LaFontaine Buick GMC Ann Arbor

Two people are shown walking towards a blue 2024 Buick Encore GX Avenir parked in a driveway.

Have you ever taken a look around a Buick dealer or caught a commercial on TV and seen the word “Avenir”? Unless you’ve driven a Buick with an Avenir trim, you might not know what it means or all that it entails.

The word “Avenir” sounds enticing, doesn’t it? It’s intriguing, a little mysterious, and seems to promise a unique experience. Buick has used the word since 2015 as a descriptor for specific vehicles in this brand’s lineup. But what does it mean? Which drivers was it created for? And what’s included for vehicles that carry the name?

Buick’s reputation for producing accessible luxury vehicles is second to none, and the Avenir name will further entrench a Buick model in that category. If you’ve been looking for a luxury SUV, you’re in luck: Buick’s got what you need with the Avenir, from cabin comforts and conveniences to mechanical options to cutting-edge technology and more.

So what does this mean for you? How will it affect your driving experience? Let’s take a look at the Avenir name, from its concept to the luxurious details within its model that make driving an absolute dream…

What Is the Avenir?

Though you may have seen “Avenir” in Buick’s advertising over the last few years, it might not be clear what Avenir entails. Is it a vehicle, a trim level, a special edition, or something else altogether?

The Avenir lineup is, simply put, a group of Buick vehicles elevated to an even more luxurious and high-tech level. It’s a little bit more than a trim since it both adds to the vehicle and provides an outline for the future of Buick vehicles. “Avenir” is the French word for “future” and has been applied to a variety of projects, including a futuristic font from the 1980s, as well as to Buick’s plans for their next models. The word itself rolls off the tongue and reminds one of a grand avenue straight to the future.

There are a variety of Buick vehicles with the Avenir tag, including the ever-popular Enclave, the Encore, and, for the first time, 2024’s Envista. You might be familiar with the regular versions of these vehicles, but if you haven’t yet had the opportunity to see a Buick Enclave Avenir or the newest Buick Envista Avenir, do yourself a favor and take a look at one; you’ll be enthralled with the luxurious details as well as the smooth handling, high-tech interior, and the ease with which it shears mile after mile toward your destination.

From Concept to Classic

What was once a concept car shown at the 2015 North American International Auto Show is poised to become the ultimate luxurious classic. Its exterior design was guided by none other than creative designer Warrack Leach, who is responsible for many memorable designs that went from sketch to eye-catching vehicles for General Motors.

The prototype of the Avenir line was built in Australia, and ever since, Buick’s Avenir line has seen a steady business and plenty of accolades. In fact, the aforementioned prototype took home two EyesOn Design Awards—one in the category of “Best Designed Concept Vehicle” at the conclusion of its visit to the International Auto Show.

Now, nearly a decade later, the Avenir line continues to impress, winning awards for the Buick nameplate as well as the Avenir tag. Kelley Blue Book has awarded “Best Value Luxury Brand” to Buick for several years, and with Buick being the fastest growing mainstream brand, with the Avenir taking up a quarter of retail sales. It’s safe to say that people have responded well to the Avenir lineup since its inception, and it seems to only be growing in popularity. But what appeals so strongly to Buick drivers, and what might clinch your decision to join in?

A black 2022 Buick Envision Avenir is shown parked in a driveway after visiting a Buick dealer.

An Eye for Luxurious Details

Since the Avenir is Buick’s look to the future, it stands to reason that the Avenir line includes some of the most cutting-edge tech when it comes to safety, comfort, and power. For instance, the Enclave Avenir comes with both a head-up display and wireless charging—luxuries that are often relegated to optional features on other vehicles.

A five-link rear suspension has been installed to give the driver and their passengers the smoothest ride possible. As for the interior, the driver and front passenger can enjoy massaging seats that are also ventilated, and the entire group can appreciate natural sunlight or gaze at the stars through the panoramic moonroof.

In addition to these ample luxuries, the design of the Avenir brings to mind a refined, well-crafted future with its clean lines, unique grille, and highly polished wheels. There are plenty of things to love about the premium Avenir tag, but perhaps one of the best things is the all-encompassing list of safety features, including front and rear park assist, front pedestrian braking, and a following distance indicator. With these, you’ll be able to park smoothly and halt quickly in the event of a potentially dangerous situation.

