US sourced Holden Acadia – early details released.

Details of the American made Holden Acadia have been released today and on paper things are looking good. The big seven-seat SUV will be powered by a naturally aspirated petrol 3.6-litre V6, bucking the current trend of downsizing engines.

It will pick up a nine-speed automatic transmission with both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options. There are various driving modes under a ‘Traction Select System’ including Normal (2×4), Snow, Off Road and Trailer / Tow modes. AWD models offer 2×4 (AWD disconnect), 4×4, Sport, Off Road and Trailer/Tow mode as well.

The Arcadia sits in the soft off-road SUV space, alongside the likes of Toyota’s Kluger as opposed to the more rugged dual-cab based options such as Ford’s Everest.

“The level of technology across the range is compelling,” said Mathew Rattray-Wood, Holden General Manager of SUV Marketing. “Whether we are talking safety, convenience or infotainment, Acadia has the most complete technology package Holden has ever offered.”

A couple of handy tech features have found their way into the Acadia including Intelligent Speed Assist with Traffic Sign Recognition, a first for a Holden badged vehicle. Potential Kluger customers may also be swayed by Apple Car Play and Android Auto available as standard. Standard safety tech, which I believe is crucial these days when choosing car includes. Autonomous Emergency Braking, Following Distance Indicator, Automatic High Beam Assist, Safety Seat Alert, Forward Collision Alert with Head-Up Warning, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Zone Alert with Rear Cross Traffic Alert,Rear Parking Assist.

The Holden Acadia is made at General Motors’ Spring Hill facility in Tennessee. Although plenty of local engineering was enlisted to ensure it drives like it should on Australian roads. Expect a local launch towards the end of the year along with pricing details.