Holden Acadia tipped to miss GMC facelift

GMC has updated its Acadia large SUV for 2020, but Holden sources tell Wheels that Australia is likely to miss out on the updates – at least those related to the exterior styling.

This is because many of the mechanical and interior changes are already fitted to the Holden-badged Acadia, which went on sale in late-2018.

9

Despite being a relatively new arrival to Holden’s Australian line-up, the US-sourced SUV is actually three years old, with this mid-life refresh for the US model updating exterior styling, and introducing a new 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

Australian Acadia owners needn’t worry that they are missing out, with Holden’s seven-seater already fitted with the nine-speed gearbox, larger 8.0-inch infotainment screen, and digital instrument cluster that is now part of the update offered in North America.

Wheels understands that it is unlikely that the updated styling or turbocharged four-pot engine will make it to Australia. However, we are informed that Holden will be included in the discussions for future updates.

9

Above: facelift GMC Acadia

The new 173kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine fitted to the GMC Acadia is a retuned version of what is seen locally in the Equinox and Commodore.

Australian Acadias are sold exclusively with a 231kW/367Nm 3.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V6. Holden insiders told Wheels at the Acadia launch last year that the company didn’t have the budget to take both the V6 and a four-cylinder variant.

Cars fitted with V6 engines have typically sold well in this segment, with the Toyota Kluger moving over 14,000 units last year, making it the second-most popular vehicle in the class behind its sibling the Toyota Prado, which is fitted with a turbo-diesel four-cylinder.

9

Above: facelift GMC Acadia Denali

The Acadia recorded 272 registrations in January, down significantly on key rivals the Mazda CX-9 (534) and Kluger (945).

Holden has high expectations for the Amercian-built SUV, which it hoped would help lift the dwindling sales spiral the company is currently experiencing.

Since going on sale late last year, only 897 examples of the seven-seat Holden have been registered, less than the number of Klugers sold by Toyota in a typical month.

9

Above: current Holden Acadia in Australia