What the Avenir Entails

Buick’s Avenir is not only a promise for the future; it’s also a dedication to the present, providing drivers and passengers with a dream of the future and all it can entail. Wouldn’t you love to be part of something like that? People the world over are dreaming of a variety of futures, and if you had your choice, wouldn’t you choose the future the Avenir helped create?

That’s what Buick wants for its drivers: a bright, glowing vision of the future where life has become more pleasant and more luxurious and gives you plenty of time to spend with your family and friends.

The Avenir is the future of Buick, but it can also be your future. Whether you need a five-seat SUV or a seven-seater, whether you’re looking for an everyday vehicle that can handle the daily commute or something that makes all your trips and vacations more enjoyable, the premium Avenir trim will guarantee that you have all you need to make wonderful memories for a long time to come.

So where can you go to find out more about the Avenir? What can you do to ensure that you get all the information about a model’s Avenir trim as well as financing options for it?

A blue 2024 Buick Encore GX Avenir is shown from a side angle.

Your Avenir Awaits

You can do all that right here at LaFontaine Buick GMC Ann Arbor! We proudly offer the Buick Avenir lineup from the Envista Avenir to the Enclave Avenir. We can help you decide which option is best for you or assist you in making a custom order so that you are guaranteed to get a vehicle you adore more than any other vehicle you’ve ever driven. The Avenir line is truly exceptional, and we know you’re going to love it just as much as we do.

When you invest in an Avenir, you’re investing in yourself and your family’s future. You’re getting the highest quality luxury vehicle, along with the best and newest technologies that will keep your family safe and entertained during trips, no matter how short or long. After test-driving an Avenir or even taking a peek at the interior, you’ll understand why this is the future that so many drivers want—and you can be one of them. Drop by our dealership today to find your own Buick Avenir!

A red 2024 Buick Envista ST is shown in front of a modern building after leaving a Buick dealer near Brighton.

Buick’s lineup is looking better than ever, thanks to the 2024 models. If you live in the greater area of Brighton, there are many reasons why you should take a closer look at what Buick has to offer. Do you want cargo space? Check. Passenger room? Efficiency? Style? Yes, Buick has it all. Let us take you on a brief journey through the 2024 Buick lineup and ultimately give you the rundown on why you should visit a Buick dealer near Brighton when you’re done reading. Let’s dive in.

If You Want to Save Fuel

Buick’s lineup includes SUVs that are perfect for multiple scenarios. From the more power-hungry three-row SUV that is the Enclave to the cost-effective Envista, Buick’s lineup is perfect for Brighton drivers. If you’re a cost-conscious driver when it comes to travel, it’s crucial to have a fuel-efficient vehicle. That’s especially true for those who use your vehicles multiple times daily. 

You might need your Buick SUV to be fuel-efficient because Route 96 is an everyday occurrence, thanks to the office being located in Detroit. You may even Uber around the neighborhood for some extra cash, and travel 15 minutes down Brighton Road to drive someone home after a night of partying on West Main Street. Whatever your reason is, you need to drive around Brighton–or Michigan, for that matter–to get around in a practical, fuel-efficient vehicle.

The Buick SUVs you should consider for optimum fuel efficiency are the Encore GX and Envista. Don’t be alarmed if you’ve not heard of the Envista before. The 2024 model is the first one, making it a unique part of Buick’s 2024 lineup. Both are equipped with a turbocharged 1.2L I-3 engine, making 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. However, the Encore GX matches this turbocharged engine with a Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission (CVT) while the 2024 Envista uses a six-speed automatic transmission, making it the only Buick to utilize such a transmission. 

The fuel economy ratings for the turbocharged 1.2L I-3 engine in the Envista are 28 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway (30 MPG combined.) In the Encore GX, the identically-sized engine gets 30 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway (30 MPG combined), making the combined fuel ratings a match between the two at 30 MPG. Both vehicles are outstanding for fuel efficiency, especially for city travel, like sitting in traffic on West Grand River Ave, traveling down Route 23 to get to Ann Arbor, or maybe hiking at the Bird Hills Nature Area. 

The 2024 Encore GX can also be fitted with a turbocharged 1.3L I-3 engine. The slightly larger displacement coupled with the choice of a CVT or a nine-speed automatic transmission means performance is enhanced over the base engine, making a healthy 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. Despite the increase in power, efficiency is barely nudged at all. AWD is also available, with only a miniscule reduction in fuel efficiency. 

