Smaller than the previous model, the handsome 2018 GMC Acadia manages to maintain its niche among midsize, three-row SUVs. The available Acadia Denali grade supplies peak trim and amenities worthy of comparison to other premium models.
What's New for 2018
The most significant change for 2018 is an All Terrain Package offered on select SLE and SLT models. This package offers special trim, exclusive five-passenger seating (six- and seven-passenger seating is available), along with covered storage bins and a cargo management system in two-row models. Denali models gain an automatic heated steering wheel.
Choosing Your GMC Acadia
GMC offers the Acadia in four grades: SL, SLE, SLT and Denali. The SLE and SLT divide further into a pair of sub-trims — SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1, and SLT-2. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available on all but the base trim, adding $2,000 to your price. Seating is for five to seven passengers. Cargo volume measures 12.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and 79 cubic feet behind the first row.
Aside from the SLT-2 and Denali, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque is standard. As for the SLT-2 and Denali, these two get a 3.6-liter V6 making 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque – the V6 is a $1,095 option on the SLE-1 (where it requires all-wheel drive, making the effective price $3,095) and on the SLE-2 and SLT-1, where it's available with both front- and all-wheel drive. Both engines work alongside six-speed automatic transmissions.
Optional packages are available on all but the base Acadia, although the bulk of it is just dealer-installed protection equipment.
CarsDirect Tip
In the Acadia, GMC offers a dizzying array of trims, packages and upgrades. Our pick is the SLE-2 with the base engine with all-wheel drive recommended wherever wintry conditions are prevalent. Add in the Driver Alert and Exterior Convenience packages and your out-the-door price comes to $40,900.
Battling in a competitive segment, the 2018 GMC Acadia must perform a delicate balancing act, offering consumers good value and a competitive feature set. For the most part, the Acadia, now in its second year following a redesign, succeeds in its attempts at hitting the sweet spot in many areas, but its imperfect in others.
Best Value
Outside of its standard engine, the base GMC Acadia is a decent buy. Sure, its $29,995 price tag (including a $975 destination charge) may seem high, but the Acadia has a lot to offer, even in its base trim (push-button start, three-zone climate control, a seven-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto). That said, we recommend moving a little upstream to the $36,155 SLE-2 trim and opting for the 3.6-liter V6 engine, which adds another $1,095 to the bottom line. This engine delivers a more satisfying driving experience than the base four-cylinder with only a small drop in fuel economy.
We also suggest adding a few optional packages, like the Driver Alert Package and the Exterior Convenience Package. These include desirable features like rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, roof rack cross rails, and more with just another $1,650 investment.
Model: 2018 GMC Acadia FWD SLE-2
Engine: 3.6-liter V6
Output: 310 hp / 271 lb-ft
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
MPG: 18 City / 25 Hwy
Exterior color: Summit White
Interior color: Dark Ash Gray / Light Ash Gray
Options: Driver Alert Package ($790, rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert), Exterior Convenience Package ($860, roof rack cross rails and molded steps), 3.6-liter V6 ($1,095).
Base Price: $36,155
As Tested: $38,900
Performance Pros
Delivers a polished and comfortable ride
Optional 310-hp V6 engine has plenty of power
Nicely weighted steering system
Performance Cons
20-inch wheels result in a stiffer ride
Acadia All Terrain models are more about looks than actual off-road performance
Four-cylinder engine just doesn’t have enough punch
Interior Pros
Interior feels well put together and comfortable
Standard seating for up to seven
Even the base SL trim has a good number of features
Interior Cons
Downsized as part of its redesign, the Acadia starts feeling cramped with a full load of passengers
The range-topping Denali trim doesn’t feel luxurious enough for the price
Styling is average at best and derivative at worst
Our Favorite Thing
For a crossover, the Acadia does a nice job balancing a comfortable ride with decent handling. Add the optional V6 engine, and you can also include straight-line acceleration as a positive.
Our Least Favorite Thing
Prices skyrocket quickly, especially when you add safety tech. Buyers can only get the all-important automatic emergency braking in the SLE-2 and higher trims, pushing the starting price up to $42,835 ($975 destination fee included). Many of the Acadia's competitors now offer this safety technology as optional across their entire lineup or even as standard equipment (we're looking at you, Honda Pilot).
Right For
Established buyers willing to shell out a little more money to get away from the base engine will enjoy the 2018 Acadia. It’s also great for growing families, as its optional third row offers plenty of versatility.
Wrong For
Buyers looking to sneak into a larger model by buying the entry-level trim won't find a friend at GMC. While the Acadia’s features at the base level are plentiful, its pricing is a bit prohibitive in the lower trims, and its base engine leaves a lot to be desired.
The Bottom Line
In its middle to upper trim levels, the 2018 GMC Acadia is a great crossover that we’d highly recommend. That said, its lower trims are priced higher than many competitors, and the standard four-cylinder engine lacks the punch to move this midsize crossover, especially with a full load of passengers.
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Specs & Features
Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
2.5L I-4 / 193 HP / 188 ft.lbs.
Transmission
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
6-spd auto w/OD
Drive Type
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
21 / 26 / 23 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
7
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L I-4 / 193 HP / 188 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
21 / 26 / 23 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Fuel Tank
19.0 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$73
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
79.0 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
Exterior Length
193.6 "
Exterior Width
75.4 "
Exterior Height
66.0 "
Front Headroom
40.3 "
Rear Headroom
39.6 "
Front Legroom
41.0 "
Rear Legroom
39.7 "
Front Shoulder Room
59.4 "
Rear Shoulder Room
58.7 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
Wheel Base
113 "
Turning Radius
19.4 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
17.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored With Metal-look Insert
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
7
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Split-bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Gmc Infotainment System Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Clock, Seek-scan
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