GMC’s headliner at the Detroit Auto Show, the 2017 Acadia, promises to be a significant improvement over its predecessor and from a design standpoint, it certainly looks the part.

As the 2017 Acadia is smaller than the outgoing model – by 7.2 inches in length, 3.5 inches in width and 3.9 inches in height – it is no longer available with eight seats, but will be offered in five, six or seven passenger configurations.

The upshot of the vehicle’s reduced size and its additional use of lightweight steels in its construction means it weighs 700 pounds less than the current car. Impressively, GMC has managed to actually increase cargo capacity from 70 cubic feet to 79 cubic feet despite the reduced size.

Engine wise, base Acadia models utilize a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that records 22 miles per gallon city and 28 mpg during highway driving. For customers looking for some more oomph, a 3.6-liter V6 delivering 310 hp and available with an all-wheel drive system is offered.

The automaker hasn’t announced when the first units will hit U.S. streets but we expect local deliveries to begin in the middle of the year.

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