With FWD, the turbocharged 1.3L I-3 engine earns EPA-estimated ratings of 29 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway (30 MPG combined, with AWD models still handing in 26 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway (27 MPG combined.) AWD comes standard with the 2024 Envision, which has slightly more cargo space than the Encore GX but has a large leap in performance. The EPA has not released fuel economy figures for the 2024 model yet, but the 2023 model with the same engine gets EPA-estimated ratings of 22 MPG in the city, 29 MPG on the highway, and 25 MPG combined. 

A person is shown opening the door of a 2024 Buick Encore GX  Avenir.

If You Need a Larger Vehicle

We’ve mentioned the Envision, Encore GX, and the new Envisita. All three SUVs are fantastic, but they’re missing one thing: a third row of seating. If you need the extra row, your only realistic option is the Enclave. If you have the maximum number of seven people in your car, you’ll still have 23.6 cu.ft. of cargo space. This is still more space than the Envista and Encore GX, and those two SUVs would only accommodate up to five passengers, not seven.

Owning an SUV with three rows of seating doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll always need three rows upright. You may only need two rows up regularly, which opens up more cargo space in the back. Let’s say you and your passengers occupy up to five seats, and the third-row seats are folded down. Maybe you’re driving the kids around town every morning to get to Brighton High School or Hornung Elementary, or you may be doing something fun, like taking the kids to the Mt. Brighton Ski Resort for the afternoon. In these scenarios, the 2024 Enclave will still give you 57.7 cu.ft. of space. This is more than any other Buick offers.

With three rows of seats, folding down the third row is one option to extend cargo capacity. The next way is to fold down the second row, which lends most of your cabin’s real estate to any cargo needs. If and when you need to make the most of your 2024 Enclave’s supreme interior, you’ll have a whopping 97.4 cu.ft. of space to use. This is a 69% increase in cargo space over folding down only the third row. If you fold both rows down, this is a 313% increase in the cargo room.

This added utility does come at the cost of fuel economy, but not as much as you might think. Under the hood lies a 3.6L V6, the only such engine in Buick’s current lineup. It produces a generous 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Enclave can also tow up to 5,000 lbs, enabling you to tow whatever toys or additional cargo you need. The Enclave is rated to get 18 MPG in the city and 26 on the highway, with a combined rating of 21 MPG. Though lower than the smaller Buicks, it’s quite good for an SUV of the Enclave’s size and capabilities.

Vehicles like the Buick Enclave are perfect for fun, and the cargo space plays a large part. If you own a 2024 Buick Enclave, that means you can be the one to facilitate the tailgating parties after driving down to Ford Field for the Detroit Lions game (Go Lions!) You can have everything you need for the festivities, from your canopy, the coolers, snacks, chairs, and everything else that says to your friends and family that you’re the heart of the party because you’re the one who brought it with you. Of course, you have your 2024 Buick Enclave to thank for it.

A couple is shown approaching a silver 2024 Buick Enclave.

Home-Field Advantage

If you’re going to drive a vehicle in the greater area of Detroit, Michigan, you may as well be driving a vehicle that was born in the Motor City. The 2024 Buick lineup is a vibrant one, especially with the likes of the Envista joining the picture. Buick’s lineup is a defining example of quality over quantity, but that’s not to say you are restricted with your choices. Shopping for a new Buick model can be an enthralling experience, especially when you get down to the more intricate selections like the Avenir and ST models. Buick vehicles are amazing, and if you live in or around Brighton and haven’t tried one yet, then you owe it to yourself. Why not treat yourself and consider what your life may look like with a Buick vehicle in the driveway?

A black 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali is shown parked off-road by a GMC dealer near Brighton.

Have you gotten a chance to glimpse the 2024 Sierra 1500? You might have seen one or two here at LaFontaine Buick GMC Ann Arbor, your dedicated GMC dealer near Brighton. GMC’s newest Sierra 1500 is a sight to behold—a glistening heavyweight that can take on just about anything.

Is driving around in your old pickup not cutting it for you anymore? If you live in or near Brighton, you can visit our showroom to see what the 2024 Sierra 1500 is all about. Whether you’re looking for something that can transport you to job sites, assist you in growing your small business, or you’ve been thinking about spending more time in the great outdoors, there’s a Sierra 1500 that you’ll love.

