2018 GMC Acadia SUV

GM has offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine which is a bit lousy in moving the weight it has been asked to. It is better to upgrade to the optional 3.6-liter V-6 which provides the extra zest the car needs. Overall, the 2018 Acadia is a comfortable three-row SUV, with prices ranging from $29,000 for the base SL and going up to $47,020 for the top trim Denali.

“The new Acadia is a much-needed and smartly executed redesign of an almost 10-year-old SUV. It may move down-market into a smaller slot, which would only position the Acadia to better bridge the gap between the slightly smaller Terrain and the larger GMC Yukon.” Automobile Magazine

GMC offers Acadia in SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali trim levels. The midgrade SLE trim is available in two levels: The SLE-1 which receives minor upgrades over the SL, while the SLE-2 adds a substantial level of upgrades. A well-equipped SLT trim also splits between SLT-1 and SLT-2 levels. The Denali trim wraps up the line-up with several exclusive high-end features.

The Acadia SL starts at $29,995 and is the only trim which is not fitted with a V-6 engine or an all-wheel drive. It comes mated to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The two SLE trims SLE-1 and SLE-2 gets you V-6 and AWD as an option along with some styling upgrades and tuned suspension. SLT trim is also available in two levels: SLT-1 starting at $ 39,275 and the SLT-2 at 42,675 which also comes standard with 3.6-liter V-6. Both the engines are mated to a six-speed automatic.

Trims	SL	SLE-1	SLE-2	SLT-1	SLT-2	DENALI
MSRP (FWD)	$29995	$33,375	$35,995	$39,275	$42,675	$45,995
MSRP (AWD)	N/A	$35,375	$37,995	$42,375	$44,675	$47,995
Features	Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio and cruise controls. Seven-passenger seating with second and third-row split-bench fold flat seats. Keyless Open and Start.	SL+ LED daytime running lamps. Front and second row carpeted floor mats. Sirius Radio. Compact Spare Tire.	SLE-1 + Programmable Power Liftgate. Heated Driver and Front Passenger Seats. Fog Lamps. 8-way power driver’s seat. Remote Start. Power Liftgate. Silver roof rails. Standard 6-passenger seating.	SLE-2+ 8-way power passenger seat with power lumbar. Perforated Leather-Appointed Seats. Perforated Leather-Appointed Seats. GMC IntelliLink1 with an 8″ diagonal color touch-screen.	SLT-1+ Memory Package recalls 2 presets for power driver seat and outside mirrors. Heated second-row assenger seats. Low-speed Front Automatic Braking. Intellibeam Headlamps.	SLT-2+ Intellibeam Headlamps. 8″ Color Touch Screen Navigation with IntelliLink1. Bright roof rails. Hands-free power liftgate.

Confused? We will help you find the best trim

The SLE-2 is the best value for your bucks. It gets almost every feature that the Acadia has to offer including a power liftgate, power driver seat, and heated front seats. You also get a 3.6-liter V-6 engine as an option in this trim which gives you superior performance while towing or carrying passengers.

"The base four-cylinder’s lack of turbocharging saddles that engine with a power disadvantage."-CarandDriver

The base 2018 GMC Acadia powered by 193-horsepower 4-cylinder engine has got enough under the hood for roaming around town, but it lacks the zest of the optional V-6 engine which churns out 310 horsepower and has better acceleration. There is also a drive mode selector, which lets the driver switch between different modes depending on the road condition. Modes include:

• All-Wheel Drive (4X4 if equipped)
• Off-Road (AWD only)
• Snow (FWD only)
• Sport
• Trailer/Tow (If equipped)

Engine and Transmission

GMC has not made any mechanical changes to the new 2018 Acadia and the performance is similar to 2017. In the two engines choices, you get a 193-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 188 lb-feet of torque and a 310 hp 3.6-liter V-6 with 271 lb-feet of torque. Both the engines are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission with front and all-wheel-drive optional setups.

Models	GMC ACADIA	BUICK ENCLAVE	CHEVROLET TRAVERSE	TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
MSRP	$29,995	$39,995	$30,925	$31,030
Engine	2.5L DOHC 4-cylinder Gas engine	3.6L V6 SIDI VVT Gas engine	3.6L V6 SIDI VVT Gas engine	2.7-Liter 4-Cylinder Double Overhead Cam (DOHC) 16-Valve Gas engine
Transmission	6-speed automatic	9-speed automatic	9-speed automatic	6-speed automatic
Power	193 hp @ 6300 rpm	310 hp @ 6800 rpm	310 hp @ 6800 rpm	185 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	188 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	266 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm	266 lb-ft of torque @ 2800 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

Acceleration

There is no thirst for power when the Acadia is equipped with the 3.6-liter V-6 engine. It hits 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds which is impressive for a vehicle of this size and its 310 horsepower is adequate for towing and climbing hills with ease. The 2018 GMC Acadia also beat others heads down in the competition. Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse with almost same engine specification take 7.8 sec and 6.5 sec to hit 0-60.

