2020 GMC Acadia

The 2020 GMC Acadia is a three-row midsize SUV available in as many as five trims namely SL, SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. The SL is the base trim that starts under thirty grands and comes with a decent set of features for its asking price. The base engine is a naturally aspirated inline-4 engine only available in FWD configuration. The next-in-line SLE trim commands a four grand premium over the base SL trim and only a handful of features but gets access to several standalone features and optional packages like second-row captain's chair, rear entertainment, Driver Convenience Package, etc. Further, it also allows you to upgrade either to the turbo-four or the V6 engine for a premium while AWD can be had by paying $2,400 extra.

Above the SLE sits the SLT trim priced under forty grand and comes standard with the turbo-four engine. This trim comes with a host of desirable features like a premium sound system, leather-trimmed seats, etc. Also available are the Premium package and Driver Alert II package for a nominal premium while upgrading to a V6 engine is possible by just paying $495. The AT4 trim is the only trim that comes with AWD as standard and is pegged as the off-road-focused Acadia powered by a V6 and a couple of off-road specific gizmos as standard. While sitting at the top is the Denali trim maxing out just under fifty grand and adding a host of creature comfort features along with a premium cabin.

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The base engine isn't cut for this midsize SUV and up till the SLE trim the Acadia is sparsely equipped so we suggest going for the mid-level SLT trim. It not only gets a zest turbo-four engine but also adds a couple of convenience features with the option for adding the Driver Alert II package that packs in a range of advanced driver-assist features. While the option of upgrading to a V6 in just under five hundred bucks further sweetens the deal.

"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

The 2020 GMC Acadia offers three engine choices a naturally aspirated inline-4, a turbo-four, and a V6. The base engine is a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine that puts out 193 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mediocre for the most part and is optimized for better gas mileage and nothing more. Next, you have the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that churns out 230 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine does justice to the hefty Acadia and motivates it with zest. There is enough power from the turbo-four to hustle Acadia around town and catch up with other cars on the freeways.

Sitting at the top is the 3.6-liter V6 engine that cranks out 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. This engine is a puller and not only does it have a good balance of power and mileage it also can help the Acadia tow up to 4,000 pounds while the base engine powered Acadia is rated to tow only up to 1,000 pounds. That being said, irrespective of the engine you choose a 9-speed automatic gearbox is what you get as standard while there is a choice between FWD and AWD on all except the base trim which only gets FWD, and AT4 which only comes with AWD.

The 2020 Acadia isn't the SUV you would like to go fast but still if you want the 2020 Acadia powered by the base engine can do 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds while the V6-powered Acadia Denali trim sprints from 0-60 mph in just 6.1 seconds. As we said, the speed isn't the concern here, for most SUV buyers the ride and handling take the top priority. That's where Acadia shines with a mature and composed ride and handling. The body roll is well controlled and for the most part, the Acadia remains easy to drive. But driving the Acadia enthusiastically makes the handling go for a toss which is further accentuated by the torque steer in FWD models.

The available adaptive suspension makes life more comfortable for the passengers. That said, there isn't much to complain about here. Although there is a little nosedive under hard braking. Speaking of braking, the 2020 Acadia took nearly 172 feet to stop from 70-0 mph which isn't too bad considering it weighs over 3,900 pounds. 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 brake pedal feel deserves a special mention, as it is quite solid with great feedback.

The segment consists of both, powerful SUVs, and simple crossovers. The weaker ones like the Acadia have sub 200 hp engines, while the strongest contender churns out over 300 hp. The transmissions are all traditional automatics, except the Subaru, which uses a CVT automatic. 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 and overtaking other cars doesn't require much effort, except for GMC Acadia. This behemoth struggles to keep up with the others. While the Explorer surprises here making all its bulk and posting the quickest 0-60 mph and quarter-mile figures.

The 2020 GMC Acadia returns an EPA estimated gas mileage of 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. That's what you get with the base engine driving the front wheels while the same engine with AWD sees a dip of 2 mpg on the highway gas mileage. Going for the turbo-four powered Acadia you can expect an EPA estimated gas mileage of 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway while the same with AWD returns 1 mpg less on the highway. Going for the big V6 sees a gas mileage of 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway while the same with AWD returns 1 mpg less in the city and 2 mpg less on the highway.

The Chevrolet Traverse powered by a big V6 is the least efficient when driven in the city while the other three share a similar gas mileage in city driving conditions. Out on the highway, the Explorer returns the best 28 mpg of gas mileage which is one mpg more than what you get from the Acadia. Except for the Explorer, all the other SUVs offer around 19-gallon fuel tank capacity which translates into 500 plus miles of range on the highway.

"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

The 2020 GMC Acadia interiors can go from bland to luxurious depending upon which trim you go for. The overall layout of the dashboard is ergonomic with everything within the easy reach of your hands. Although the toggle switch type gearbox takes time to get accustomed to. The overall visibility upfront is great and the front seat offers a good range of adjustments. Although rearward visibility is restricted and the rearview camera comes in handy here. The base trim comes with fabric-trimmed seats while the SLT and above trims get you leather-trimmed seats.