This model was first introduced in 1988, using the same platform as the Chevrolet C/K, the light-duty pickup that would become the Chevy Silverado 1500 in 1999. GMC’s vision for the Sierra 1500 is clear: a powerful, solid pickup that can work and play hard. If it’s a new pickup you’ve been thinking about, come take a look at the 2024 Sierra 1500. You’ll find it has a lot to offer and maintains a fun attitude even when you’re on the job.

What’s New for the 2024 Sierra 1500

This nameplate has long passed its twenty-year anniversary, but that doesn’t mean it’s an old dog that can’t learn new tricks. There are a few updates to the Sierra 1500’s powertrain in 2024, as well as more options for customization and a few tweaks here and there to the pickup’s build, so there are plenty of things to get excited about. Among them are eight standout trim levels, multiple engine options, and updates to technology and safety features that are sure to impress.

The biggest change for the Sierra 1500 this year is a new standard powertrain for one of the off-road Sierra 1500 trims, along with two wheel options and new colors for you to paint your exterior. As you can see, the Sierra 1500 is prime for customization, making it one of the most exciting pickups to look at this year. You’ll be able to customize at a deeper level than ever before, from the powertrain to the interior to the little details on the exterior that really bring out the Sierra 1500’s adventurous side. Trust us when we say you’ve never seen a Sierra 1500 like this before.

Powertrain Options

The major change of powertrain concerns one of the off-road trim levels—the AT4X—which now comes standard with the turbocharged inline-six Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine, providing this truck with 305 hp with which to haul, tow, go off-road, and more. There are four engine options available, including the newly-christened TurboMax engine, a turbocharged 2.7L inline-four engine that offers 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. The TurboMax is the standard engine for the Sierra 1500, but there are three more options available: the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8, a 6.2L EcoTec3 V8, and the aforementioned Duramax Turbo-Diesel.

All are excellent choices, but there is probably one that sticks out to you more than the others. Just note that some engines are available for most or all of the trim levels, while others are only available for specific trim levels. If you have questions regarding the one you’re interested in and which trim levels can be outfitted with it, you can always ask one of our associates. We’d be happy to help you figure out which trim and engine makes the perfect pair for you.

The black interior and dash of a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali is shown.

Trim Levels Available

There are a variety of trim levels to choose from, just like there are a variety of pickup drivers. Some drivers want a versatile truck able to go back and forth between work and play. Others may want something more heavy duty for work-related driving. Still, others may desire a truck with more luxurious features than a base trim level can offer.

The base trim level is the Pro, which still comes with plenty of comfort and convenience features, including Push Button Start, a 12-volt auxiliary front power outlet, three years of OnStar Remote Access, a six-speaker audio system, a brake pad wear indicator, and an HD Rear Vision Camera. Next up is the SLE trim, which features Remote Start, Keyless Open and Start, an inside rearview manual day/night mirror, Hitch Guidance, a heated steering wheel, and heated seats for the driver and front passenger.

The Elevation is the next evolution of the Sierra 1500, and it comes standard with the GMC MultiPro Tailgate, a rear window defogger, black vertical recovery hooks, a High-Capacity Suspension Package, 17-inch 255/80R17SL all-season spare tire, 20-inch 275/60R20 all-season blackwall tires, and 20-inch six-spoke high-gloss black-painted aluminum wheels. One step higher is the SLT, and it boasts a 12-way power front passenger seat, LED fog lamps, Rainsense automatic windshield wipers, 18-inch all-season blackwall tires, and 18-inch six-spoke aluminum wheels with Dark Grey Metallic accents.

Next is the AT4, one of the two off-road trim levels available for the Sierra 1500. The AT4 comes equipped enough to immediately go into the rough, swapping out all-season tires for mud-terrain Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires, two-inch off-road suspension with Rancho shocks, skid plates, and a seven-speaker Bose Premium Sound System with a Richbass subwoofer. The other off-road trim level is the AT4X, which—in addition to the previous features—also includes a driver-selectable full-locking front and rear differential and an AEV stamped-steel, high-approach angle front bumper.

The Denali and Denali Ultimate are the luxurious trim levels available for the Sierra 1500, and as such, they come loaded with plenty of comfort and convenience features. With the Denali, you can expect to find an integrated trailer brake controller, Denali premium suspension, adaptive cruise control, a power sliding rear window, Forge perforated leather seat trim, and ventilated front seats. On the Denali Ultimate, you’ll find those as well as a power sunroof, dual-active exhaust with sport mode, 22-inch seven-spoke ultra-bright wheels with bright chrome accents and dark paint, and a MultiPro Audio System by Kicker.

