer
Video Input
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Memory Driver's Seat
Power Driver Seat
Remote Start
Third Row Seat
Ventilated Front Seats
Wood Interior Trim

How the 2018 GMC Acadia compares

The 2018 GMC Acadia is mostly a carryover following its 2017 redesign. The main change is that AWD SLE-1 models gained the 3.6-liter V6 as an option.

See the full 2018 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2017 GMC Acadia completely redesigned?

Yes. The main 2017 Acadia began its second generation with a shorter, narrower body that was roughly 700 pounds lighter. The previous, substantially larger design remained on sale for one final year as the Acadia Limited.

How is the 2017 GMC Acadia Limited different from the redesigned Acadia?

The 2017 Acadia Limited uses the previous-generation body, so it has more passenger and cargo room than the redesigned Acadia. It was sold in one well-equipped form with V6 power, leather seating, navigation, Bose audio and several driver warnings, but it lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Which engines are in the 2017 GMC Acadia?

The redesigned 2017 Acadia uses either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 3.6-liter V6, depending on trim. SL and SLE-1 use the four-cylinder, SLT-2 and Denali use the V6, and SLE-2 and SLT-1 examples may have either engine. The Acadia Limited uses the older design's 3.6-liter V6.

Does the 2017 GMC Acadia have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes, every trim of the redesigned 2017 Acadia has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Lower trims use a 7-inch touchscreen, while SLT and Denali models use an 8-inch screen. The previous-generation Acadia Limited does not have this phone integration.

Is the redesigned 2017 GMC Acadia a better fit than the 2016 model?

The redesigned 2017 Acadia is the better fit for easier parking, newer phone integration and improved fuel economy, but it gives up substantial cabin space and some towing capacity. Shoppers who need the older model's eight seats, 116.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo room or 5,200-pound tow rating should consider the 2016 Acadia or the 2017 Acadia Limited instead.

2017 GMC Acadia Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2017 GMC Acadia.

4.1

2017 GMC Acadia

(829 reviews)

5 stars (321)

4 stars (347)

3 stars (112)

2 stars (37)

1 star (12)

“2017 GMC Acadia SLT has everything I wanted: technology, handling, 2nd row bucket seats, etc. With two growing boys it provides all the technology and space we need.”

ADAngela D.
2017 GMC Acadia SLT AWD

“The Acadia is the perfect family vehicle. My kids are comfortable in their row with plenty of room. The driver seat is fully adjustable providing more than adequate leg room. The safety features like the backup camera make the car feel safe and secure.”

BWBrandon W.
2017 GMC Acadia SLT FWD

“I love my 2017 GMC Acadia Limited. It has all of the capabilities I wanted as far as luxury and safety but it's priced much better than a new one.”

RVRenee V.
2017 GMC Acadia SLT AWD