GMC chose the North American International Auto Show to introduce the 2017 Acadia sport utility vehicle (SUV), which is smaller than the original and weighs 700 pounds less. The smaller size makes the SUV more manoeuvrable and easier to fit into American garages. The Acadia will still be offered in a three-row variant - although it will seat six or seven instead of seven or eight - and adds a five-seat, two-row option.

Powertrains include General Motor (GM)'s 2.5-litre 4-cylinder that features stop-start, as well as a 3.6-litre V6that features cylinder deactivation and is available in the Cadillac XT5. The new Acadia benefits from the wider range of GM advanced driver assist and safety features, adding front pedestrian braking and a 360-degree surround view camera system. An All-Terrain model takes an advanced all-wheel-drive system with active twin clutch.

A top-spec Denali version continues as well. One of the new safety features is a rear-seat alert that reminds the driver when something is left in the second- or third-row seats - a feature that GM expects will reduce the potential for leaving children in the back seat. From a design perspective, the new SUV takes a softer look, and the interior features family-friendly storage components and improves the second-row seat folding system, for easier access into and out of the third row.

The GMC Acadia shifts from GM's Lambda platform to the all-new Chi platform, shared with the Cadillac XT5 and set to be used on Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave replacements. While the Acadia is smaller than the outgoing vehicle, its size is more in line with competitive offerings. Compared with the Cadillac, the Acadia is about four inches longer, though they both use the same wheelbase.

The Acadia has switched production location from Michigan to Spring Hill, Tennessee, alongside the Cadillac, but the next-generation Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse will remain in their current production location.