A 2013 GMC Acadia redesign, including a few relatively minor tweaks outside and inside, should keep the big, bold and comfortable crossover coming on strong in the automaker’s lineup. GMC buffs the Acadia in the front with an upright grille treatment that provides a more rugged appearance and gives it LED running lights that add to the look. The rear end receives attention, too, with wraparound glass, restyled taillamps and a new spoiler completing the design enhancements.

The freshening dresses up the cabin of the 2013 GMC Acadia, trading out some of its hard plastic materials for the soft-touch variety. Higher-level trims now come with aluminum accents on the center console, doors and dash. A standard rear-view camera and red ambient lighting across the dashboard are also new.

GMC ratchets up the safety factor for the 2013 Acadia with an innovative front center airbag. The bag deploys from the right side of the driver’s seat and is designed to keep the driver and front-seat passenger from banging into each other in the event of a side collision.

A 3.6-liter, direct injection V6 with variable valve timing, good for 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, again powers the 2013 GMC Acadia. The engine now pairs up with a new Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic transmission intended to improve the Acadia’s shifting action and drivability.

The 2013 GMC Acadia comes with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is available, though off-roading is not considered one the vehicle’s strengths. Fuel mileage estimates peg the Acadia at 17 mpg city/24 highway with FWD and 16/23 with AWD. When properly equipped, the 2013 GMC Acadia can tow up to 5,200 pounds.

The roominess of the Acadia remains one of its bright spots. It seats 7 or 8, depending on whether the second row is set up with a bench seat or a pair of captain’s chairs, and all riders get a decent allotment of space. With seats folded flat, the Acadia boasts lots of cargo area, too, and can carry a 48-inch wide sheet of plywood. Access to the rear seats is good as well. Its smooth ride ranks as another plus, reviewers say.

The 2013 GMC Acadia comes in five trim levels—SL, SLE, SLT-1, SLT-2 and the Denali—and all are available with FWD or AWD. The SLT-1 and SLT-2 versions come with leather seats and the front seats are heated. The Denali gets perforated leather upholstery standard; its front seats are heated and cooled, and it has extra soundproofing and chrome among its features.

Some experts are not sold on the Denali for cost reasons, though, and recommend buying down and adding options to come up with the same car for perhaps a little less money.

A reworked center console includes a multimedia touchscreen display and optional navigation system with touchpad controls for climate and other gauges. IntelliLink is also available and features smartphone integration with Bluetooth and Pandora audio streaming. Front and rear air conditioning, cruise control and full power accessories come standard on all Acadias. Upper level trims get aluminum accents throughout the interior. A rear-seat entertainment center, dual sunroof and trailering packages are among the available options.

The GMC Acadia has a full assortment of airbags, along with stability and traction control, and regularly pulls down high marks in insurance industry and government crash tests. Its new front center airbag will only help in the safety department.