The Future Turned Out Bright: A Look Back at the 2007 GMC Acadia

We thought it would be fun to take a look back at where the Acadia started and compare it to what would be available at a GMC dealer near Johns Creek today. We’ll discuss design improvements and today’s incredible technological advancements that were once considered relegated to the fantasy of sci-fi writers and never imagined to become standard features of GMC’s offerings—especially as soon as they did.

The 2024 GMC Acadia is a major improvement over the 2007 model in terms of size, cargo space, and technology. When GMC’s all-new, first-ever crossover SUV was released in 2007, it was designed to give buyers a smooth, car-like driving experience while still being a capable SUV within GMC’s luxe lineup. The Acadia was GMC’s first unibody build and first front-wheel-drive passenger vehicle since its motorhome offering in the 1970s. An all-wheel-drive model was available for the first generation of the Acadia as well.

Upon release, the Acadia was a full-size SUV. Its second generation was redesigned to be smaller to fill the niche of a midsize SUV while still providing three rows of seating. Newly designed again for the third generation in 2024, the Acadia has returned to a full-size body that can supply better fuel economy figures and better maneuverability in busy city streets while not sacrificing cargo space or passenger comfort.

Bigger and Better Build

While both were full-size, the 2024 Acadia is longer, wider, and taller than the original 2007 model. In this instance, bigger is better, for along with larger dimensions, the 2024 Acadia includes significantly more cargo and passenger volume, coming in at 97.5 cu.ft. of cargo space with the third row folded down. Compare that to the first generation in 2007, which only offered 78.4 cu.ft. of cargo space. But you might be thinking that by being a larger vehicle, the 2024 Acadia must consume a lot more fuel and have a bigger engine.

That’s where the technological advancements shine, as GMC is able to do more with less, and today’s Acadia has a more compact and competent engine, providing better fuel economy figures than was possible in 2007. The 2007 Acadia had a 3.6-liter V6 engine that got an EPA-estimated 16 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway, for 19 MPG combined in front-wheel drive. Today, the Acadia relies on a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that provides an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in the city, 27 MPG on the highway, and 23 MPG combined in front-wheel drive.

What has us impressed the most is that the smaller 2.5-liter turbocharged engine has an output of 328 hp versus only 275 hp from the 2007’s 3.6-liter. That’s a serious leap in mechanical design to be able to increase power in a more compact engine with two fewer cylinders! That’s what makes the Acadia so great for the larger family that needs seating for seven and still has room for luggage, sports equipment, or a long weekend’s worth of camping gear for a getaway in a rugged destination. And with that kind of horsepower kicking up, you’ll enjoy an inspired performance on the open road.

Safety Advancements

In 2007, electronic stability control (which relied on the ABS system in combination with the vehicle’s knowing the independent speed of each wheel to maintain better traction on the road) and airbags throughout the Acadia were coveted safety features. As we look at what the 2024 Acadia is equipped with, we see that GMC is able to offer the most modern technology in its safety tech and a whole slew of driver assistance features, keeping you and your family much safer on busy roadways.

It’s hard to imagine that vehicles once came without such essential features as Blind Zone Steering Assist, Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Following Distance Indicator, and Forward Collision Alert. With GMC’s HD Surround Vision, the installed cameras provide selectable digital views of the area around your vehicle that can help you park or avoid vehicles and objects. In addition to proximity sensors helping you park, you can show where your vehicle is heading with a guideline that appears on the infotainment screen.

Tech-Savvy Features

The exciting futuristic technology that 2007’s automakers most likely couldn’t see becoming universal is the available Super Cruise. This hands-free driving tool allows you to relax with confidence on a vast network of North American highways. Super Cruise works with OnStar and uses real-time precise positioning cameras, sensors, GPS, and LiDAR map data to follow the road, keep you in your lane, and match the flow of traffic, which can help make long drives and commutes comfortable and convenient.

The 2024 Acadia’s dash has a central 15-inch GMC Premium Infotainment System with Google Built-In, and it’s in easy reach of the driver to make your operation quick and effortless. The design is fresh and modern, with clean lines across the front dash and intuitive placement of select buttons and controls. The driver data display is finely placed behind the sport-style heated steering wheel. Both screens are high resolution, displaying crisp, full-color icons, apps, and driver data like speed, tire pressure, fuel level, and more.

What did the Acadia offer for advanced tech in 2007? Satellite radio, a CD player, dual-zone climate control, and an available overhead DVD player for the rear rows. Not to belittle the best of the best offered in 2007, but GMC’s offerings have certainly come a long way, and the future is now! (Fascinatingly, though, GMC installed their first vehicular head-up display (HUD) in 1999 and offered it in the 2007 Acadia as an option.)

Today, the 2024 Acadia comes standard with a HUD, which now presents more sophisticated graphics for its informational and navigational displays. Expanded data sources, cameras, blind-spot monitoring sensors, and other driving aids have increased the variety of data available for HUDs to display, keeping you less distracted by having to look down or away and more focused on the road ahead.

Modernized Luxury

Both generations of the Acadia had premium leather seats and heated front seats available, but the 2024 model takes it a step further by adding eight electronic comfort adjustments to the driver’s seat and six for the passenger. These are great for commutes, road trips, or cruising to the beach for a holiday weekend with the family.

A panoramic sunroof, now standard in 2024, is something we wished we had in 2007. With a wireless charging pad for compatible smart devices, a large center console for ample storage, and deep door pockets to help keep you organized, the 2024 Acadia has been thoughtfully designed. Adults will enjoy how the third row has plenty of legroom and headroom, and they will not feel cramped in the back. The Acadia has always been a top-tier people-mover and does so in comfort and style.

If you’re looking for a 2024 Acadia in the Johns Creek area, make Jim Ellis Buick GMC Mall of Georgia your first call. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and take you out on a test drive in this impressively built, high-quality, full-size SUV that’s sure to meet all your needs. Stop by today and find out why the Acadia is a staple GMC offering that is sure to keep you happy on the road with its reliable performance, impressive luxury, and incredible cargo space.