The GMC Acadia comes with a choice of two different engines, a fuel efficient 2.5L 4-cylinder making 193 horsepower or a more powerful 3.6L V6 with 310 horsepower. Engines send power to either the front wheels, or to all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. Even the all-wheel drive V6-engined version manages 25 mpg on the highway, while 4-cylinder versions do remarkably well, with a 21 mpg city rating for both front and all-wheel drive versions.
The GMC Acadia comes in a variety of different trim levels, starting with the entry-level SL, then SLE, SLT and top-of-the-line Denali.
The SL model still has plenty of features, despite its under-$30,000 base price. Key amenities include keyless open and start, tri-zone climate control, a 7-inch touch radio with IntelliLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear view camera, ambient interior lighting and 4G WiFi technology, meaning that buyers can turn their Acadia into a mobile wi-fi hotspot. The base Acadia also comes with 17-inch aluminum wheels, projector beam headlights and heated mirrors.
Key features that the SLE adds include LED daytime running lamps, nicer floor mats and SiriusXM satellite radio. A programmable power liftgate, heated front seats, 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, a remote starter and 18-inch aluminum wheels are optional.
SLT models add perforated leather seats, auto-dimming mirrors both inside and outside, a Bose sound system, a blind-spot detection system, a rear cross traffic alert system, a parking assist system and a larger touchscreen in the dashboard. The bigger 3.6L engine, 20-inch wheels, heated second row seats, a memory function for the driver's seat and safety systems such as a forward collision alert system and a lane keep assist system are available.
Top of the line Denali models stand out with their unique signature Denali grill 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, nicer floor mats and upgraded interior trim.
Big, Well-optimized Interior
Available All-wheel Drive
Fuel Efficiency
Stylish Exterior Styling
Luxury-oriented Denali Edition
The GMC Acadia gets some minor updates for 2018 after a total redesign last year. The top-of-the-line Denali now comes with a standard heated steering wheel and offers more 20-inch wheel packages. All trims benefit from Tire Fill Alert that makes an audible noise once the tires are filled to specification. The 3.6L V6 is now available on the SLE-1 AWD trim, while the All-Terrain now offers 5, 6 or 7 passenger seating. Blue Steel metallic paint is now an available exterior color selection.
The GMC Acadia starts at just under $30,000, competing in the increasingly crowded mid-sized crossover segment. Offering three rows of seating for up to seven people, the GMC Acadia promises to move families and friends in 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 their entry into the segment stand out from the others.
