“If looking for a safe vehicle with the most technology to keep you safe this is the vehicle and if you need a 3 row vehicle you should consider a GMC Acadia.”
2018 GMC Acadia: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 GMC Acadia is mostly a carryover following its 2017 redesign. The main change is that AWD SLE-1 models gained the 3.6-liter V6 as an option.
About the 2018 GMC Acadia
2nd generation, second model year after the 2017 redesign.
GMC positioned the Acadia as a more upscale midsize SUV that splits the difference between a large family hauler and an easier-to-park crossover. The brand’s messaging centered on “Professional Grade” styling, flexible seating, useful cargo space, and a quieter, more polished driving experience than a basic mainstream SUV. For most buyers, the Acadia’s draw was getting three-row usefulness, strong smartphone connectivity, and a more premium look without moving up to a full-size Yukon.
The 2018 Acadia ranges from the straightforward SL and SLE trims to the more upscale SLT and Denali versions. SLE-2 adds useful everyday features such as heated front seats and a power liftgate, while SLT-2 brings a standard V6, more safety equipment, and a factory towing package. Denali tops the lineup with navigation, heated and ventilated front seats, a hands-free liftgate, and trim-specific luxury details.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The 3.6-liter V6 expanded to AWD SLE-1 models. The SLE-1’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic continued.
Tech
Denali gained an automatic heated steering wheel as standard equipment.
2018 GMC Acadia specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 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 / AWD | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 18–21 mpg | 18–21 mpg | 18–21 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 25–26 mpg | 25–26 mpg | 25–26 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 194 hp | 194–310 hp | 194–310 hp | 194–310 hp | 310 hp | 310 hp |
| Torque | 190 lb-ft | 190–271 lb-ft | 190–271 lb-ft | 190–271 lb-ft | 271 lb-ft | 271 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 4000 lb | 4000 lb | 4000 lb | 4000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 79 cu-ft | 79 cu-ft | 79 cu-ft | 79 cu-ft | 79 cu-ft | 79 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.1 in | 31.1 in | 31.1 in | 31.1 in | 31.1 in | 31.1 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 GMC Acadia?
The biggest change is broader V6 availability. Some 2018 AWD SLE-1 models have the 3.6-liter V6, while the 2.5-liter four-cylinder remained in the lineup.
Was the 2018 GMC Acadia redesigned?
No. The 2018 Acadia is the second model year of the generation introduced for 2017, so it has no major body, chassis, or exterior redesign.
What changed on the 2018 GMC Acadia Denali?
The 2018 Acadia Denali gained an automatic heated steering wheel as standard equipment. Its V6, navigation, ventilated front seats, and hands-free power liftgate continued.
Did the 2018 GMC Acadia trim lineup change?
Yes. The Base trim was dropped for 2018, leaving the SL as the straightforward entry trim. The rest of the main lineup continued through SLE, SLT, and Denali versions.
What changed for the 2018 GMC Acadia All Terrain package?
The 2018 All Terrain package gained added seating flexibility. This was a packaging update rather than a body or chassis redesign.
2018 GMC Acadia Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 GMC Acadia.
4.1
2018 GMC Acadia
(287 reviews)
“I would tell them to compare it to others in its class line by line and you find that it fairs very well. Consumer Reports review doesn't do it justice.”
“It is a pleasure for both driver and passengers. The Acadia Denali has all the amenities I wanted in a vehicle.”