“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.”
GMC Acadia: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The GMC Acadia is a three-row midsize SUV known for roomy family seating, useful cargo space, and versions that range from practical to rugged and upscale. It gives families more room than a typical two-row SUV without requiring a move to the larger Yukon.
The Acadia has always centered on family-friendly three-row utility, but its size has shifted considerably over time. The first generation was large, the 2017 redesign made it smaller and lighter, and the 2024 redesign brought back a much roomier cabin and greater cargo capacity. Across those changes, the lineup has continued to span straightforward family models, rugged AT4 versions, and comfort-focused Denali trims.
Strengths
- The three-row cabin handles family duty well, with seating for seven or eight in 2026.
- The larger 2024 redesign added substantially more passenger and cargo room than the generation it replaced.
- Recent models make key controls easy to see with a large vertical touchscreen, including a standard 15-inch display since 2024.
- A broad set of driver-assistance features became standard across the lineup for 2022 and expanded with the 2024 redesign.
- The 2026 Acadia is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds, and factory towing hardware has been standard on every trim since 2025.
Who it's for
The Acadia suits families who regularly carry several passengers, need flexible cargo room, and want useful towing ability in something smaller than a Yukon. Shoppers focused on maximum cabin space should note that 2017-2023 models are substantially smaller than the first- and third-generation versions.
GMC Acadia lineup
Since the 2024 redesign, Elevation has been the straightforward family-focused starting point; pick it when space, technology, and safety matter more than rugged or luxury details. AT4 has been the outdoors-oriented choice since 2020, distinguished by tougher styling and extra traction hardware. Denali has served as the upscale Acadia since 2011, with a quieter, richer cabin and more comfort-focused equipment. For 2026, a new Denali-based top trim adds full-leather massaging front seats, a 16-speaker Bose audio system, hands-free-driving hardware, a panoramic sunroof, and performance suspension.
GMC Acadia generations
From 2009 to 2026, the Acadia spans three generations. The current 3rd Generation arrived for 2024, following the 2nd Generation (2017–2023).
3rd Generation (2024–Present)
The third-generation Acadia returned to a much larger body with a roomier third row and more cargo space. It uses a 328-hp turbo four-cylinder, an eight-speed automatic, a 15-inch touchscreen, and a broad standard safety suite.
40 In Stock
2026Trim changes
A new Denali-based top trim joins the lineup. Every Acadia also gains a Rear Camera Mirror.
2025
Factory towing hardware becomes standard across the lineup, along with a few smaller comfort and safety updates.
2024New generation
A full redesign brings a much larger body, more passenger and cargo room, a new turbo engine, and a major cabin technology upgrade.
2nd Generation (2017–2023)
The second-generation Acadia moved to a smaller platform and lost roughly 700 pounds compared with the original. It added four-cylinder power, a stronger V6, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
356 In Stock
2023
A wrapped steering wheel is added to SLT, AT4, and Denali. Otherwise, this is a quiet final year for the generation.
2022Trim changes
The base SL leaves the lineup, making SLE the starting trim. The safety suite becomes standard across the range, and a turbo engine replaces the older four-cylinder on SLE and SLT.
2021
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become standard. Most trims also gain the expanded safety suite and second-row captain’s chairs.
2020Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling joins a nine-speed automatic, updated touchscreen system, revised cabin controls, and the first AT4 trim.
2019
Carryover year with no significant lineup-wide changes.
2018Trim changes
The V6 reaches more SLE-1 AWD models, while the All Terrain package gains added seating flexibility.
2017New generation
The redesigned Acadia becomes smaller and roughly 700 pounds lighter. The previous larger body continues briefly as the one-trim Acadia Limited.
1st Generation (2007–2016)
The original Acadia is a large three-row crossover with V6 power and seating for seven or eight. A substantial 2013 update refreshed its styling, cabin, safety equipment, and touchscreen controls.
27 In Stock
2016Trim changes
A new SL base trim joins the lineup for the final year of the generation.
2015
Mostly unchanged; SLT-2 and Denali gain a standard heated steering wheel.
2014
Every trim gains two rear USB charging ports. Denali also adds forward collision and lane departure warnings.
2013Mid-cycle update
New front and rear styling, a revised cabin, updated touchscreen controls, and broader safety equipment refresh the lineup.
