GMC Acadia is a good mid-size SUV and has plenty of trims and features on offer. For a starting price of just over 30 grand, you get to take this lovely car home. It may be low on excitement and fun factor but makes up all of it with its practicality. The second-row space maybe constricted for some folks, as is the trunk, but both those can be taken care of by adjusting the seats. Most importantly, if you want additional power, you can have a powerful V6 engine, which simply spices up the deal.
Independent front strut suspension w/anti-roll bar
suspension rear
Independent rear multi-link suspension w/anti-roll bar
brake rotors (f/r)
64.5/64.5
dimensions
wheelbase
112.5 in.
length
193.6 in.
width
75.4 in.
height
66 in.
curb weight
3879 lbs.
ground clearance
7.2 in.
capacity
passenger volume
38.5 cu ft.
cargo volume
79 cu ft.
towing capacity
1000 lbs.
performance
zero to 60 mph
9.2 sec.
fuel economy
city/combined/highway
21/23/26 mpg
highway range
494 mi.
warranty
basic warranty
3 yr. / 36000 mi.
drivetrain warranty
5 yr. / 60000 mi.
powertrain warranty
60 months. / 60000
corrosion warranty
6 yr. / 100000 mi.
roadside assistance
5 yr. / 60000 mi.
Pictures
exterior
interior
Colors and Styles
Blue Steel Metallic
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
In a sea of cost-effective passenger cars, there are plenty of choices for a middle-class American. Sedans, hatchbacks, wagons, and even SUVs, you are simply spoilt for choice. Right now, we will concern ourselves with that last category. Compact SUVs have been flooding in the market, and for good reason too. The mix of frugality and practicality have people racing to the nearest dealership.
Affordable SUVs have captured the fancy of many families, owing to their space and comfort. The fact that they command better road presence than small sedans is just a bonus. GMC’s offering, the Acadia SUV, is a contender worth considering. It is a sweet looker, supple, comfy, and offers 2 engine options.
2020 GMC Acadia Angular Front View
2020 GMC Acadia Angular Rear View
8.5/10 Features
6.5/10 Fuel Economy
7.0/10 Interior
6.5/10 Safety
2020 GMC Acadia Features
8.5/10
There are 5 trims for the 2020 GMC Acadia, with an additional version offered under the Denali sub-brand. There are two engine options, a 2.5 liter inline-4, and a powerful 3.6-liter V6. You get front-wheel drive as standard, and All-wheel drive is an option for all sans the base SL trim.
Trim
SL
SLE-1
SLE-2
SLT-1
SLT-2
Denali
MSRP FWD
$30,195
$33,995
$36,395
$39,195
$43,095
$46,695
MSRP AWD
-
$35,590
$37,990
$41,190
$45,095
$48,695
Engine
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine
Same as SL
Same as SL with an optional 3.6-liter V6 option
Same as SLE-2
3.6-liter V6
Same as SLT-2
Key Features
2.5L DOHC 4-Cylinder Engine with Start/Stop Technology
Same as SL with following additions or replacements:
Same as SLE-1 with following additions or replacements:
Same as SLE-2 with following additions or replacements:
Same as SLT-1 with following additions or replacements:
Same as SLT-2 with following additions or replacements:
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio and cruise controls
LED daytime running lamps
Programmable Power Liftgate
8-way power passenger seat with power lumbar
3.6L V-6 VVT Engine with Direct Injection
Signature Denali grille
Seven passenger seating with second and third-row split-bench fold-flat seats
Front and second-row carpeted floor mats
Heated Driver and Front Passenger Seats
Perforated leather-appointed first and second-row seats
20" bright aluminum wheels
8" diagonal GMC Infotainment System with Navigation
Keyless Open and Start
SiriusXM Radio
Fog Lamps
120V power outlet
Memory Package recalls 2 presets for power driver seat and outside mirrors
20" polished aluminum wheels
Industry-First Front Center Airbag
Compact Spare Tire
8-way power driver's seat
Auto-dimming driver-side outside mirror
Heated second-row passenger seats (outboard only)
Bright roof rails
A/C, Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Remote Start
Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
Intellibeam Headlamps
Carpeted floor mats, first, second and third rows
7-inch diagonal GMC Infotainment System
Silver roof rails
Bose premium 8-speaker system
Trailering Package with Active Tow
Hands-free power liftgate
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
18" aluminum wheels
Driver Alert Package I
Driver Alert Package II
Heated and ventilated front seats
A Rear Vision Camera system
Standard 6-passenger seating
Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert
Front and Rear Park Assist
Automatic heated steering wheel with Denali logo
Rear Seat Reminder
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Front Pedestrian Braking
HID headlamps
4G Wi-Fi hotspot
Rear Parking Assist
Following Distance Indicator
Power tilt/telescoping steering column
We Recommend
The SLE-2 trim is the cheapest trim that is available with the optional V6. That makes it the best value for money. Then there are the additional features you get which are mostly driver aids like parking assist, lane change assist, auto-dimming headlights.
