2013 GMC Acadia: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2013 GMC Acadia is a major mid-cycle refresh. It keeps the same basic three-row design but looks and feels more polished than the 2012 model.

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About the 2013 GMC Acadia

1st generation (2007-2016), major 2013 refresh

GMC positioned the Acadia as a three-row crossover for families who needed full-size passenger and cargo space without stepping up to a truck-based SUV. The core appeal was roomy seating, strong cargo flexibility, easier entry and loading, and a more truck-inspired GMC look than its Chevrolet and Buick relatives. In this lineup, the Acadia was the practical family hauler with an upscale edge, especially in SLT and Denali form.

The 2013 Acadia remains a roomy family crossover with seating for up to eight, while its trims span from the straightforward SLE-1 to the more luxurious Denali. SLE-2 adds everyday conveniences such as remote start and a power liftgate, while SLT models bring leather seating and Bose audio. Denali stands out with its unique grille, head-up display, cooled front seats, and quieter cabin.

What changed, by category

Styling and cabin

The front and rear were redesigned with a more upright GMC face and wraparound rear-glass treatment. The cabin also received a revised design and improved materials.

Safety

A front-center airbag was added to most trims. SLT-2 also brought side blind-zone monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert to the lineup.

Technology

Touchscreen audio technology was updated across the range. SLE-2, SLT-1, and SLT-2 received GMC's IntelliLink touchscreen system, while SLE-1 gained a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a rearview camera, and rear parking assist.

Trim lineup

SL was renamed SLE-1, SLE was renamed SLE-2, and SLT was renamed SLT-1. SLT-2 joined the lineup as a new upper trim below Denali.

2013 GMC Acadia specs and features by trim

Feature	2013 GMC AcadiaSLE-10 in stock	2013 GMC AcadiaSLE-20 in stock	2013 GMC AcadiaSLT-11 in stock	2013 GMC AcadiaSLT-20 in stock	2013 GMC AcadiaDenali0 in stock
Engine	V6, 3.6 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd
Drivetrain	2WD	2WD	AWD	AWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	17 mpg	17 mpg	17 mpg	17 mpg	17 mpg
MPG Highway	24 mpg	24 mpg	24 mpg	24 mpg	24 mpg
Horsepower	288 hp	288 hp	288 hp	288 hp	288 hp
Torque	270 lb-ft	270 lb-ft	270 lb-ft	270 lb-ft	270 lb-ft
Max Towing	5200 lb	5200 lb	5200 lb	5200 lb	5200 lb
Trunk/Cargo	116.1 cu-ft	116.1 cu-ft	116.1 cu-ft	116.1 cu-ft	116.1 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	33.2 in	33.2 in	33.2 in	33.2 in	33.2 in
Seats	8	8	8	8	8
Doors	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Blindspot Sensors
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
Heated Mirrors
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Panorama Moon Roof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Side Steps
Trailer Hitch Receiver
Entertainment & Electronics
Front DVD Entertainment System
Navigation System
Rear DVD Entertainment System
Smartphone Interface
Subwoofer
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Cooled Seats
Dual Power Front Seats
Heated Front Seats
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Memory Driver's Seat
Remote Start
Third Row Seat
Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning

How the 2014 GMC Acadia compares

The most important change for the 2014 GMC Acadia is the addition of two rear USB charging ports on every trim. Otherwise, it is mostly a carryover from 2013, although Denali gains two standard driver-alert features.

See the full 2014 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2013 GMC Acadia fully redesigned?

No. The 2013 GMC Acadia received a major mid-cycle refresh rather than a full redesign. It remained part of the first generation but gained new exterior styling, a revised cabin, updated touchscreen technology, and broader safety equipment.

How did the 2013 GMC Acadia trim names change from 2012?

For 2013, the former SL became SLE-1, SLE became SLE-2, and SLT became SLT-1. GMC also added SLT-2 as a more richly equipped trim below Denali.

What safety features were added to the 2013 GMC Acadia?

A front-center airbag was added to most of the 2013 Acadia lineup. The new SLT-2 trim also included side blind-zone monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

What changed inside the 2013 GMC Acadia?

The 2013 Acadia received a revised cabin with improved materials and updated touchscreen controls. Depending on trim, notable additions included IntelliLink infotainment, perforated leather seating, cooled front seats, and added driver-assistance features.

Is the 2013 GMC Acadia meaningfully different from the 2012 model?

Yes. The 2013 Acadia has noticeably different front and rear styling, a more polished cabin, updated touchscreen systems, expanded safety equipment, and a revised trim structure. Its basic three-row layout and overall vehicle design carried over.