GMC Acadia

Overview: Is the GMC Acadia a good three-row mid-size SUV?

GMC has brought an all-new Acadia for the 2024 model year. Nevertheless, the previous-generation GMC Acadia is still a good choice for people looking for a three-row mid-size SUV. It offers a refined ride, quick acceleration (from optional V6 engine), and simple. Whether new or not, the Acadia shouldn’t be mistaken for a luxury SUV.

The 2024 GMC Acadia comes with a sole powertrain: a turbocharged four-cylinder. It is now larger than before, and those who are using the SUV may find the previous-gen Acadia lacking in cargo space and third-row space. The third-gen Acadia hopes to resolve the issues with a complete redesign. Note: equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for a used GMC Acadia for sale.

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Related: GMC Acadia Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

Key Features

The 2024 GMC Acadia offers:

• A completely redesigned three-row mid-size SUV
• A turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that's more potent than previous power plants
• Greater towing capacity at 5,000 lbs
• A larger Acadia, with more cargo and passenger space
• The Super Cruise feature as available technology
• Additional driver assistance features as standard equipment

Trims

The GMC Acadia is available in four trims: the base-level Acadia Elevation, mid-range Acadia Elevation Premium, off-road-focused Acadia AT4, and the range-topping Acadia Denali. All trims carry the same engine under their hood – a 2.5L turbocharged engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission……

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Acadia GMC introduced for the 2024 model year addresses the issues that used GMC Acadia models had faced. Compared to its predecessors, the wheelbase of the 2024 GMC Acadia is around 10.6 inches longer. This resulted in 80% more cargo space behind the third row, for a total of 23 cubic feet when all are seats up. This meant more interior space for the comfort of the occupants, as well as extra cargo room.

The GMC Acadia comes standard with a 15-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument panel. The SUV is also laden with additional driver assistance elements as standard, including adaptive cruise control, automatic braking in reverse, and the latest generation of General Motors' Super Cruise feature.

How It Drives

The previous generation of the GMC Acadia was available with either a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a naturally aspirated V6 mill. But the latest-gen model comes with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. This makes the latest Acadia more potent than any of its predecessor.

Paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the engine is more than capable of towing more weight. Towing capacity was previously set at 4,000 lbs, but the newer Acadia can pull up to 5,000 lbs. The Acadia comes standard with a front-wheel drive configuration, although all-wheel drive is optional. For those who loves the outdoors, the AT4 trim is waiting.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not crash-tested the 2024 GMC Acadia. This is because the Acadia is a fairly new model. However, the 2024 GMC Acadia is equipped with several safety and driver-assist features.

Nevertheless, older GMC Acadia models managed to receive high safety ratings. For instance, the NHTSA awarded a 5-star overall safety rating to the 2021 GMC Acadia. In addition, the IIHS also awarded the 2021 GMC Acadia with “Good” safety rating – their highest – in all crash-worthiness categories.

Reviews

The GMC Acadia reviews at Edmunds were mostly for the second-gen model. Around 92% of customers gave the three-row SUV a five-star rating, resulting in an average consumer rating of 4.9 stars out of five. No consumer reviews gave the GMC Acadia a one-star rating.

Nevertheless, the third-gen Acadia received a single consumer review (five star), getting praises for its driver visibility, plenty of electronic features, and roominess.

Learn more: How Long Do GMC Acadias Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

FAQs

Are there any problems with the GMC Acadia?

It is too early to tackle the problems that will arise with the new, third-gen GMC Acadia. However, owners of the older Acadia models had reported numerous issues. These include transmission problems, towing issues, and defective engine light. Potential buyers may need to find out which Acadia years to avoid.

Is the GMC Acadia considered a luxury?

The GMC Acadia isn’t a three-row luxury SUV. The newest model doesn’t have the luxury appeal, but older Acadia models of certain years can be reliable.

What is the GMC Acadia comparable to?

The GMC Acadia is comparable to the Ford Explorer, Kia Telluride, and Volkswagen Atlas, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. It shares platform with nearby cousin Chevrolet Traverse.

Check out a used GMC Acadia for sale.