The GMC Acadia comes with a choice of three different engines--a fuel efficient 2.5L 4-cylinder making 193 horsepower, a 3.6L V6 with 310 horsepower and a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder making 230 horsepower. Engines send power to either the front wheels or to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. Even the all-wheel drive Acadia with the V6 manages 26 mpg on the highway, while 4-cylinder versions do remarkably well with a 21 mpg city rating for front drive versions with either 4-cylinder engine.
The GMC Acadia comes in SL, SLE, SLT, AT4 and top-of-the-line Denali trims. The base SL model has plenty of features, despite its low base price. Key amenities include keyless open and start, tri-zone climate control, an 8-inch touch radio with IntelliLink, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, five USB ports, a rearview camera and 4G WiFi technology, meaning that buyers can turn their Acadia into a mobile WiFi hotspot. The base Acadia also comes with 17-inch aluminum wheels, LED headlights and daytime running lights as well as heated mirrors.
Key features included on the SLE include a SiriusXM satellite radio, a programmable power liftgate, power adjustable driver's seat, 18-inch aluminum wheels, blind spot detection system, a rear cross-traffic alert system and rear parking sensors.
SLT models add perforated heated leather front seats, auto-dimming mirrors both inside and outside, a remote starter, and a parking assist system. Standard safety features include Lane Keep Assist, Automatic Emergency braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Following Distance Indicator, front/rear parking sensors and Teen Driver mode.
The new AT4 Acadia is built for a bit more capability in low grip conditions. The AT4 comes with a beefier all-wheel drive system, all terrain tires, 17-inch gloss black wheels, a traction control system with an off-road mode and more weather resistant floor mats. The AT4 also comes standard with the V6 engine.
Top-of-the-line Denali models stand out with their unique signature Denali grille and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels. Front seats come heated and ventilated on the Denali, while the steering wheel also gets a heating function--essential for those really cold days. The Denali versions also get a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, heated second-row seats and upgraded interior trim.
Big, Well-optimized Interior
Available All-wheel Drive
Fuel Efficiency
Stylish Exterior Styling
Luxury-oriented Denali Edition
After an extensive refresh in 2020, the 2021 GMC Acadia returns mostly unchanged. GMC does add its popular Elevation Edition package to the SLE and SLT trim levels. This package includes a black grille, black exterior accents, gloss black roof rails and 20-inch aluminum wheels with black accents.
The GMC Acadia competes in the increasingly crowded mid-sized crossover segment. Offering three rows of seating for up to seven people, the Acadia promises to move families and friends in both comfort and safety with a little dose of "go anywhere" thrown in as well. With its state-of-the-art safety features and enhanced connectivity, GMC is betting heavily on technology to make its entry into the segment stand out from the others.