2012
Hill-hold assist and a center-console power outlet become standard.
2011Trim changes
The first Acadia Denali joins the lineup with a more upscale look, a quieter cabin, and added equipment.
2010Trim changes
GMC reshuffles the trim lineup with a new SL and a better-equipped SLE. The automatic transmission is also retuned for quicker downshifts.
2009
A stronger 288-hp 3.6-liter V6 becomes standard across the lineup, along with expanded phone and navigation technology.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the GMC Acadia.
Frequently asked questions
Does the GMC Acadia have three rows?
Yes. The GMC Acadia is a three-row SUV. Seating varies by year and layout, with room for seven or eight people on many versions. Models with second-row captain’s chairs seat fewer people but make the third row easier to reach.
Does the GMC Acadia come as a hybrid?
No. The Acadia has used gasoline four-cylinder and V6 engines; there is no hybrid version in the 2009–2026 lineup.
What is the GMC Acadia known for?
The Acadia is known for combining three-row family space with a more manageable footprint than the larger Yukon. Newer models emphasize cargo room, a large vertical touchscreen, broad driver assistance and up to 5,000 pounds of towing when properly equipped.
Who is the GMC Acadia a good fit for?
It suits families who need three rows, useful cargo space and road-trip comfort but do not want to move up to a larger Yukon. The trim range also covers different priorities, from everyday family use to rough-road hardware and a more luxurious cabin.
How do the three GMC Acadia generations differ?
The first generation is the large original design. The second generation arrived for 2017 with a smaller, lighter body, while the old body briefly continued as Acadia Limited. The third generation arrived for 2024 and grew substantially, bringing more third-row room, cargo space and cabin technology.
How much can a GMC Acadia tow?
Newer Acadias are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds with the proper factory hardware. That hardware became standard across the lineup for 2025. Ratings and equipment differ on older used examples, so verify the exact vehicle before towing.
Is every GMC Acadia powered by a V6?
No. First-generation Acadias used a V6, but the second generation mixed four-cylinder and V6 engines depending on year and trim. Since the 2024 redesign, every Acadia has used a 328-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic.
GMC Acadia Reviews
What owners are saying about the GMC Acadia.
4.1
GMC Acadia
(2,792 reviews)
“Great family vehicle. 3rd row seating is not easy to use. Not big enough for adults and difficult to get in and out. Other than that I love the Acadia. A/C is amazing! Back up camera and MyCar is great!”
“Performance and durability are excellent. Ride is wonderful. Features are excellent.”
“The Acadia is a very functional SUV that rides smooth and handles well on all road conditions.”
“The Acadia is the perfect family vehicle. My kids are comfortable in their row with plenty of room. The driver seat is fully adjustable providing more than adequate leg room. The safety features like the backup camera make the car feel safe and secure.”
“I liked the Acadia because it's nice and roomy and sits up high like a truck but it handles nicely like a car”
Sources
- news.gmc.com — 2025 / Jul / 0717 GMC introduces first Acadia Denali Ultimate 2026
- gmc.com — 02 Pdfs / V2 / 2026 GMC Acadia
- news.gmc.com — 2023 / Sep / 0913 Acadia
- gmc.com — 2024 Models / New / GMTK23CT1002024ACADIAF O 081924FINAL
- gmc.com — 2023 Models / 02 Pdf / GMTK23CT000FO MY23 GMC ACADIA 112922
- media.gmc.com — Acadia / 2023 / 2023 GMC Acadia
- media.gmc.com — Acadia AT4 / 2023 / 2023 GMC Acadia AT4
- media.gmc.com — Acadia Denali / 2023 / 2023 GMC Acadia Denali
- gmc.com — 2022 Models / 02 Pdf / GMTK22CT000 MY22 GMC ACADIA MOBILE INTERACTIVE 3 28
- gmc.com — Download Brochures / 2021 Models / GMTK21CT000 2021 GMC Acadia DIGITAL 8 19
- gmc.com — 2023 Models / 02 Pdf / GMTK23CT000 MY23 GMC ACADIA MOBILE 120822 INTERACTIVE
- media.gmc.com — Acadia / 2021 / 2021 GMC Acadia a