Available in six trim levels i.e. SL, SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1, SLT-2, and Denali. The Acadia enables buyers to customize almost everything. The stock SL trim might be only available with the four-cylinder engine but it is by no means a bare-bone SUV. Various features such as keyless ignition and entry, Tri-zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker audio system, and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available.

Both SLE-1 and 2 expands over it by having heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver seat, 18-inch wheels. The SLT-1 and 2 get even more technology plus luxury, including better upholstery and more comfortable seats, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and an updated driver information display. Lastly, Denali maxed out the shelf by adding ventilated front seats, heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, configurable virtual gauge display, and minor exterior changes. Multiple packages are also available to load up the Acadia even further with more features.

Which Trim should you buy?

According to us, the best trim to go for is the mid-tier trim SLT-1. Priced at $38,000, the SLT-1 gets you updated leather upholstery, more comfortable front seats which are power-adjustable with lumbar adjustment. When it comes to technology, an updated eight-speaker BOSE audio system with a subwoofer is also available. And lastly, Driver Alert I package comes standard with the SLT-1 which adds an auto-dimming driver-side and rearview mirror, rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. You can also upgrade it further by opting for features and packages available.

The base engine on the 2019 GMC Acadia is a 2.5 Litre Inline-4 cylinder engine. This engine produces 193 hp with a torque output of 188 lb-ft. The engine might not be turbocharged but it is decent enough to haul the Acadia without breaking a sweat. Power is sent to the front wheels via six-speed automatic transmission and yes an all-wheel-drive system is available for $2,000 except for the base SL trim. The engine can feel a bit sluggish as it goes from 0-60 mph in an unimpressive 9.2 seconds and can finish a quarter-mile in 16.9 seconds. 

But once you get it moving, the ride quality slowly turns into an enjoyable one. The exceptional automatic transmission never feels boring either when you are stuck in traffic or determined to pass vehicles on the highway. A more powerful 3.6 Litre V6 engine with 310 hp is standard in the SLT-2 and Denali trims and an available option for the SLT-1 trim which certainly changes things as it makes the Acadia go from 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds which is pretty impressive for its segment. But of course, you will have to pay extra.

The stock four-cylinder engine of Acadia is decent on-road but when compared to its rivals it falls behind the others as all three of them offer better acceleration. The Nissan Pathfinder is the most powerful option and it comes at a highly competitive price point equipped with a strong and powerful V6 engine regardless of the trim chosen. The Acadia fails to impress with the base engine and the fact that the stronger engine is available only with the higher-end trims is disappointing. 

How well does the 2019 GMC Acadia handle?

Sure the base engine can feel a bit sluggish and underpowered, but it’s the steering wheel and suspension system that makes the driving experience pleasurable. The Acadia's steering wheel is well weighted and sometimes feels a bit lighter which is pretty good for tight areas and fast driving. The only situation where we think it might cause some problem is while tackling sharp corners as one will have to get familiarized with the feedback. 

The stock suspension system is adequately impressive as it eliminates almost every level of bumps even with the 20-inch wheels. Combined with a competent steering wheel you get a driving experience that feels amazing. An optional suspension system with active dampers is also available for SLT-2 and Denali trim which makes the handling even better. Overall, considering the heft and class of the Acadia, it handles pretty well. 

2019 GMC Acadia Braking Performance

The Acadia weighs 3,879 pounds which is certainly heavy, on top of that, it is a seven-seater. So when fully loaded it needs to have a competent braking system that will keep this SUV from going haywire in situations that require hard braking. We must say that Acadia’s braking system is as impressive as its suspension system. It comes with 12.6-inch rotors at the front and 12.4-inch rotors at the rear. The brake pedal feel is decent and results in proper control over the vehicle. And yes even under hard braking the pedals never feel like fading. This must be the reason why it can stop from 60-0 mph in a short distance of 130 feet. This makes it a great choice for daily usage.

The GMC Acadia’s competent braking system offers excellent control which is amazing on its own. However, if we compare its stopping power to its rivals, it falls behind all the others as despite being heavier its rivals stop within a shorter distance. The Mazda is a superb performer in terms of braking, as it even with the higher weight handles to bring itself to a stop at a shorter distance. The Pathfinder is also a superb machine in the braking department whereas the GMC lags behind. 

Usually, when an engine is slightly underpowered, it gets easier to assume better fuel economy. But that’s not the case with GMC Acadia’s four-cylinder engine. As it offers a mileage of 21 MPG in the city, 26 MPG on the highways, and 23 MPG combined. These stats are not good which might be one of the few flaws Acadia has. Not even the massive 19-gallon fuel tank can redeem the Acadia as the resulting driving range is on moderate levels. And if you are going for V6 then expect ever lower mileage.

Acadia’s fuel economy is moderate at best for its segment. The CX-9 offers a slightly better fuel economy except for the highlander which stays behind Acadia. For compensation, the GMC added a decent-sized fuel tank but sadly it doesn't make a significant difference. The Nissan and the Acadia perform very similarly in terms of efficiency, however, the Nissan comes with a larger engine and better performance making it a better choice. 

The Acadia’s interior is easily one of the nicest in its class. The simple yet attractive design comes with decent quality material which gets even better on higher trims. The cabin is greyed-out by default with metallic accents but as you go higher with the trims, various color grades are available. The dashboard is ergonomically designed with few but necessary well-labeled buttons. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is tilt and telescopic but lacks range for taller or very short drivers. GMC has done an excellent job in keeping the cabin silent even if you push the engine hard. This is a seven-seater. 

