CHICAGO – General Motors unveiled its new 2013-MY Acadia (and Acadia Denali) at the Chicago Auto Show. The Acadia features a redesigned exterior and new safety features, including GM’s new front center airbag. The 2013-MY Acadia also has a next-generation Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission, which GM said provides improved shift response and drivability.

You can view a gallery of the GMC Acadia and GMC Acadia Denali here.

“With an award-winning combination of space, capability and fuel-efficiency, Acadia epitomizes GMC’s ‘never say never’ attitude,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of GMC Marketing. “For 2013, our engineers and designers applied that same attitude to developing the new Acadia.”

GM said the new Acadia features a “more upright” design, a three-bar grille; diffused LED running lamps (regardless of whether standard projector beam or optional HID headlamps are selected); new taillamp detailing; wrap-around rear glass; a new rear spoiler; and new 18-, 19-, and 20-inch wheel patterns.

In terms of safety, the redesigned Acadia will be the first vehicle on the market with GMC’s new front center air bag system. It deploys from the inboard side of the driver’s seat and positions itself between the driver and front passenger. Standard on the Acadia Denali, and available on other models, are Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems.

GM said every GMC Acadia model comes standard with six months of OnStar’s Directions and Connections service (includes automatic crash response, turn-by-turn navigation, roadside assistance, emergency services link and remote door unlocking). A rear-view camera is also standard.

The Acadia still features GM’s SmartSlide seating system, which allows easy access to the third row for both seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations. The second and third rows still fold flat, providing cargo space, including the ability to carry 48-inch-wide sheet goods, such as drywall and plywood.

Inside, the Acadia’s interior uses upgraded soft-touch materials, with French stitching and red ambient lighting across the dashboard. SLT and Denali models get aluminum accents on the center console, doors, and dash.

The 2013-MY Acadia also comes with redesigned infotainment functions that feature capacitive touch controls. GMC’s Color Touch Radio, first introduced on the 2012 Terrain, is standard in the new Acadia. GM’s IntelliLink system is also available, which allows users to connect their smartphones for hands-free calling through the audio system. The system also provides Bluetooth streaming.

All 2013-MY GMC Acadia models are powered by a 3.6L direct injection V-6 with variable valve timing, according to GM. This engine can produce 288 horsepower (215 kW) and 270 lb.-ft. (266 Nm) of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available. The maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds (2268 kg).

Vehicle options include rear-seat entertainment, a Dual SkyScape sunroof, and a trailering package.

The GMC Acadia Denali features a number of additional upgrades, including the following:

• New, three-dimensional polished grille

• Redesigned lower front and rear fascias

• Body-color lower cladding and rocker moldings, rear fascia and fender flares

• Unique body-side moldings with chrome accents and Denali badges

• Dual flow-through chrome exhaust outlets integrated into the rear fascia

• 20-inch machined wheels

Interior features include the following:

• Perforated leather seating and Denali-specific Cocoa Dune upholstery color

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood inserts and power tilt/telescope

• Aluminum trim accents

• Heated and cooled front seats

• Accent lighting in footwells and lighted sill plates with Denali logo

• Color Touch navigation

• Side Blind Zone and Rear Cross Traffic Alert

• Dual SkyScape sunroof system, with sliding front sunroof and fixed rear section
  All-wheel drive