The 2018 GMC Acadia stands out as a midsize SUV prioritizing safety, a crucial factor for families and individuals alike. This model year of the Acadia, part of the redesigned generation starting in 2017, offers enhanced safety features and a lighter build compared to its predecessors. Understanding the safety performance of the 2018 Acadia GMC is essential for informed car buying decisions. Independent safety organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rigorously test vehicles to provide consumers with reliable safety ratings. This article delves into the 2018 GMC Acadia’s performance in the IIHS moderate overlap frontal test, offering insights into its structural integrity and occupant protection.
Excellent “Good” Rating in Moderate Overlap Frontal Test
The 2018 GMC Acadia, mirroring the 2017-2023 models’ design, achieved the highest possible rating of “Good” in the IIHS moderate overlap frontal test. This test simulates a common type of frontal crash where a vehicle’s front corner impacts another vehicle or object. The “Good” rating signifies that the Acadia provides robust protection in this demanding scenario, minimizing the risk of injury to the occupants. This rating is a testament to GMC’s commitment to safety in the design and engineering of the Acadia. It’s important to note that these ratings are also applicable to the Cadillac XT6, a luxury midsize SUV sharing a similar platform and introduced in 2020.
Robust Structure and Safety Cage Performance
A critical aspect of vehicle safety is the structural integrity, especially the safety cage that surrounds the occupants. In the IIHS test, the 2018 GMC Acadia earned a “Good” rating for its structure and safety cage. This indicates that the Acadia’s structure effectively withstood the forces of the moderate overlap frontal crash, maintaining the occupant compartment space and reducing the risk of intrusion that could lead to injuries. A strong safety cage is paramount in protecting occupants in a collision, and the Acadia’s performance in this area is commendable.
Comprehensive Driver Injury Measures: Protecting Occupants
The IIHS evaluation extends beyond structural integrity to assess potential driver injuries. The 2018 GMC Acadia demonstrated excellent protection across most injury measures:
- Head and Neck: “Good” rating, signifying minimal risk of head and neck injuries.
- Chest: “Good” rating, indicating good protection for the driver’s chest area.
- Left Leg/Foot: “Good” rating, showing effective protection for the left lower extremities.
- Right Leg/Foot: “Acceptable” rating. While still offering good protection, this rating suggests a slightly higher risk compared to other body regions but still within an acceptable safety margin.
These “Good” ratings across critical injury measures highlight the 2018 GMC Acadia’s ability to protect drivers from significant injuries in a moderate overlap frontal crash. The slight variation in the right leg/foot rating is a detail to consider, but overall, the injury measures are very positive.
Effective Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics
The performance of the restraint systems, including airbags and seatbelts, is crucial in mitigating injuries during a crash. The 2018 GMC Acadia received a “Good” rating for driver restraints and dummy kinematics. This means the airbags and seatbelts worked effectively together to control the dummy’s movement during the crash, preventing excessive motion that could lead to injuries. Optimal dummy kinematics are essential for maximizing the effectiveness of safety features, and the Acadia performed admirably in this evaluation.
Detailed Technical Measurements from the Crash Test
For a more in-depth understanding, the IIHS provides technical measurements from the crash test. These measurements offer specific data points on occupant compartment intrusion and driver injury metrics. The tables below present a detailed breakdown of these measurements for those seeking a more technical analysis of the 2018 GMC Acadia’s crash performance.
Occupant Compartment Intrusion on Driver Side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Footwell intrusion | |
| Footrest (cm) | 3 |
| Left (cm) | 7 |
| Center (cm) | 6 |
| Right (cm) | 10 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 8 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement | |
| Left (cm) | 0 |
| Right (cm) | 0 |
| Steering column movement | |
| Upward (cm) | 1 |
| Rearward (cm) | -5 |
| A-pillar rearward movement (cm) | 2 |
Driver Injury Measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 143 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 11 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.19 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 26 |
| Legs | |
| Femur force – left (kN) | 0.5 |
| Femur force – right (kN) | 1.6 |
| Knee displacement – left (mm) | 1 |
| Knee displacement – right (mm) | 1 |
| Maximum tibia index – left | 0.31 |
| Maximum tibia index – right | 0.45 |
| Tibia axial force – left (kN) | 2.5 |
| Tibia axial force – right (kN) | 4.3 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 48 |
| Right | 59 |
Conclusion: 2018 GMC Acadia – A Safe Midsize SUV Choice
The 2018 GMC Acadia demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, achieving a “Good” rating in the IIHS moderate overlap frontal test. With robust structural performance and effective occupant protection, the Acadia provides peace of mind for drivers and passengers. For those prioritizing safety in a midsize SUV, the 2018 GMC Acadia is a highly rated option, offering a secure and reliable driving experience. These safety ratings, backed by rigorous testing, reinforce the Acadia’s position as a safe and family-friendly vehicle in the competitive SUV market.