2020 GMC Acadia Engine and Performance
We were pleasantly surprised when the latest-generation GMC Acadia came to market for 2017, the slightly smaller size and lighter weight translating into an SUV that is both nimble and well-suited to handle everything from country roads to long highway stretches. -Kelley Blue Book
Engine and Transmission
The 2020 model uses the same engine as the 2018 GMC Acadia, a 2.5 liter 193 HP inline-4, and a 3.6-liter 310 HP V6. Both engines are available with both FWD and AWD configurations. The V6 is clearly the better engine of the two, as the tiny smaller 2.5 is extremely underpowered. However, if you're looking for fuel economy, the inline-4 is the engine you should pick.
The power is handled by a 6-speed auto, which comes standard. It isn't very fast, but it makes up for it by being quite smooth. It comes on the highway, being tuned for cruising rather than accelerating.
Models
GMC Acadia
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Honda Pilot
Ford Explorer
Subaru Ascent
Toyota Highlander
Dodge Durango SXT
Chevrolet Traverse
MSRP
$32,800
$31,695
$31,450
$32,365
$31,995
$31,330
$29,995
$29,840
Engine
2.5 Liter Inline-4
3.6 Liter V6
3.5-liter V6
3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6
2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer 4-cylinder
2.7-liter 4-cylinder
3.6 Liter V6
3.6L V6
Transmission
6-speed automatic
8-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Automatic
CVT
6-Speed Automatic
8-speed automatic
9-speed shiftable automatic
Horsepower (hp)
193 @ 6300 rpm
295 @ 6400 rpm
280hp @ 6000 rpm
288 @ 6500 rpm
260 @ 5,600 rpm
185 @ 5800 rpm
293 @ 6400 rpm
310 @ 6800 rpm
Torque (lb/ft)
188 @ 4400 rpm
260 @ 4000 rpm
262 @ 4700 rpm
254 @ 4000 rpm
277 @ 2,000 rpm
184 @ 4200 rpm
2483 @ 4400 rpm
266 @ 2800 rpm
The segment consists of both, powerful SUVs, and simple crossovers. The weaker ones have sub 200 horsepower engines, while the strongest contender churns out close to 300. The transmissions are all traditional automatics, except the Subaru, which uses a CVT automatic.
Acceleration
As stated above, there aren't any mechanical upgrades in the 2020 GMC Acadia. The base 2.5-liter engine still posts the same figures as the previous model. 60 MPH comes up in a gentle 7 seconds. The V6 posts a time of 6.2 seconds for the same, while the quarter-mile run takes a respectable 15 seconds.
Models
GMC Acadia
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Honda Pilot
Ford Explorer
Subaru Ascent
Toyota Highlander
Dodge Durango SXT
0-60 MPH
7 sec*
N/A
6.2 sec
8.2 sec
6.9 sec
-
7.6 sec
Quarter mile
N/A
N/A
14.8 sec
16.3 sec
15.5 sec
-
15.8 sec
Engine
2.5 Liter Inline-4
3.6 Liter V6
3.5 Liter V6
3.5 Liter V6
2.4 Liter Boxer-4
2.7-liter Inline-4
3.6 Liter V6
Emission
(Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
8.4
7.7
-
-
-
-
8.4
The mass of these huge cars prevents them from gaining speed quickly. Nonetheless, modern SUVs aren't slow by any means. Highway speeds are easily achieved with a heavy foot, and overtaking other cars doesn't require much effort, except for Ford's Explorer. This behemoth struggles to keep up with the others, contrary to what the engine would have you assume.
Ride and Handling
There is a popular proverb about having a cake and eating it. It goes like this- If your car has a great ride quality, it will roll under cornering and compromise handling. People familiar with this know what to expect from comfy, soft-sprung vehicles. That said, the Acadia isn't a slouch either. You can take a corner if you wish too, but you'd have to fight the inertia.
Adaptive suspension makes life easy for the passengers, and there isn't much to complain about. There is a little nosedive under hard braking. Speaking of braking.
