live post 2014 GMC Acadia Denali AWD Review

[Zane]

Behind the wheel of the 2014 GMC Acadia Denali AWD

By: Zane & Josh Merva

This week, Monday through Friday, we're happy to be running our next installment in our Live Review series. This time around we're going to do things a little differently. Instead of just randomly posting photos, thoughts, and stats in a thread that spans many pages, we're going to organize things into days. Each day this week we'll post a group of photos, notes, and maybe even a video that focus on one "topic."

EDIT: Not a few moments after we posted this, we found out the Acadia is going away quicker than we've thought. We're shortening this review to three days as a result.

Here's an introduction to the Acadia that we're driving.

As Driven Base Price: $48,675

Notable Standard Features

Hill start assist, OnStar RemoteLink Services for 5-years, Keyless entry, TPMS system, side blind zone alert with rear cross traffic alert, forward collision alert with lane departure warning, stabilitrak, power rear liftgate, factory trailer hitch, power front driver and passenger seat, leather wrapped steering wheel, auto climate control, heated and cooled front seats, Bose premium sound system, Intellilink Touch Sound system, driver's head-up display

Powertrain: 3.6L V6 - 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft or torque

Options

Navigation & Rear Entertainment System - $2,240

Crystal Red Tintcoat - $495

Delivery Charge: $925

Suggested Retail Price: $52,335

Later today, we'll add our day one impressions. Stay tuned. We're also taking questions and requests in this thread.

[Zane]

Day One: A great first Impression

 

The Acadia Denali does one thing very well. It almost immediately impresses. From the high-tech exterior look to the rich textures used inside, it's a large step up from the last generation.

 

The Acadia Denali has a strong presence. Front headlamps feature soft-lit LED running lights.

 

Most noticeably, this new Denali has less cladding than the last generation. GMC is definitely transitioning towards a smoother, more rugged/professional look.

 

The front DRL design is mimicked in the rear tail-lights. Brake lights are also LED.

 

Inside, the Acadia Denali has warm wood accents and satin metal-look trim.

 

A new two-zone HVAC system features digital temperature displays embedded within the dial.

 

The GMC Intellilink Touch Radio uses capacitive buttons to complement the touch screen LCD.

 

The gauge cluster is our least favorite part of the 2014 Acadia. It looks dated and features a driver-information-center that is antiquated compared to its competitors.

 

GM's heads-up display started being offered in the Corvette. For a while, you've been able to get it in the Acadia too. It's standard on the Denali and is a well used feature we really like.

 

A quick look under the hood shows there's not much to see. Much of the engine compartment has been shrouded over.

[Zane]

Day Two: Good for the long haul

I had a chance to drive the Acadia Denali for a 5+ hour drive in two parts last night. It gave me a chance to note a few things, good and bad.

 

• The firm ride at slower speeds can become a bit floaty feeling at highway speeds
• Seating and environment is extremely comfortable with little fatigue after 3 hours behind the wheel at a time
• The 3.6L V6 delivers smooth power at any speed. Never did I feel anything but confident in my ability to pass and accelerate
• The heads up display was a distraction at night and I dislike how you cannot turn off the radio information that flashes up randomly
• The stereo is great. No complaints about the Bose and its ability to deliver quality, satisfying sound. XM worked perfectly and so does bluetooth streaming.
• The HIDs that come on the Denali offer a superb beam pattern. Very clear view of the road in all conditions.
• On my mostly highway trip I was able to get approximatly 19.8MPG (not trying for good fuel economy)

 

Here's some quick videos that I shot with my S4. Make sure to turn on HD!

 

 

 

'

[Zane]

Day Three: The small details

 

Today was our final day with the Acadia Denali.

 

Style seemed to be a big focus of this generation of Acadia. The headlights and tail-lights are unique and set the theme.

 

The interior is a combination of high-tech and useful features, with odd remembrances of the older platform this vehicle rides on. The capacitive touch radio and HVAC controls are top notch, while a keyed ignition is old-school for this segment.

 

The Bose radio didn't disappoint. We demand quality sound systems and the Acadia Denali didn't leave our ears frustrated.

 

Small touches of stitched materials and wood-trim are everywhere in the Denali.

 

We really liked this rear-usb charging hub and 120v outlet!

 

Rear seating in the third row will be tight for anyone but smaller kids.

 

Acadia is ready for a tailgate party! Radio controls in the rear near the gate.

 

The rear area is has a lot of uses! You can choose from three rows of seating, two, or just the front seats. The storage room area is surprisingly large with both rear seats folded down!

 

There's also a under-floor storage area.

[diggerdan11]

Im very interested in this. I have been think about buying one for my wife in a couple years.

[Zane]

Day one photos added!

[KMGZ400]

while it is a beautiful vehicle, theres just no way i would pay over 50k for the 3.6L v6... that price is tahoe range

[MikeNH]

while it is a beautiful vehicle, theres just no way i would pay over 50k for the 3.6L v6... that price is tahoe range

 

Not a Tahoe as well equipped as this though.

 

I have a fairly loaded Acadia this week as a rental. It is a great little rig overall though the suspension is a bit floaty feeling.

[holty]

My wife has a '14 Acadia. Not a Denali but an SLT. It's pretty sweet so far we really like it but only have a 300 miles on it.

[MikeNH]

Just got around to pairing my phone to this rig. Has an excellent stereo!

[Zane]

"Day two" is up!

[11Silvy]

Wow that gauge cluster really looks outdated!

[cobrajet84]

I really like these CUV's/ SUV's, with the recent refresh I'm surprised at how bad the gauge cluster is, that thing is horrible looking. Looks very econoboxish in a top of the line trim.

[j-ten-ner]

I really like the look inside and out.

The price is...well...I'm not going to buy one anyway.

But the gauge cluster....

 

so long

j-ten-ner

[j-ten-ner]

...The heads up display was a distraction at night...

 

I would think that especially this is something one can turn off.

Not everybody feels comfortable to have a reflection in the wind shield.

 

so long

j-ten-ner