Modern trucks and SUVs are sold on the concept of versatility. It’s not just a sales pitch anymore, because trucks and SUVs are truly far more capable and versatile than ever before. But while a truck may have the edge with cargo space in the bed, its limitation can be a lack of seat space for larger families. That’s where SUVs, especially those offering optional third-row seating, can offer something trucks cannot. Add in the growing host of SUVs with AWD capability and you’ve got a family rig that can still be a weekend adventure vehicle as well.

The new 2017 GMC Acadia Denali fits this description to a T, as this new mid-size SUV comes packed with family-friendly options, third-row seating and an AWD option. The Acadia isn’t a serious off-roader. But in a more sensible respect, we wondered if it could confidently get up the weathered dirt trail to the trailhead for a hike, or can it comfortably get to the cabin without getting stuck? Ultimately, does its AWD promise actually deliver when this family-focused SUV needs to get in the dirt? That’s what we aimed to find out.

What’s New?
The GMC Acadia had its strongest sales year in 2015, selling nearly 100,000 units that year. That’s an impressive tally when you consider GMC’s Yukon is a dominant force for the brand in the SUV segment. The Acadia sits in the middle of GMC’s SUV lineup between the compact Terrain and the full-size Yukon, and for 2017 it returns with a host of changes. The AWD model, which is what we drove for this test, is powered by a 3.6L V6 engine that features direction injection and variable valve timing (VVT). The engine – which is also available on the mid-size Canyon pickup – is rated to produce 310 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of torque, and it is EPA rated at 18 mpg in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway. The V6 is mated to the Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission.

MORE: 2018 GMC Terrain Gets 3 Turbocharged Engines

One of the biggest changes on the new 2017 model is the reduction of weight – 700 pounds, to be exact. The weight reduction on the Acadia is of note, since the entire vehicle was essentially reshaped to aid in this reduction. GMC also notes it added more high-strength steel in key areas to provide added strength to the vehicle to help reduce weight safely and efficiently. Also new for 2017 is the addition of the Traction Select system that helps with performance in varying on-road or off-road terrain.

Safety features added on the 2017 Acadia include GM’s new Rear Seat Warning indicator, Forward Automatic Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Surround Vision Camera, and a handful of other safety features. One added benefit of note on the AWD model is it features a 22-gallon fuel tank instead of a smaller 19-gallon tank on the FWD model.

How it Performs?
When our AWD Acadia Denali showed up it took us a bit by surprise. Our first thought was, “This sits pretty low to the ground.” We worried about taking this thing off of the highway at all, but we didn’t need to cross that bridge immediately since we planned to drive it around town for a few days.

The base price for the FWD Acadia is $29,995, but our feature-packed Denali AWD pushed the price tag up to $51,260. After getting behind the wheel of the Acadia with that price in mind we looked for things to knit-pick but were hard pressed to find any. The interior of the Acadia is well appointed with heated leather seats that offer power adjustability and lumbar support adjustment for both driver and passenger. The second row seating is comfortable and spacious enough for adults, and we like the USB outlets and 120-volt power outlet for the backseat. The third row is great for children, but don’t expect adults to realistically be sitting back there (not shocking considering leg room is 8.6 inches less than the second row). The tri-zone air conditioning is also a great feature. The upgraded eight-speaker Bose system in our Acadia spreads the sound out nicely, and although it’s an option some could live without the Dual Skyscape sunroof is pretty cool.

From the driver’s seat, the Denali Acadia feels confident and composed on the highway. The electric power steering with “Active Return Assist” helps the SUV glide around town effortlessly, and the four-wheel disc brakes help provide stopping power for the 20-inch wheels. With MacPherson struts employing continuous damping control up front and a five-link independent rear suspension also using GMC’s continuous damping control, the SUV is composed while turning and it can soak up those unexpected potholes and bumps just fine.

It’s easy to find a comfortable driving position for my 6-foot frame thanks to the power adjustable steering wheel and seat. The GM infotainment setup found in the Acadia is great, and it’s the same one we’ve praised in the past in the Canyon that we’ve spent a great deal of time in. The touchscreen layout is easy to operate, and we appreciate the control knobs (and the placement of them) on each side of the screen. The center console features the same wood inlay found throughout the cabin, and it houses the shift lever and the Traction Select system, which shifts the Acadia into AWD.

The steering wheel offers controls for the stereo and Bluetooth-paired phones, but it also controls functions of the digital instrumentation screen for the driver. The screen has a number of displays to choose from, though we often found ourselves using the digital speedometer. On each side of the digital display are analog gauges that include a tachometer, temp gauges, a fuel gauge, voltmeter and more. The 2017 Acadia also boasts improved smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which helps make use of phone functions such as accessing the music library, phone contacts and receiving texts without the need to pickup the phone by hand.

The 3.6L gasoline engine feels right at home on the SUV – it doesn’t feel underpowered or overpowered. The Acadia has confident acceleration from stoplights or when punching it onto freeway onramps, and it’s easy to manage the speed of the vehicle on steep climbs. The six-speed transmission pairs nicely with the V6, and we though it clicked through the gears smoothly in every driving condition we encountered. The maximum trailer rating for the Acadia is 4,000 pounds, though we didn’t get a chance to test its pulling power this time.

When we first ventured off of the highway, we flashed back to our first impression of the SUV and our concern of its low-looking stance, but we were pleasantly surprised with the Acadia once off the pavement. Although this isn’t going to for any serious climbs nor should it take on any seriously rocky trails, the Acadia offers great grip on both loose and hard-packed trails. The 20-inch wheels and road-friendly tires didn’t exactly inspire confidence for our first hill climb in the Acadia, but in all honesty the lack of an aggressive tire meant the performance would be less about a grippy tread pattern and more about the capability of the vehicle. We were impressed. We tackled fire roads, a few different moderate hill climbs, and some weathered trails with heavy ruts from recent rain, and the Acadia performed well, even when we found ourselves in places that most people never venture.

Ground clearance, or lack thereof, is worth noting because the Acadia’s clearance is limited by the air dam mounted below the front bumper. We had to take the bumps and ruts at a careful crawl, but what did help in these instances is the Surround Vision Camera. Not only does the Surround Vision use cameras to show a view of the terrain surrounding the vehicle, but the front- and rear-facing cameras help point out the terrain both in front of and behind the vehicle. In spite of its family-friendly demeanor, the Acadia doesn’t feel out of place when the pavement ends.

Final Thoughts
For most, the Acadia will be a family vehicle that won’t even sniff dirt. Occasionally it will be a mountain bike hauler, a camping transporter, or a vehicle to get you near the trails but not necessarily on them. We’re happy to report that should you need to actually use the AWD functions on the new Acadia, provided you’re not going on anything extreme, it might just surprise you what it can handle.

There’s a lot to like about the Acadia overall. The third row seating is a nice option for larger families, and it’s easy to fold down the seats to unveil a spacious rear cargo area. We appreciate the hands-free power liftgate out back as well. The optional WiFi, the integrated connectivity and plethora of ports means that no one will be out of touch or lose power on the next trip. In the overall ride quality department, the Acadai gets high marks as well. During testing, we were right in line with the 18 mpg fuel economy rating for city driving, and we were happy to see a 25.8 mpg rating for highway driving that is above the 25 mpg rating. Overall, the Acadia is a great family SUV that still can get off the highway when needed.

MORE: 2018 GMC Terrain Gets 3 Turbocharged Engines