2013 GMC Acadia Denali Review

Those in the market for a luxurious full-size crossover SUV will be pleasantly surprised by the 2013 GMC Acadia Denali. The seven-passenger luxury cruiser offers a new look and a few new features that are sure to draw attention and praise from potential buyers.

The Acadia Denali’s looks have been significantly refreshed for 2013. A blunt, rugged front end replaces the 2012 Acadia’s softer design and the Denali package adds the customary chrome grille inserts. Standard high-intensity discharge headlamps ringed by LED lighting helps the Denali stand out from the rest of the pack. The glamorous two-panel SkyScape power sunroof is also available as standard on the Denali. standard 20-inch machined aluminum wheels (or optional 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels), illuminated front sillplates and body-color rocker molding help complete the Acadia Denali’s unique, upscale looks.

Inside, the Acadia Denali remains roomy and feature-packed, with soft-touch materials, sleek ambient lighting, satin chrome brightwork and wood accenting throughout. The third row offers enough room to accommodate two six-foot adults, which is a significant advantage over other crossovers in its class. The third-row seats also fold flat, while the second-row seats collapse out of the way, giving the 2013 Acadia Denali more space for cargo.

GMC’s IntelliLink infotainment system offers a wealth of possibilities for drivers and passengers, thanks to the ability to integrate smartphone apps including Stitcher and Pandora. The included Bose 10-speaker system is available with 5.1 surround sound for an enhanced auditory experience. New rotary HVAC controls make climate control a more intuitive experience. An exclusive Acoustic Package helps cancel out exterior noise for a quieter driving experience. Of course, the Acadia Denali also features a number of safety features. Along with a battery of frontal and side-impact airbags, the Acadia also features a new front center airbag, a first for any automaker.

Under the hood, the 2013 Acadia Denali soldiers on with GM’s reliable 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine featuring sequential direct injection. This engine produces a respectable 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, giving the full-size crossover SUV enough grunt to tow up to 5,200 pounds. Paired up with a six-speed automatic transmission, the full-size luxury crossover achieves an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway in front-wheel drive form while its all-wheel drive counterpart delivers 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.

Remote keyless entry, heated and cooled front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power rear liftgate and heads-up instrumentation are all available as standard features on the 2013 GMC Acadia Denali. Buyers also receive OnStar with six months of complementary service.