A grey 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 is shown parked off-road.

Drive Away With Your Sierra 1500 Today!

Whether you’re looking for your first pickup or your next, the 2024 Sierra 1500 is a great choice. You’ll find it comfortable to drive, powerful enough to haul and tow, and packed with enough tech and convenience features to impress even the most doubtful passenger. At LaFontaine Buick GMC Ann Arbor, we’ve got the 2024 Sierra 1500 you’ve been looking for, and we can show you what’s available for each trim level, or we can help you customize your order. We can also answer any questions you might have regarding financing options, available features, and aftermarket accessories popular with other Sierra 1500 drivers.

The Sierra 1500 was built for you; it’s just as rugged and reliable as you are, with plenty of fun experiences to share. You’ll be able to create memories with friends and family in the Sierra, whether you’re going skiing at Mt. Brighton, off-roading, camping, spending the day at Jump Island, or hosting a tailgate party. You’ll also have plenty of room to relax and get comfortable while on the way to work. So visit our showroom and request a test drive of the new Sierra 1500 and see what we’re talking about!

A silver 2024 Buick Enclave Avenir is shown parked near a Buick dealer.

The 2024 Buick Enclave Avenir is built with your family in mind. Its classic and refined styling offers a bit of peace in the often chaotic world of parenting, with gentle lines, a smooth ride, and details that remind you to take a moment to enjoy the world around you before rushing off to the next thing on the to-do list. At LaFontaine Buick GMC Ann Arbor, your local Buick dealer, we have the Avenir in stock, ready for you and your family. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will take the time to explore your Avenir options to help you find the one that best meets your needs and answer any questions you might have. Continue reading to learn more about what makes the Buick Enclave Avenir family-friendly, then stop in and take a test drive.

Buick Enclave Avenir: First Generation

While the Enclave has been part of the Buick lineup since 2008, the Avenir trim didn’t debut until ten years later. It was designed to showcase the best that Buick offered, with classic luxury nods, flexible functionality, generous interior space, and some of the most advanced technologies in the industry. One of the most notable amenities it offered was the Evonik Acrylite exterior lighting that created a well-lit path of the road ahead using more than 100 LED lights across the body of the SUV. It also offered a sturdier framework for added strength and stability, plus up to 17 radars, cameras, and sensors to guide you safely to your destination, as well as a wide array of driver assistance safety features.

Since then, the Avenir has only improved, giving you and your passengers additional safety features, connectivity, and more, whether you’re headed to Ann Arbor’s Farmers’ Market or hiking with the family at Bird Hills Nature Area.

A close-up of the infotainment screen is shown in a 2024 Buick Enclave.

Safety Is Standard

There was a time when you simply slid your kids into the back or front seat and took off down the road without a care in mind. You didn’t need to wait a few minutes to ensure everyone was buckled in because there weren’t any seatbelts. That time isn’t as far back as you might think. It wasn’t until 1966 that the first safety standards were created for the automotive industry. Two years later, seatbelts were mandatory for all new cars. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that they became more widely accepted.

Today, safety is a top priority for both the industry and drivers, with new advancements being introduced each model year. The 2024 Buick Enclave Avenir is loaded with safety features, helping you navigate to your destination with added confidence and ease. Some of the standard features you’ll find on the Avenir are detailed below:

Automatic Emergency Braking

This system works in conjunction with other safety features, applying the brakes automatically if you’re unable to react in time to avoid a collision.

Forward Collision Alert

Traffic can change in an instant, which is why it’s great to have this system on your side. As it scans the road ahead of you, it alerts you to possible collisions with both audible and visual warnings. Then, working with the automatic braking function, it assists you with emergency braking if you can’t react in time.

IntelliBeam Auto High Beams

While this might not seem like a big deal, not needing to find the high beam switch as you travel at night gives you one less thing to worry about. This system scans the road ahead and turns your high beams on and off, giving you extra light when you need it most.

Front and Rear Park Assist

Trying to find a parking spot while decked out in Wolverine gear and make it to the stadium to grab food before the game starts can be frustrating. Now, you can count on this system to help you park with confidence, leaving plenty of time before tipoff.