So at the front, you get manually adjustable bucket seats which are upgradable to power-adjustable ones whereas bench seats come as standard for second and third-row occupants. As for the room, both front and second-row seats offer a decent room and are comfortable enough for longer drives. But the third-row seat is good enough for kids only because of limited legroom. Captain chairs for the second row are also available which will reduce the overall passenger capacity from 7 to 6. As for storing and hauling capabilities, the inside of the Acadia offers limited space for small items and even the cargo capacity is average, to say the least.

Compared to its rivals, the GMC Acadia offers adequate room for first and second-row passengers but its rivals such as the Toyota Highlander and Pathfinder offer better shoulder room for third-row occupants. The same goes for the cargo capacity which is lesser than its rivals. However, you can increase the volume to 79 cubic feet by folding down the second and third-row seats which are on par with the rivals. Below are some of the key interior features.

• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Height-adjustable driver's seat
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable front seats with lumbar adjustment
• Ventilated front seats

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The Acadia’s infotainment system is surprisingly very good. By default, a 7-inch touchscreen is available which is upgradable to an 8-inch one. Both displays are smooth and responsive and the UI is easily accessible and well designed. Yes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support are also available. Other features such as WiFi hotspot and BlueTooth connectivity are also available. But there is only one charging port available which is a bummer.

The standard 6-speaker sound system is pretty good but buyers can opt for an 8-speaker BOSE audio system which is just better in every way. As you go higher on trims, an updated driver information display is available. In Fact, on the top trim, a configurable display is also available. The navigation system and SiriusXM are missing on base trim but can be had by paying extra. Below are some of its key infotainment features.

• 8-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• Navigation system
• Eight-speaker BOSE audio system
• SiriusXM Satellite radio

Just like its inside, the outside of Acadia is well designed. You get a boxy SUV that looks very truck-like from afar. But once you get closer you realize how compact it is. Of course, its compact dimensions are the reason behind limited space for occupants, but it surely aids in going through tight areas. As usual, you get a familiar octagonal chrome grille which gets replaced by a unique design exclusive for Denali. A chrome bar on the front bumper connects both fog lamps. On the side, you get fenders with straight lines, chrome trim on windows for higher trims. 

Different versions of roof rails are available and in the rear, you get large taillights with a chrome bar in the middle. The addition of new colors (Pepperdust metallic, Red quartz metallic, dark sky metallic, and Smokey Quartz metallic) is a nice edition. And for people who love blacked-out vehicles, GMC has launched an Acadia Black edition package while an all-terrain package turns Acadia visually into an SUV with offroading capabilities.

Dimensions wise Acadia is somewhat similar to its rivals, but it certainly is lighter than the others which results in better control. The 7.2-inch ground clearance is not exceptional but decent for its segment. Simply based on looks the Acadia is a good-looking machine. However, the Mazda is the most beautiful option with the sleekest design language and the most aerodynamic-looking design. Below given are some of its key exterior features.

• Addition of new colors
• 20 inch polished aluminum alloy wheels
• Front projector-type fog lamps
• Heated power-adjustable side mirrors
• Hands-Free liftgate

GMC has done a great job keeping the Acadia and its occupants safe. Although as standard you will only get a handful of assists and features as GMC has bundled most of the features under Driver Alert I and II package. The Alert I package adds rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and a blind-spot monitoring system. 

The Alert II package further adds a lane departure warning and mitigation system, automatic high beams, front parking sensors, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, front pedestrian braking, and low-speed forward automatic braking. Moreover, the vehicle’s build quality is decent which is why it got pretty good crash test ratings by the NHTSA and the IIHS.Below are some of its key safety features:

• Lane-keeping assist
• Lane departure warning and mitigation system
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Forward collision warning system

2019 GMC Acadia vs 2019 Toyota Highlander

When stacked against the Toyota Highlander, the Acadia offers a pretty good engine that might be slower but performs well on the road. Yes, the fuel economy you get is also better than the Highlander. The inside of the cabin is also impressive and offers decent space except for the third-row seat. The Highlander on the other hand offers a faster engine, bigger fuel tank, better braking power, and of course much better ground clearance. The Highlander also offers more passenger capacity as it is an eight-seater whereas the Acadia is only a seven-seater.

2019 GMC Acadia vs 2019 Nissan Pathfinder

When going against Nissan Pathfinder’s V6 engine, it gets harder to compete for the Acadia because the Pathfinder offers almost everything better. It is faster, more spacious, can tow more, and has a better fuel-efficient engine. The only points where Acadia stands strong are the interior build quality and better driving experience which is especially fun on the corners.

2019 GMC Acadia vs 2019 Mazda CX-9

The Mazda CX-9 is the perfect rival for Acadia as it boasts similar stats. When compared, the Acadia offers decent handling and a better-built cabin. Moreover, the Acadia’s standard cargo capacity is lower than what CX-9 offers but with rear seats folded, it comes pretty close to Mazda’s overall cargo volume. However, the turbocharged engine of Mazda just decimates Acadia by being faster and more fuel-efficient.

The GMC Acadia might not be among the top dogs but it certainly offers a well-built and comfortable cabin, compact dimensions, and two engine options that have their own pros and cons. On top of that, the list of technology that you get at such an affordable price tag makes it a great SUV for families. If you want such attributes and can ignore the flaws then yes, we think you should consider the 2019 GMC Acadia. If equipped with the stronger V6 engine, the Acadia is a good choice to opt for.