GMC Acadia

The GMC Acadia is a midsize crossover SUV with three rows and seating for up to seven passengers. In the manufacturer’s lineup, it slots between the compact Terrain and the full-size Yukon, and it shares a platform with the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave, which are built by GMC’s sister brands within General Motors. The Acadia’s most recent (second) generation debuted in 2017, featuring a lighter chassis with improved fuel efficiency and handling. It also underwent a model refresh for the 2020 model year that included revised styling, an updated infotainment system, and new standard safety features. Properly equipped, it can tow up to 4,000 pounds.

GMC offers the Acadia in a range of trims, including the SL, SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. The SL and SLE are entry-level trims but still relatively well-equipped. The SLT introduces more premium items such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, and an upgraded infotainment system. The AT4, which first appeared in 2020, is an off-road-oriented trim that includes all-wheel drive, unique exterior styling, and an off-road suspension. The top-of-the-line Denali comes fully loaded with luxuries such as ventilated front seats, a premium audio system, and advanced safety features.

The first-generation Acadia (2007-2016) utilizes a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 288 horsepower, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to the front wheels unless the model is equipped with optional all-wheel drive. With the debut of the second-gen model (2017-present), GMC introduced a new base engine: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 193 hp. The V6 continued as an available upgrade, now producing 310 hp. In 2020, both engines got a new nine-speed automatic transmission, improving both performance and fuel efficiency. That’s also the year the automaker added an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 230 hp, which pairs with the nine-speed gearbox as well.

In 2017, GMC upgraded the Acadia’s infotainment system to a 7-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system was further upgraded in 2020 to a standard 8-inch touchscreen, which had previously been limited to higher-level trims. The model also comes with a range of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. These features have become increasingly available on the Acadia’s various trims since the 2017 model year, with many added as standard equipment in 2022. However, a few, such as adaptive cruise control, remain optional.