GM Korea is moving in earnest to sell the premium sport utility vehicle (SUV) and pickup brand "GMC" in Korea to revive its domestic sales. GM Korea on the 27th began sales of the midsize pickup truck "Canyon" and the large SUV "Acadia." We took the Canyon and Acadia, launched under GMC's premium "Denali" brand, for test drives around Gimpo, Gyeonggi, on the 27th.
We first got into the Canyon Denali. The Canyon Denali measures 5,415㎜ long, 1,980㎜ wide, and 1,825㎜ high. With a minimum ground clearance of 265㎜, it is high, befitting an off-road-focused vehicle. Even so, it features broad, stable proportions and a solid stance. The front LED headlamps, daytime running lights, and front fog lamps gave it a strong presence.
We drove in four-wheel-drive auto mode on a 1.3㎞ off-road course. The first section had irregularly dug pits that looked easily 20㎝ deep. Pressing the accelerator gently, the four wheel axles extended and contracted to match the ground height, minimizing shake.
We also ran through a sharp curve section covered with large stones and gravel. On uneven surfaces, turning can easily cause oversteer, where the rear of the vehicle slides outward and the car rotates more than the steering angle. The Canyon Denali generally moved in proportion to the steering-wheel input. The "all-terrain tires," with deep and wide grooves, also helped improve grip.
The Canyon Denali is equipped with a 2.7L turbo direct-injection gasoline engine. Maximum output is 314 horsepower, and maximum torque, which determines acceleration, is 54㎏·m. Combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission, it can deliver stable performance in various driving conditions, GM Korea said.
On the final section, we had to crest a hill more than 2 meters high, and the steep slope blocked the view. In such cases, the cameras help. By checking the front and underside areas not visible to the naked eye, we could get through safely. With a maximum towing capacity of 3,493㎏ and the only model in its class certified as a Level 3 low-emission vehicle, the Canyon Denali is priced at 76.85 million won.
◇ Seven-seat large SUV Acadia… first to feature T Map among GM models in Korea
We drove about 70㎞ on city streets and highways in the top trim of the large SUV Acadia, the Denali Ultimate. It is a seven-seater measuring 5,160㎜ long, 2,020㎜ wide, and 1,815㎜ high. The front "Vader chrome" dark grille and C-shaped LED headlamps create a bold impression. Twenty-two-inch alloy wheels support the massive body.
The interior design shows the qualities of a premium trim. Full-grain leather seats that preserve the natural grain are applied to the first and second rows, and mahogany solid wood is used in places such as the door trims and center console. In particular, Mount Denali, the highest peak in North America, is intricately engraved in this wood.
With a width of more than 2 meters, it offers more space than other large SUVs. However, it was said that the third row secures "real living space" where an adult man can travel comfortably for long periods, but when this 170㎝-tall reporter sat there, knees touched the seat in front, suggesting long trips would be difficult.
Pressing the accelerator, the vehicle's weight could be felt at the tip of the foot. Rather than darting forward nimbly, it moved cautiously. At high speeds, the pace rose steadily, though wind noise from outside was somewhat audible.
Entering a sharp curve, body roll felt less than expected. This is thanks to the "performance suspension" with frequency-selective dampers. It detects vibration frequencies from the road surface in real time and automatically adjusts damping force. It softly absorbs rough-surface impacts while providing firm body support during cornering and high-speed driving.
It also appears advantageous that "T Map Auto" comes standard for the first time among GM vehicles in Korea. The 15-inch central display, 11-inch instrument cluster display, and 8-inch head-up display link seamlessly so navigation guidance can be checked without interruption.
Even without folding the third-row seats, a 648L trunk space allows loading large items such as golf bags. The Acadia Denali Ultimate is priced at 89.9 million won.