Speaking of seats, the 2020 Acadia comes standard as a seven-seater which can be reduced to six seats with the second-row captain's chair while the AT4 trim comes only with seating for five although a seven-seater configuration is a no-cost option here. The seats offer good comfort in both the first two rows while as the case with most mid-size SUVs the third-row seats are not for adults. Another thing to note here is the cabin quality which surprisingly goes from good to cheap as you go back in the Acadia and that's there even in the range-topping Denali trim that costs close to fifty grands.

The 2020 GMC Acadia comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen GMC Infotainment System. It is intuitive and easy to use and also offers a lot of features as well. As standard, you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with a six-speaker sound system. Going for the SLT trim gets you a premium eight-speaker sound system with HD Radio while a rear entertainment system remains an optional extra on SLE trim and above.

SUVs have always held a natural advantage in terms of space, over other car types. The 2020 Acadia with all the three-rows up has a usable 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space with a split storage compartment beneath the cargo floor. Folding down the third-row seats increases the cargo space to 41.7 cubic feet while with the middle row seats folded flat, which can be flipped by a lever behind the third-row seats, you get a total of 79 cubic feet of cargo space.

When it comes to cabin space there is a close fight between the Explorer and the Traverse as both are neck-to-neck in terms of head, shoulder, and legroom on offer in all three rows. While if you consider the cargo space with all the seats up then the Traverse has an edge over the Explorer. Speaking of cargo space the Acadia offers the least amount of space followed by Ascent here. 

Interior Features:

• Fabric-trimmed seats
• OnStar w/ onboard Wi-Fi
• Three-zone automatic climate control
• Available second-row captain's chair
• Available power-adjustable front seats
• Available heated and ventilated front seats
• Available heated second-row seats

"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

When it comes to the 2020 GMC Acadia's exterior looks, it is safe to say that it won't be turning any heads at traffic lights but it does have the street cred of an SUV. The headlights are quite shapely, and the tail section complements this design. Overall, the design is boxy but rounded around the corners, thus making it unmistakably a typical GMC truck look. Thus if you're looking for a laidback, understated design, this car will definitely suit you.

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 plus inches of clearance, you get limited off-roading ability too. While a wheelbase of 112.5-inches doesn't allow it to offer a spacious cabin as the rivals like the Explorer and Traverse.

Chevrolet Traverse is the longest SUV here, exceeding 200 inches tip to tail. The Ford Explorer is the overall largest SUV, with a relatively commanding stance. Although the Subaru Ascent with the tallest height and highest ground clearance does have a towering stance over the other rival SUVs.

Exterior Features:

• Hands-free liftgate
• Sunroof
• 17-,18-, or 20-inch alloy wheels
• Chrome accented grille
• LED daytime running lights

When it comes to safety the 2020 GMC Acadia gets the standard set of features right from the base trim but if you want to have the advanced driver-assist system then you would have to at least go for the SLT trim that offers the same in the Driver Alert II package. That said, when the 2020 Acadia was crash-tested it didn't disappoint as it got a perfect five-star rating for overall safety from NHTSA while the IIHS gave it the top rating of 'Good' in all its six parameters.

Safety features:

• Rear parking sensors w/ rearview camera
• Teen Driver System
• Rear cross-traffic alert w/ blind-spot monitor
• Available surround-view camera
• Available forward-collision warning w/ automatic emergency braking
• Available adaptive cruise control
• Available front parking sensors
• Available lane-departure warning w/ lane keep assist

2020 GMC Acadia vs 2020 Ford Explorer

The 2020 Explorer is an all-rounder SUV in the mid-size segment. It gets a powerful engine option, has a sorted ride and handling, and still delivers class-leading gas mileage figures. Coming to Acadia well it is more like a mediocre child in this segment and whatever it does the Ford does it even better.

The Acadia offers good 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. Thus we would put our bets on the more competent Explorer over the not-so-value-for-money Acadia.

2020 GMC Acadia vs 2020 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 owing to its slightly bigger dimensions and rear overhang. The Traverse is a butch SUV with only a V6 doing duty under the hood which sure puts it at a disadvantage in front of Acadia if you compare their gas mileage but for everything else, the Traverse is a much better SUV be it the towing capacity or the power on offer.

The Chevrolet Traverse has a more matured and mellow look while the GMC Acadia follows the GMC design language of doing everything big and bold. Still, the Traverse looks sharper and more futuristic between the two. Other than that, they offer similar sales support and warranty. So going for one depends on whether you need a big and spacious SUV or you are content with a smaller but similar package in the form of Acadia.

The 2020 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 its competitors. Thus the only thing that keeps the Acadia competitive is its good gas mileage and interiors quality. If that doesn't impress you then it is better to look at its rivals which are much better equipped and more modern.