“More cargo room than my Tahoe had. I save money on gas. My kids love the captain's chairs in the middle row. Nice to drive.”
2016 GMC Acadia: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2016 GMC Acadia is the addition of a new SL base trim. Otherwise, this is a quiet final year for the first-generation Acadia, though SLT-1 and SLT-2 models also gain standard navigation.
About the 2016 GMC Acadia
1st generation (2007-2016), final year before the full 2017 redesign.
For 2016, GMC positions the Acadia as a large, premium-leaning three-row crossover for families who need real passenger room, useful cargo space, and solid V6 towing ability without moving up to a truck-based SUV. Its main appeal is simple and practical: adult-friendly seating, flexible three-row layouts, and a more upscale look than many mainstream rivals, capped by the Denali trim for shoppers who want a more luxurious version of the same roomy family vehicle.
The 2016 Acadia ranges from the straightforward eight-seat SL to the more luxurious Denali, with every trim using a 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission. SLE-2 and SLT models use second-row captain’s chairs for seven-passenger seating, while Denali adds distinctive styling, heated and cooled front seats, a head-up display, and Bose audio.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
A new SL trim joins the lineup as the entry-level Acadia. It has eight-passenger seating, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, and 18-inch wheels.
Tech
Navigation becomes standard on the SLT-1 and SLT-2 after being optional for 2015.
2016 GMC Acadia specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.6 Liter | 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 | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 15 mpg | 15 mpg | 15 mpg | 15 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 281 hp | 281 hp | 281 hp | 281 hp | 281 hp | 288 hp |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 266 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 | 116.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.2 in | 33.2 in | 33.2 in | 33.2 in | 33.2 in | 33.2 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Video Input | ||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2016 GMC Acadia compared with the 2015 model?
The 2016 GMC Acadia adds a new SL base trim, and navigation becomes standard on the SLT-1 and SLT-2. The rest of the model is largely unchanged from 2015.
Is the 2016 GMC Acadia a redesign?
No, the 2016 GMC Acadia is not a redesign. It is the final year of the first-generation model, before the all-new and smaller 2017 Acadia arrived.
What is the new SL trim on the 2016 GMC Acadia?
The 2016 Acadia SL is the new entry-level trim. It has a V6 engine, eight-passenger seating, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and 18-inch aluminum wheels.
Does the 2016 GMC Acadia have seven or eight seats?
The 2016 GMC Acadia has seven or eight seats depending on trim. SL and SLE-1 use a second-row bench for eight-passenger seating, while SLE-2 and SLT models use second-row captain’s chairs for seven passengers.
Is navigation standard on the 2016 GMC Acadia?
Navigation is standard on the 2016 Acadia SLT-1 and SLT-2. That is a change from 2015, when it was optional on those trims.
2016 GMC Acadia Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 GMC Acadia.
4.2
2016 GMC Acadia
(394 reviews)
“My Arcadia is good driving, with excellent visibility to front and sides. Plenty of power for a family car/SUV. Fuel mileage could be better for a V6 at 18.5 MPG.”
“Good value; solid performance in snow; good storage space; comfortable on long road trips.”