“Great value for the price with good resale. Good fuel economy and very comfortable. I sometimes just want to sit in my car and catch up on phone calls since it is my space.”
2020 GMC Acadia: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 GMC Acadia gets a meaningful mid-cycle refresh, not a full redesign. Its biggest change is a broad update that brings new styling, a 9-speed automatic, revised cabin technology, and the first rugged AT4 trim.
About the 2020 GMC Acadia
2nd generation (2017-2023), mid-cycle refresh year
For 2020, GMC positions the Acadia as a premium-leaning midsize family SUV with a more truck-inspired look than many crossover rivals. The appeal is straightforward: three-row flexibility in a size that is easier to live with than a full-size SUV, plus nicer materials, useful cabin tech, and a stronger sense of style than its Chevrolet cousin. GMC’s messaging leans on bold design, versatile seating and cargo space, and a more upscale everyday driving experience.
The 2020 lineup ranges from the straightforward seven-seat SL to the more comfortable leather-trimmed SLT and upscale Denali. The new AT4 takes a more trail-focused approach with a V6, a twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system, an off-road driving mode, and hill-descent control, while Denali emphasizes comfort with navigation, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A 9-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous 6-speed and is standard with every engine.
Styling
The front and rear styling is revised, and LED headlights become standard across the lineup. The rugged-looking AT4 joins the range for the first time.
Tech
A new 8-inch touchscreen system arrives along with electronic shift buttons that free up space in the center console.
Structural
The rear suspension receives revised tuning intended to improve ride quality.
2020 GMC Acadia specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | FWD | FWD / AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 18 mpg | 19–21 mpg | 19–21 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 25 mpg | 27–28 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 193 hp | 310 hp | 193–310 hp | 230–310 hp | 310 hp |
| Torque | 188 lb-ft | 271 lb-ft | 188–271 lb-ft | 258–271 lb-ft | 271 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 4000 lb | 1000 lb | 4000 lb | 4000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 79 cu-ft | 79 cu-ft | 79 cu-ft | 79 cu-ft | 79 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 29.7 in | 29.7 in | 29.7 in | 29.7 in | 29.7 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||
| Hill Start Assist | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Side Steps | |||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| 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 | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 GMC Acadia a full redesign?
No. The 2020 Acadia is a mid-cycle refresh of the second-generation model introduced for 2017. It has updated front and rear styling, revised cabin controls, new technology, and mechanical updates, but it is not an all-new vehicle.
What transmission does the 2020 GMC Acadia use?
Every 2020 Acadia uses a 9-speed automatic transmission. It replaces the 6-speed automatic used previously and is paired with every engine in the refreshed lineup.
Was the Acadia AT4 new for 2020?
Yes. The first Acadia AT4 joined the lineup for 2020 with a V6, twin-clutch all-wheel drive, an off-road driving mode, hill-descent control, and darker, more rugged styling.
How did the Acadia trim lineup change for 2020?
The AT4 was added, while SLE-2 and SLT-2 were dropped. The previous SLE-1 and SLT-1 trims continued under the shorter SLE and SLT names.
What does the 2020 Acadia offer over the 2019 model?
The 2020 Acadia offers a fresher look, standard LED headlights, a 9-speed automatic, an updated 8-inch touchscreen system, space-saving electronic shift controls, revised rear suspension tuning, and the new AT4 trim. It remains part of the same generation as the 2019 model.
2020 GMC Acadia Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 GMC Acadia.
4.1
2020 GMC Acadia
(277 reviews)
“We love it! Very comfortable. Captains seats in the 2nd row makes life much easier. Space in the trunk for 3 dogs, but love the option to have third row when needed.”
“I love the versatility of the GMC Acadia for all of our family adventures. It's perfect for everyday driving, road trips, hiking with our dog and biking.”