Models	GMC ACADIA	BUICK ENCLAVE	CHEVROLET TRAVERSE	TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
0-60 MPH	6.8 sec (2.5L DOHC 4-cylinder Gas engine)	7.8 sec	6.5 sec	8.9 sec
Quarter mile	15 sec @ 90 mph	16.1 sec @ 84 mph	15.6 sec @ 97mph	15.4 sec @ 90 mph
Engine	2.5L	3.6L	3.6L	2.7L
Emission Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year	7.7	8.4	8.4	8.0

Braking and Handling

2018 GMC Acadia lacks the nimbleness of some of its competitors but handling is comfortable and quiet. Responsive steering makes Acadia easily maneuverable in tight corners. Ride quality is well controlled even over rough pavements and the steering feels light. GMC offers an adaptive suspension on the top trim Denali for sharper handling and a more cushioned ride. If you want the best of its off-roading capability, go for the All-Terrain package that adds hill descent control and a sharper all-wheel-drive system.  The Acadia is, however, better suited to snowy trails rather than the rocky ones.

The Acadia braking system is well tuned with plenty of stopping power. Brakes feel strong even after multiple aggressive stops. GMC gets a strong competition from Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Highlander in stopping form 60 mph in 126 feet. However, it beats the Enclave by good 8 feet.

Model	GMC ACADIA	BUICK ENCLAVE	CHEVROLET TRAVERSE	TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Brake pads-front(in)	17	12.8	12.8	12.9
Brake pads Rear(in)	17	13	13.0	12.2
Curb weight(lbs)	3956	4359	4713	4165
60-0 MPH (ft.)	126	134	126	126

The 2018 GMC Acadia is the most efficient when it comes to city driving and at par with the competitor on the highway. It is rated at 21/26 mpg city/highway for the front wheel drive and 21/25 mpg with the AWD. Jumping to the V-6 engine will also not hurt your fuel efficiency, as the front-wheel drive is rated at 18/25 mpg while the AWD is rated at 17/25 mpg.

Model	GMC ACADIA	BUICK ENCLAVE	CHEVROLET TRAVERSE	TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Mpg city mpg	21	18	18	20
Mpg highway mpg	26	26	27	24
Mpg combine mpg	23	21	21	22

2018 GMC Acadia has a quiet and handsome cabin along with excellent material quality. Everything in the car is within arm’s reach, so you are always in comfort. First two rows of seats are spacious, but the third row is little cramped. The Denali model is dressed up with real-wood inserts.

“Although its absolute scale isn’t as large as the first-generation SUV, the 2018 Acadia’s cabin boasts an even more upscale character helped by a modern design that includes soft-touch surfaces, upgraded trim, and active noise cancellation.” Kelley Blue Book

Interior Seating and Comfort

The outgoing 2017 Acadia was sold in seven and eight seat configurations, whereas the new Acadia is also available in five-seat configuration when equipped with the All-Terrain package, emphasizing more on the cargo space. Other seating option includes a three-row configuration with seating for six (with second-row captain’s chair) or seven with the second-row bench.  Acadia’s has less second-row headroom than Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Highlander but legroom is the roomiest, even when compared to the largest in competition the Traverse.

Seating features include:

• Heated and ventilated power adjustable front seats
• Leather upholstery
• Heated second row
• Heated steering wheel
• Sliding and reclining second row

Model	GMC ACADIA	BUICK ENCLAVE	CHEVROLET TRAVERSE	TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Passenger capacity	7	7	8	8
Passenger Volume(ft cube)	143.8	151.1	150.8	144.9
Front (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40.3/55.7/59.4/41	41/59.1/62.4/41.2	41.3/58.1/62.1/41	40.7/57.2/59.3/44.2
Second (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.6/53.3/58.7/39.7	39.9/57.7/61.7/38.9	40/56.9/62.2/38.4	39.9/57.1/59.6/38.4
Third (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.2/42.9/54.3/31.1	37.6/48.5/57.3/33.5	38.2/48.5/57.5/33.5	35.9/45.6/55/27.7

Infotainment

GMC Acadia comes with an abundance of techs. There are plenty of USB port along with 4G LTE Wi-Fi so the passenger can feel connected. A 7-inch touch-screen with GMC IntelliLink system is standard on the SL and SLE trims. There is also an 8-inch unit available which is optional on the SLE and standard for SLT and the Denali. The screen feels responsive with big, clear buttons.  Some of the standard features include:

• Satellite radio
• Five USB ports and Bluetooth
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Six speaker audio system
• Wi-Fi hotspot

Cargo Space

Acadia does not impress much with the Cargo space. It offers the least amount of cargo space in the segment as compared to its competitors with 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 41.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and 79 cubic feet with all seats down. There are two underfloor storage bins where you can store small items, while the second and third row both fold flat giving you a flush cargo floor. A power liftgate and a hands-free power liftgate are available depending on the trim.