Braking
If you remember that the Acadia is a near 2-ton car, the 172 feet braking distance from 70 to 0 isn't too bad. It could certainly have been better though, and with a little brake fade, you are bound to add a few more feet to that figure. The pedal feel deserves a special mention, as it is quite solid with great feedback.
Model
GMC Acadia
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Honda Pilot
Ford Explorer
Subaru Ascent
Toyota Highlander
Dodge Durango SXT
Brake Front (in.)
12.6
13
12.6
12.8
13.1
12.9
13.0
Brake Rear (in.)
12.4
13
13
12.8
13
12.2
13.0
Curb Weight (lbs.)
3956
4513
4036
4458
4430
4134
4680
60-0 MPH (ft.)
172 (70 to 0)
N/A
117 (est.)
108 (With optional tires)
119
126 (est.)
121
The Japanese contenders steal this show with their astonishing braking performance. The Explorer surprises here, and is able to mask all its bulk and post figures expected from a much smaller car.
Towing Capacity
GMC Acadia offers can also be used to haul quite a lot around. The company claims 2 tons, which should be plenty for hitching a trailer along for a ride.
Model
GMC Acadia
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Honda Pilot
Ford Explorer
Subaru Ascent
Toyota Highlander
Dodge Durango SXT
Towing Capacity
4,000
N/A
3500
5000
5000
1500
6200
The Durango is the strongest SUV here, good for a 3-ton haul. You could easily tow a colleague too, if their car broke down and they are left stranded.
2020 GMC Acadia Fuel Economy
6.5/10
The Acadia has a great fuel efficiency figure on the 2.5 inline engine, and workable efficiency on the V6. You could easily stretch a gallon for 21 miles in the city and 26 on the highway with the former. The latter drops the figures down to 18/25 for city/highway.
Model
GMC Acadia
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Honda Pilot
Ford Explorer
Subaru Ascent
Toyota Highlander
Dodge Durango SXT
MPG (city)
21
19
19
17
21
20
18
MPG (highway)
26
26
27
24
27
24
25
MPG (combined)
23
21
22
20
23
22
20
Fuel Tank (gallons)
19
24.6
-
-
-
-
24.6
The bulky Ford loses on the efficiency front, followed closely by the Dodge. Both the cars sport a 3.5-liter V6s, which are extremely powerful and very, very thirsty. Subaru Ascent is the most frugal car here, aided by the CVT gearbox.
2020 GMC Acadia Interior
7.0/10
The Acadia is a very comfortable vehicle for road trips or daily errands. It possesses soft, forgiving seats and a compliant suspension that smooths out most road imperfections. -Edmunds
Seating and Comfort
The interiors are quite bland, but considering the budget, this car adheres to, it should be much of an issue. What should be an issue though, is the space and seating. The company officially lists the Acadia as a 7-seater, but seating even 6 adults is a bit of a stretch. The first and second rows are decent, but the third row simply cannot fit in a full-sized human being.
Model
GMC Acadia
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Honda Pilot
Ford Explorer
Subaru Ascent
Toyota Highlander
Dodge Durango SXT
Passenger Capacity
7
5
8
7
8
8
7
Front Row Head room (in)
40.3
39.9
40.1
41.4
41.3
40.7
39.9
Front Row Shoulder room (in)
59.4
58.7
62
61.5
61.1
59.3
57
Front Row Leg room (in)
41
40.3
40.9
42.9
42.2
44.2
40.3
Second Row Head room (in)
39.6
39.2
40.2
40.6
40
40
39.8
Second Row Shoulder room (in)
58.7
58
62
61
60.3
60.3
42.8
Second Row Leg room (in)
39.7
38.6
38.4
39.5
38.6
38.6
38.6
Third Row Head room (in)
37.5
-
38.9
37.8
36.3
36.3
37.8
Third Row Shoulder room (in)
54.3
-
57.6
50.8
57.2
57.2
42.8
Third Row Leg room (in)
31.1
-
31.9
32
31.7
31.7
31.5
With the exception of Jeep Grand Cherokee, the entire segment sports 3 rows of seating as standard, with varying capacities of 7 to 8 people. With the Jeep, you only get 2 rows. Honda pilot simply wins in terms of space, great first and second row space, and manageable last row space.