Following Distance Indicator

This system helps you keep a safe distance from the cars in front of you by easily adjusting to the flow of traffic.

Front Pedestrian Braking

Similar to the Forward Collision Alert system, this system applies the brakes when it senses that a pedestrian has entered your space.

You’ll also enjoy Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert as standard features for your Avenir. Our team can review each of these features with you so you understand how they work.

The black and creme interior and dash of a 2024 Buick Enclave is shown.

Keeping You Connected During the Drive

We live in a digitally connected world, and while it might be nice to take a break every now and then, there are times when you need to know when the email you’ve been waiting for finally arrives. The Avenir helps with this, offering you the ability to stay connected during the drive. This connection isn’t only about emails and playlists. You’ll also get connected to the inner workings of your Avenir with three years of OnStar and the Buick Connected Services Premium Plan. This combination offers you Roadside Assistance, access to the OnStar Guardian app, OnStar Automatic Crash Response, and more, all from the convenience of a compatible phone.

You’ll also get timely diagnostic information with the available Heads-Up Display centered just above your dashboard on the window, so it’s in your field of vision without affecting your driving ability. And yes, you’ll also get easy access to your emails and playlists with a seamless connection to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to easy charging through the available Wireless Smartphone Charging station in the center console. Your passengers’ devices can also stay charged and ready to go with a pair of USB ports in each of the rear rows. Finally, the apps you use the most are front and center on the eight-inch IntelliLink touchscreen infotainment system, which also gives you standard navigation.

Functionality and Convenience: Keeping it All Together

Beyond safety and connectivity, you need functionality and convenience. The Avenir gives you both, with a sliding second-row seat on the passenger side that gives easy access to the third row and a generous cargo area, even when the rows are upright. Even better? The third-row seats are powered to fold down easily, making it easier than ever to increase your cargo space. In total, you get up to 97.6 cu.ft. of cargo space with the second and third rows both folded down.

You’ll also enjoy the convenience of heated seats for everyone, a heated steering wheel for chilly Michigan mornings, Remote Start, and Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control. The Avenir doesn’t stop there, however. You’ll also cool down easily during the peak of summer with ventilated driver and front passenger seats. The Avenir also provides you with multiple storage cubbies and beverage holders to make every trip easier.

Stop By to See the Buick Enclave Avenir Today

The Buick Enclave Avenir is a great option for your busy family, giving you the safety, connectivity, and convenience you need regardless of the length of your drive. You also gain the support of one of the oldest automotive brands in the country, as well as the support you get from our team.

At LaFontaine Buick GMC Ann Arbor, we understand the need to feel confident as you travel with your family and friends. As a family-owned company for the last 40-plus years, it’s our pleasure to give you dynamic options that keep the ones you care about most safe and sound. If you’re curious about the 2024 Buick lineup, including the Enclave Avenir, stop by and see us today.

A white 2024 GMC Acadia AT4 is shown near a lake at night after visiting a GMC dealer.

The GMC Acadia is an excellent three-row SUV for families. As a GMC dealer, we regularly have drivers come to us asking what vehicle has cleverly designed features that will keep busy families comfortable and safe. We show them the Acadia. It has three spacious rows of seating and tons of convenient features throughout its cabin that make it perfect for families with hectic schedules and jam-packed days. However, some features we think deliver value to families are in the driver assist suite. The 2024 GMC Acadia boasts 20 safety features that we know parents of young children will like.

Transporting little ones around comes with its own set of challenges. It’s impossible not to be a bit distracted when you have young ones in the back demanding snacks and arguing about who stole who’s iPad. You’re managing rear-seat disputes and requests, all while trying to monitor the road. Then, when you park, you’re looking to safely get several young, angsty children out of the rear seats, who might not be listening to the adults. The Acadia’s safety features are made for these exact challenges and are here to support you in hectic family days. You can’t always prevent arguments over stolen toys or pulled hair, but you can get a vehicle with features that will help keep your family safe, giving you one less major thing to worry about.

Front Pedestrian and Bicycle Braking

If you have small children, there’s a good chance you live in a neighborhood with many other small children. That means that any time you try to leave your driveway, somebody might come peddling in front of your vehicle on training wheels or run in front of your SUV to retrieve a runaway ball. You can talk to your neighbors as much as you want about monitoring their kids, but you know how it is if you’re a parent — sometimes, they just escape your sight for a minute. A minute is all it takes for something to happen, though.