Model	GMC ACADIA	BUICK ENCLAVE	CHEVROLET TRAVERSE	TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Behind 3ndRow(ft.cube)	12.8	23.6	23.0	13.8
With 3nd row folded (ft.cube)	41.7	58	58.1	42.3
With All Seats folded (ft.cube)	79	97.6	98	83.7

The 2018 GMC Acadia stamps a bold impression with its styling from front to back making it a truly distinctive SUV. Its striking headlamps, tail lamps, and fog lamps let you see and be seen. It is a standout when fitted with All-terrain appearance package which is optional on SLT and Denali trims. Some exterior features include:

• Distinctive grill design
• Bold wraparound headlamp
• Wraparound rear glass
• Projector-beam headlamp with available LED daytime running lamps
• Halogen fog lamps

Design and Styling

There are very few wasted curves on the new Acadia and its squared-off wheel opening gives the impression of truckier look. The chrome strip loops around the front two rows remind you that the third row is not the seating area to prefer. Acadia’s taillights are large with a big chunk of chrome between the two lights. Top trim Denali offers added bling with a dressy grille and a shiny exterior.

Model	GMC ACADIA	BUICK ENCLAVE	CHEVROLET TRAVERSE	TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
curb weight(lbs)	3956	4359	4713	4165
Lenght(in)	193.6	204.3	204.3	192.5
Width(in)	75.4	78.8	78.6	75.8
Height(in)	66	69.6	70.7	68.1
Ground clearance(in)	7.20	7.7	7.2	8
Wheel base(in)	112.5	120.9	120.9	109.8
Track width(in) F/R	64.5/65.5	67.3/67	67.3/67.0	64.4/64.2

GMC Acadia boasts good crash test score by the NHSTA. However, it received a marginal rating in the headlight and an acceptable latch rating by IIHS. On the reliability front, the company has covered Acadia with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

NHSTA Rating

Frontal barrier crash rating overall	5 star
Frontal barrier crash rating driver	5 star
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger	4 star
Side barrier rating overall	5 star
Side barrier rating driver	5 star
Side barrier rating passenger	5 star
Side crash rating overall	5 star
Combine side barrier and pole rating	5 star
Rollover	4 star

IIHS Rating

Crashworthiness

Small overlap front driver side	Good
Small overlap front passenger side	Good
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good

Crash avoidance and mitigation

Frontal crash prevention	Superior
Headlights	Marginal
LATCH	Acceptable

Safety features

GMC has offered industry-first rear seat reminder in the new Acadia, which flashes and sounds a warning alarm to check the back row while the vehicle is shutting down. So, don’t forget to remove your child from back there. Standard safety features include:

• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system.
• Airbag system.
• OnStar Basic Plan for 5 years.
• OnStar Guidance Plan Limited Service Trial.
• Rear Vision Camera.
• Child security rear door locks.
• Passenger Sensing System.
• Rear seat reminder.
• LATCH System.
• Teen Driver.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
• Horn, dual-note.

 

GMC Acadia Vs Buick Enclave

Like the Acadia, Buick’s Enclave has also been redesigned for the year 2018. It also boasts a standard V-6 engine like the GMC and seats up to seven with an extensive feature list. Buick also offers wireless device charging which is not available in Acadia, it also has a larger touchscreen. Overall, Buick’s interior is close to luxury but that comes at a cost. Buicks Enclave is almost $11,000 more than the Acadia. It is definitely better than its midsize SUV cousin but that does not justify the price difference between the two.

GMC Acadia vs Chevrolet Traverse

You can call the Chevrolet Traverse, Acadia’s larger cousin with little difference between the two. The Chevy comes mated to a standard V-6 whereas, base Acadia has a standard 4-cylinder engine with an optional V-6. Feature lists are similar between the two although GMC’s interior is a bit better than the Chevy. If you are looking for space then go for the Traverse. It seats up to eight people as compared to seven in Acadia and its cargo capacity is also much higher. Pricing of both the cars are similar and Acadia will be a better option if you are looking for luxury rather than space.

GMC Acadia Vs Toyota Highlander

The major difference between the two cars is the space and the towing capacity. Highlander has more space then the Acadia, it also seats eight while the Acadia manages only seven. Towing capacity of the Toyota is much more than the GMC. It can tow up to 5000 pounds while the later can tow only 4000 pounds. Go for the Highlander if you require towing heavy trailers, otherwise, the GMC Acadia is a good option as it gives you extra comfort.

We do not find any major weakness in the new 2018 Acadia but it is also not the best in the class in many aspects. Ride quality is smooth with a nice interior along with good selection of features and easy to use infotainment. The major drawback of the car is that it has less cargo space than most of the competitors and it is also less athletic when it comes to performance. If you are in the market searching for an SUV then you will want to overlook the Acadia and check out Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave.