Apr 20, 2023
GMC Acadia Off-roading Tips

Being able to take their vehicle off-road is a common request for many car owners. If this is something you’re looking for in your next vehicle, you may be interested in the GMC Acadia. This SUV has some great features that make it particularly good at going off-road, on top of all its other amazing benefits. Below, we explain why the Acadia is an excellent choice if you’re looking to go off-road. We also cover some of the other benefits you can expect to enjoy if you choose this vehicle and how you can find an Acadia that meets your needs in Woodbridge, Virginia.

What Makes the GMC Acadia Great for Off-Roading?

If you’re looking for a three-row SUV that you can also take off-roading, the GMC Acadia is a great choice for a few reasons. For starters, the GMC Acadia has a powerful V-6 engine that helps it power through more difficult driving conditions. Other features include hill-descent control, hill-start assist, and Active Torque Control. Select models of the GMC Acadia also come with all-wheel drive, 17-inch wheels, and upgraded cloth upholstery, which better protects the interior of your Acadia from the elements.

GMC Acadia Off-Roading Tips

There are a few features you should take advantage of to make the most of your GMC Acadia while off-roading. These features include:

Traction Select System

Perhaps the best off-roading feature of the GMC Acadia is the traction select system. You can use the traction select dial to easily adjust various systems within the Acadia, such as the throttle mapping, shift points, and more. This is sure to give you the optimal driving experience. The traction select dial has five different settings, as follows:

  • Two-wheel drive: Turn your dial to two-wheel drive to turn the all-wheel drive system into a two-wheel drive system, which is optimized for normal driving conditions.
  • All-wheel drive: This setting enables the all-wheel drive system, which sends power to the rear wheels when the Acadia detects that it’s slipping. This maximizes the traction, which is perfect for difficult driving conditions, such as snow-covered roads.
  • Off-road: When you plan on taking your Acadia off the beaten path, you can turn the traction select dial to off-road. This optimizes the traction for these off-road conditions, such as when you’re driving on gravel or sand. This setting engages all-wheel drive and is ideally used when you’re driving under 50 mph.
  • Sport: The sport setting on the traction select dial is perfect for when you want improved acceleration. This will give your Acadia a sportier feel, and you may prefer to use this setting when driving on the highway or cruising through narrow suburban roads.
  • Trailer and tow: This setting optimizes your Acadia for when you’re using a trailer or towing something behind the vehicle. The Trailer/Tow setting will change the shift points of your Acadia and engage the all-wheel drive, improving traction and acceleration while trailering.

Easily Tow and Trailer

With the GMC Acadia, you can easily trailer or tow what you need, even while off-roading. The Acadia All-Terrain has a towing capacity of up to 2 tons, which is typically enough for a small camping trailer or boat. In addition, an active tow camera allows you to continually monitor your cargo with a rear camera.

The active tow system also makes it easier to attach your trailer hitch. To use the active tow system, all you need to do is put the Acadia in reverse. You’ll then see the active tow mode on your rear vision camera screen, where you can then use the center line for trailering. You can then easily line up your trailer hitch while going in reverse without having to ask anyone for help.

Secure Your Cargo Area

The GMC Acadia has a flexible cargo area, making it easier to carry all the equipment you need for your next trip. There’s ample room in the cargo area, plus you can use various available accessories to secure your belongings. You’ll have peace of mind while off-roading, knowing your belongings are safely stored in your cargo area and you have everything you need for your next adventure.

Check Your Vehicle Before Driving

Finally, as with any vehicle you plan to take off-road, you should check it before you leave. The above features of the Acadia will help improve your off-roading experience, but if you don’t check your vehicle, you may not be able to get the most out of it. Some simple things you can check include the remaining tread on your tires, the condition of your wiper blades, and the level of gas in your vehicle. More advanced checks include ensuring you have enough brake fluid and confirming how long it’s been since your last oil change.

Other Benefits of the GMC Acadia

Of course, the off-roading capabilities aren’t the GMC Acadia’s only benefit. The GMC Acadia also comes with ample passenger space, a high-tech infotainment system, and many of the latest safety features. This is a great all-around SUV that’s perfect for larger families or anyone who wants a little extra cargo room in the rear. Whether you need something to cart your kids around on the weekends or a reliable vehicle for your next long family road trip, you’ll likely find that the GMC Acadia has everything you need.

Explore the GMC Acadia at Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC

If you think that the GMC Acadia might be the SUV for you and you’re located in the Woodbridge, Virginia, area, let Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC help you out. We can show you the latest model GMC Acadia, answer any questions you may have about it, and set you up with a test drive. To get started, you can easily browse through our online inventory or check out our latest specials. When you’re ready, contact us to schedule a visit to our dealership. We guarantee we can help you find a vehicle that perfectly fits your needs, whether it’s the GMC Acadia or something else.