Sure it is nice to have a larger vehicle when you have a family. We have just four in our family, but often I have my sister’s kids so I need to have space for 5 kids. My hope is that most manufacturers are keeping family safety in mind when designing their larger vehicles. GMC is definitely doing this with their 2017 GMC Acadia Denali and the rear seat reminder system. The 2017 has been redesigned with a stunning look and upgrades to make sure your family is safe, secure, and comfortable each day.
What first hit me in the 2017 GMC Acadia Denali was the ample amount of legroom. Most three row SUV’s have next to no legroom in the rear seats. If the third row is not needed, the second row passengers can stretch out. The second row can move independently to give more room per left and right side. When I moved the second row up to allow enough space for adults in the third row, I was shocked at how the second row still had plenty of space. GMC designed the Acadia to give you the max amount of spacing inside while not being overwhelmingly large on the outside.
Throw in the Denali packaging of leather and woodgrain throughout, you will then have all the creature comforts to elevate your driving/riding experience. Another thing GMC got right is the use of in-ceiling air vents. My kids complain often of being hot in the rear of vehicles because of the placement of air vents. You don’t want your knees to be where the air flows especially if your child is in a rear facing carseat they do not get the airflow they need. Upper air vents assures that my kids get air to their faces and upper body.
Now there is still not a huge amount of space in the rear cargo area which would somewhat turn me off to buying the Acadia for a larger family, but if you have a smaller one like mine it is ample storage with the rear seats down.
Keeping Family Safety in Mind
Top of the list for family safety is GMC’s answer to the stories of kids getting left in cars with distracted parents. The new rear seat reminder system on the Acadia will alert you with an audible noise and visual alert on the driver screen to check the back. This sensor is triggered when you open the rear door and put anything inside. Genius I tell you. Even if you aren’t putting a child in the rear, there are times I have left groceries in my car because I was distracted when leaving the car. This reminder can save lives and that is huge for me as a parent.
I was able to take the Acadia up to Dallas and the trip almost flew by too fast with how comfortable the ride was. It is an easy to drive vehicle with lane departure warnings, blind spot assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Loaded with features geared toward keeping family safety in mind, makes me feel confident on recommending the 2017 GMC Acadia Denali for all my soccer moms out there.
2017 GMC Acadia Denali in Iridium Metallic: MSRP $52,185
- 3.6L V6 SIDI DOHC VVT all wheel drive
- ABS 4 wheel disc brakes
- Teen driver
- Driver Alert package II
- 20″ polished aluminum wheels
- Power, hands free liftgate
- Trizone A/C
- Memory package for seats
- 120V power outlet
- Ventilated and heated front seats
- 8″ driver instrument info
- Bose premium 8 speaker audio
- Heated steering wheel
- XM Radio, Onstar, 4G LTE Wifi, Apple Carplay & Android Auto
- Technology package: Adaptive cruise control with full speed frontal braking system, automatic collision preparation ($1345)
- Dual Skyscape Sunroof ($1400)
- Continuously variable chassis ($1200)
Gorgeous!