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.
Models
|
2019 GMC Acadia
|
2019 Toyota Highlander
|
2019 Nissan Pathfinder
|
2019 Mazda CX-9
|
MSRP
|
$29,000
|
$31,830
|
$31,530
|
$32,280
|
Engine
|
2.5 Litre inline-4 cylinder
|
2.7 Litre inline-4 cylinder
|
3.5 Litre V6
|
2.5 Litre Turbo inline-4 cylinder
|
Drivetrain
|
FWD
|
FWD
|
FWD
|
FWD
|
Transmission
|
6 speed automatic
|
6 speed automatic
|
CVT
|
6 speed automatic
|
Power (hp @ rpm)
|
193 @ 6,300
|
185 @ 5.800
|
284 @ 6,400
|
227 @ 5,000
|
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)
|
188 @ 4,400
|
184 @ 4,200
|
259 @ 4,800
|
310 @ 2,000
|
0-60 MPH (seconds)
|
9.2
|
8.2 (est)
|
7.4
|
7.1
|
Quarter Mile (seconds)
|
16.9
|
16.4 (est)
|
15.9
|
15.5
|
Top speed (MPH)
|
115
|
115
|
142
|
113
|
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.
Models
|
2019 GMC Acadia
|
2019 Toyota Highlander
|
2019 Nissan Pathfinder
|
2019 Mazda CX-9
|
Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
|
12.6
|
12.9
|
12.6
|
12.6
|
Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
|
12.4
|
12.2
|
12.1
|
12.8
|
Curb Weight (lbs)
|
3,879
|
4,134
|
4,293
|
4,217
|
60-0 (feet)
|
130
|
128
|
124
|
123
|
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.