“The front passenger seat could be electric as well, with the ability to adjust and move it back and forth.”
2021 GMC Acadia: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 GMC Acadia is standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every trim. This is a light equipment update rather than a redesign, with broader standard safety equipment and revised seating packages on several trims.
About the 2021 GMC Acadia
2nd generation (2017-2023), mid-cycle refresh follow-up year after the 2020 update.
GMC positions the Acadia as a premium-leaning midsize three-row SUV that gives families flexible seating, useful cargo space, and a more upscale look than a typical mainstream crossover without stepping up to a full-size Yukon. Its identity is a right-sized family SUV: easier to park than larger three-row models, available in rugged AT4 and luxury Denali forms, and centered on simple infotainment, everyday comfort, and GMC’s truck-inspired styling.
The 2021 Acadia ranges from the straightforward seven-seat SL to family-focused trims with second-row captain’s chairs. The AT4 pairs a V6 and standard AWD with hill-control aids, while the Denali emphasizes comfort and tech with leather seating, a head-up display and wireless charging.
What changed, by category
Tech
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard across the entire lineup.
Safety
The GMC Pro Safety Plus driver-assistance package became standard on SLT, AT4 and Denali. Automatic high beams also became standard on AT4 and SLT.
Seating
Second-row captain’s chairs became standard on every trim except the base SL, which retained its second-row bench and seven-passenger layout. The AT4’s third-row seat also became standard.
Styling
SLE and SLT gained an Elevation Edition appearance package, and the lineup added new exterior paint colors.
2021 GMC Acadia specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | FWD | AWD / FWD | AWD / FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 19 mpg | 19–22 mpg | 19–22 mpg | 19–22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 26 mpg | 27–29 mpg | 27 mpg | 26–29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 193 hp | 308 hp | 193–308 hp | 227–308 hp | 227–308 hp |
| Torque | 188 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft | 188–270 lb-ft | 258–270 lb-ft | 258–270 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 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 |
| Rear Legroom | 29.7 in | 29.7 in | 29.7 in | 29.7 in | 29.7 in |
| Seats | 7 | 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 | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2021 GMC Acadia redesigned?
No. The 2021 Acadia continued the second-generation design and basic powertrain lineup introduced earlier. Its updates focused on connectivity, standard safety equipment, seating packages and appearance choices.
Does every 2021 GMC Acadia have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every 2021 Acadia trim, including the base SL.
Which 2021 Acadia trims have GMC Pro Safety Plus as standard equipment?
GMC Pro Safety Plus is standard on the 2021 Acadia SLT, AT4 and Denali. It was not standard across the full lineup.
Which 2021 GMC Acadia has a second-row bench seat?
The base 2021 Acadia SL has a second-row bench and seating for seven. SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali have standard second-row captain’s chairs, giving them six-passenger layouts.
Is the 2021 GMC Acadia much different from the 2020 model?
No. The 2021 Acadia keeps the same basic design and engine lineup as the 2020 model. The meaningful differences are standard wireless smartphone connectivity, broader standard safety equipment, standard captain’s chairs on most trims and new appearance choices.
2021 GMC Acadia Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 GMC Acadia.
4.2
2021 GMC Acadia
(140 reviews)
“Safety features including auto braking and adaptive cruise control are great features.”
“Auto stop feature should default off and allow driver to engage when necessary. Also on the 2021 model the auto stop button should be located elsewhere. Trunk storage should not be so small or made of Styrofoam.”