Infotainment System
The 2020 GMC Acadia comes standard with a 7-inch diagonal GMC Infotainment System. It also offers a lot of other features as well. Standard features are listed below:
Multi-touch display
AM/FM stereo with SiriusXM
Bluetooth streaming audio
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Voice commands
Multi-touch display
AM/FM stereo with SiriusXM
Bluetooth streaming audio
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Voice commands
Cargo volume
SUVs have always held a natural advantage in terms of space, over other car types. This figure is usually the most apparent in trunk volume. Even with seat occupying a lot of the rear area, there is enough room for 2 small briefcases. If the need for more space arises, you can simply fold down as many seats as you don't need.
Model
GMC Acadia
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Honda Pilot
Ford Explorer
Subaru Ascent
Toyota Highlander
Dodge Durango SXT
Cargo Volume in the trunk (ft.3)
12.8
36.3
16.5
21
17.8
13.8
17.2
Cargo Volume 3rd Row folded (ft.3)
41.7
-
83.9
43.8
47.5
TBD
47.7
Cargo Volume 2nd row folded (ft.3)
79
68.3
46.8
80.7
86.5
83.7
84.5
Due to the lack of a 3rd Row, Jeep pulls ahead in his category. It offers the most space upfront. However, with the seats folded down, little Subaru decimates the competition.
2020 GMC Acadia Exterior
The 2020 Acadia features a utilitarian two-box design that features a number of interesting curves. Typical of other GMCs, the squared-off wheel arches make for a more truck-like look, and a chrome strip that loops around the front two rows is an interesting design feature. -The Car Connection
Design and Dimensions
Maneuverability is one of the biggest advantages of the compact Acadia SUV. Although it weighs nearly 2 tons, it can easily be flicked around tight spaces. There isn't much to distinguish it from the rest of the segment though. Owing to its 7+ inches of clearance, you get limited off-roading ability too.
Model
GMC Acadia
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Honda Pilot
Ford Explorer
Subaru Ascent
Toyota Highlander
Dodge Durango SXT
Curb weight (lbs.)
3956
4513
4036
4458
4430
4134
4680
Length(in)
193.6
189.8
196.5
198.3
196.8
192.5
201.2
Width(in)
75.4
63.9
78.6
78.9
76
75.8
75.8
Height(in)
66
69.3
70.6
70
71.6
68.1
70.9
Ground clearance (in)
7.2
8.6
7.3
7.8
8.7
8.0
8.1
Wheelbase (in)
112.5
114.8
111
112.8
113.8
109.8
119.8
Track width (in) F/R
64.5/64.5
64.1/63.9
66.3/66.3
67/67
64.4/ 64.2
64.4/64.2
63.9/64.1
Dodge Durango is the longest car here, exceeding 200 inches tip to tail. It also has the highest ground clearance, but not width. The Honda and Ford SUVs are the largest overall, with a relatively commanding stance.
It is safe to say that the Acadia won't be turning any heads at traffic lights. That doesn't mean it isn't pretty, it actually is. The headlights are quite shapely, and the tail section complements this design. Overall, the design is quite soothing, but it also is quite indistinct. The design isn't memorable, and you wouldn't really swoon if you spotted one basking in the sun. If you're looking for a laidback, understated design, this car will definitely suit you.
2020 GMC Acadia Safety
6.5/10
Safety features in the 2020 GMC Acadia include the following:
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.
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.
2020 GMC Acadia Competition
GMC Acadia vs Honda Pilot
Honda Pilot is the fresher car here, having received major updates and equipment upgrades for 2020. On the other hand, GMC Acadia was last refreshed in 2017 and has received only minor updates since. In terms of practicality, the Honda inches ahead, and its lower pricing makes it a much more lucrative deal too. In terms of gas mileage, the GMC is the better choice though.
GMC Acadia vs Ford Explorer
The Acadia offers better efficiency and upmarket interiors, although Ford is better at everything else. Passenger space is better, cargo volume is better, and you get a choice of three engines too, including a mighty EcoBoost V6 motor as well.
GMC Acadia vs Chevrolet Traverse
Both these cars share the same platform, and a lot of mechanical components as well, although surprisingly, the Traverse offers a lot more space inside. The GMC is much more plain looking though, and Chevy Traverse has a very sharp and futuristic look. Other than that, they offer similar sales support and warranty.
2020 GMC Acadia Final Verdict
The GMC Acadia is a good car, but in these competitive times, good isn't enough. Other manufacturers offer a lot more than what this GMC SUV does. You might find better engines, better interior space, and better towing capacity and performance from a few of its competitors. Still, this one offers good gas mileage and good quality interiors. If you're lucky, you could coax the dealership into giving you a good discount too.