It has been eight years since GMC started offering their mid-size Acadia series. Now, the 2017 version is 700 pounds lighter, still offers the great versatility it is known for, and is equipped with advanced safety features that make driving more fun. It is expected to arrive by the first quarter of 2017 in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Middle East.

Aside from shedding the extra weight, the 2017 GMC Acadia is 7.2 inches shorter, it's wheelbase is smaller by 6.4 inches and it is also narrower by 3.5 inches. Its beauty can now compete head to head with the likes of the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, which were always smaller than the original mid-sized GMC SUV.

There are three major variants of the 2017 Acadia series, the standard, the All Terrain and the Denali.

The standard Acadia will have a starting MSRP of US$29,070 and comes with a standard four-cylinder engine and a six-speed transmission, with advanced stop/start technology, and offers an EPA estimated of 21/26 MPG city/hi-way. The engine can be upgraded to a 3.6L V6 engine, equipped with an Active Fuel Management and will deliver up to 310 horsepower.

Interiors will only come with the basic trims, but French-stitched seats are also available to add more comfort and a touch of class. Additionally, it can come with an Active noise cancellation, as well as two-way adjustable front head restraints for better comfort while driving.

The Acadia All Terrain starts with US$39,115 and offers EPA figures of 18/25 MBP city/hi-way. It is designed to perform better on the outdoors with its 18-inch or 20-inch wheels, and with two trim levels to choose from, All Terrain 1 and All Terrain 2.

If one prefers, an 8-inch diagonal Color Touch Radio with IntelliLink and touch display can be added for a more enjoyable driving experience. One can also opt for an Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, which provides up to 5 USB ports and 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, just to name a few.

Safety features available for this model are Side Blind zone alert, Rear Cross traffic alert, Rear Park assist, and Rear Vision camera.

Lastly, the top-of-the-line Acadia Denali has a starting MSRP of US$45,315, with EPA figures of 18/25 MBP city/hi-way. It also comes with its specially designed Denali grille at the front, bright aluminum 20-inch wheels complete with silver accents and dual chrome exhaust pipes.

Its interior comes with real wood grain accents, warm-toned aluminum and French-stitched seats. The front seats also come with their own heating and ventilation feature, while the second row comes with its own heating.

It also comes with a tri-zone climate control, 5 USB ports, rear climate controls and a 120-volt power outlet.