Luckily, the 2024 Acadia has Front Pedestrian and Bicycle Braking. That means it senses when a pedestrian or cyclist is in front of the vehicle and will automatically stop. Some vehicles only detect vehicles in front of your vehicle, but this feature detects cyclists and pedestrians. It can help you keep all the kids who run, play, and bicycle around your neighborhood safer.

Rear Pedestrian Detection

The 2024 Acadia also has Rear Pedestrian Detection, so it will alert you if someone is walking behind your vehicle when you’re in reverse. Again, if you live somewhere near a lot of children, not every kid on the block has learned to check for reverse lights before crossing a driveway. And when your attention is being pulled every which way, you might not remember to look behind you before backing up, either. Rear Pedestrian Detection can prevent catastrophes.

The rear white seats are shown in a 2024 GMC Acadia Denali.

Rear Seat Reminder

When you have young children, disembarking from your vehicle is never a peaceful process. You’re grabbing science projects and insisting one kid not run into the road while trying to hold your coffee. It’s easy to forget something valuable in the backseat. Hey, if we’re being honest, sometimes it’s even easy to forget one of your children back there. That’s where the rear seat reminder comes in handy.

When you park your vehicle, this reminder shows up on your digital driver cluster, reminding you to check the back seat before getting out of the vehicle. When you’re responsible for bringing in a cooler full of popsicles for the soccer game, you’ll appreciate the reminder that they’re back there.

Traffic Sign Recognition

Sometimes, even drivers with no kids in the car struggle to read or notice traffic signs. If the weather is bad or a phone call is coming in over Bluetooth, it’s easy not to notice that upcoming stop sign or reduced speed limit sign. The 2024 Acadia has Traffic Sign Recognition. It uses cameras to see upcoming traffic signs, and then will notify you of them on your dash. So even if you couldn’t see the lane-merging sign in real-time, you’ll get a little notification of it in your vehicle and know what to expect.

This is a really useful feature for busy parents. If you turn your head at just the wrong moment to tell one kid to stop picking on the other, you could miss the sign that you’re entering a construction or a school zone and need to slow down. Traffic sign recognition can help you avoid accidents as well as costly traffic tickets that probably aren’t part of the family budget.

Buckle to Drive

The 2024 Acadia also features the Buckle to Drive feature. It requires the driver and front seat passenger to buckle up before the SUV can even be driven. If there’s one thing busy parents know, it’s that when you’re always taking care of other people, you can forget to take care of yourself. So once you’ve installed a car seat, cleaned ice cream off one kid’s shirt, and ensured everybody has their coloring books, you might forget to buckle yourself in before driving. Every busy parent could use some help remembering to care for themselves, and that’s what the Buckle to Drive feature is for.

Side Bicyclist Alert

Vehicles and cyclists are meant to share the road, but we haven’t quite figured out how to do that yet. That’s why so often, when you’re about to change lanes, a bike comes zooming past you, nearly hitting your vehicle. It’s a scary moment. And if you live in a residential neighborhood where plenty of young children are learning how to bike, it can be a common occurrence. The Side Bicyclist Alert notifies you if a bicycle is approaching you in your blind spot. So you can be better prepared to safely navigate around the neighbor’s six-year-old who just got off his training wheels.

A close up shows the passenger side headlight on a blue 2024 GMC Acadia Denali.

Check Out the Family Friendly 2024 GMC Acadia Today

We’d love to get busy families behind the wheel of the 2024 GMC Acadia. It’s a vehicle we’re always proud to send parents of young children home in because we know it’s full of features that will keep them safe, even when their little ones are pulling their attention in every direction. It’s important to us that we show our customers vehicles that help them be a little more in command of their lives, whatever phase of life they’re in. And we know that for parents raising young children, the 2024 Acadia is up for the challenge.

We’re always rolling new models onto our lot, and our team knows all about each trim. They can help you find the best one for your needs, whether you want the ultra-luxurious Denali or the base-level SLE. Speak to one of our sales associates about your needs, and they’ll find you the right models. GMC is known for its SUVs that deliver incredible comfort, showstopping convenience features, and — most importantly — stellar safety features. Come check out the 2024 Acadia today. We are confident you’ll be impressed by its array of tools to help keep you protected on the road.