The 2019 GMC Acadia is the automaker's mid-size crossover. A second-generation model was launched two model years ago with two choices of engines and drivetrains.
What's New for 2019
Choosing Your GMC Acadia
The 2019 Acadia is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine producing 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. Buyers seeking more power (or towing capacity) can upgrade to the 3.6-liter V6, which delivers 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. This is fitted as standard to flagship Denali and SLT-2 trims, and it’s an option on SLE-1, SLE-2, and SLT-1 models. SLE-2 and SLT-1 trims are also available with optional all-wheel drive, with SLT-2 and Denali models getting AWD as standard.
Powering all four wheels has little effect on the 2.5-liter’s fuel economy, which checks in at an EPA-estimated 21 miles per gallon city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 combined. With AWD, these figures drop to 21/25/22 mpg (city/highway/combined). The 3.6-liter engine achieves 18/25/21 mpg with front-wheel drive and 17/25/20 mpg in AWD models.
SL
The base SL starts at $29,995 (all prices include the $995 destination charge) and is the only Acadia model not available with the larger 3.6-liter engine. Fitted with a two-three-two seating configuration as standard, it’s modestly specified compared to other models. Even so, it does provide keyless entry, a rearview camera, and cruise control. Like every Acadia, the Teen Driver mode lets parents customize certain settings to encourage safe driving – including driving habit report cards. Uniquely, the SL trim has no available options beyond silver metallic paint ($395) and a front license plate bracket ($40).
SLE-1
SLE Acadias are available in two sub-versions, both with the option of the 3.6-liter engine. The SLE-1 model is priced from $33,795 and retains the two-three-two seating layout of the SL, though it adds a number of creature comforts including SiriusXM radio, a full-sized spare tire, carpeted floor mats, and daytime running lights. There’s a choice of five metallic paints, compared to the solitary color on SL models.
The SLE-1 is the first Acadia to offer a significant options palette. The Cargo Package ($185) adds a retractable cargo shade and cargo net, while the Roadside Safety Package ($130) includes a first aid and highway safety kit. The Premium Carpet Floor Mat Package ($260) adds what its name suggests, the Interior Protection Package ($300) includes all-weather floor and cargo mats, and the Floor Liner Package ($385) brings all-weather floor and cargo liners.
The Black Accent Package ($1,195) puts a black grille, dark finish tail lights, and dark finish rear license plate trim on the Acadia. Rear passengers can enjoy their own LCD monitors with the Rear Seat Infotainment System (available with or without a DVD player), with two sets of wireless headphones, a remote control, and USB and HDMI connectivity.
SLE-2
The SLE-2 starts at $36,195 and is distinguished by a two-two-two seating configuration as standard (two-three-two remains an option), though the third row is removed if AWD is chosen. This is the first Acadia to feature an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, remote start, a powered and programmable liftgate, fog lights, silver roof rails, and 18-inch aluminum wheels.
The Roadside Safety, Cargo, Premium Carpet Floor Mat, Interior Protection, Floor Liner, and Black Accent Packages all return for the same price. The Exterior Convenience Package ($865) adds roof rack cross rails and molded assist steps. The Driver Alert Package I ($790) brings rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane change alert. Finally, with all-wheel drive, the All Terrain ($2,045) pack becomes available. This includes hill descent control, a universal home remote, premium cloth seats, black roof rails, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, the V6 engine, available 17-inch all-terrain tires, and more.
Other possible upgrades include an eight-inch color touchscreen and infotainment system ($920), supplied in tandem with an 8-speaker Bose audio unit.
SLT-1
Priced from $38,995 with a choice of two engines and drive modes, every SLT-1 comes with a variety of creature comforts. The inside rearview and driver-side external mirrors automatically dim, and a Bose audio system is standard. Front seat occupants can make themselves more comfortable with lumbar control, while the contents of the Driver Alert Package I from the SLE-2’s options list is included as standard equipment.
The Black Accent, Exterior Convenience, Floor Liner, Interior Protection, Premium Carpet Floor Mat, Cargo, and Roadside Safety Packages are available for the same price. On SLT-1 models with all-wheel drive, the All Terrain package's price is reduced to $1,800 and comes with the same features that aren't already standard. AWD versions are also available with an All Terrain Cargo Package ($350, cargo tie-downs, vertical and horizontal cargo nets, and retractable cargo shade) and Adventure Package ($325, cargo tie-downs, and cargo stabilizer).
A two-panel sunroof with tilt-and-slide front section is a $1,400 standalone option, while navigation runs $495.
SLT-2
Available exclusively with the 3.6-liter engine, SLT-2 models are priced from $42,895. This delivers a number of mechanical and feature improvements over lesser Acadias. It features 20-inch aluminum wheels, memory function for the driver seat and outside mirrors, heated second-row seats, intelligent headlights, a 170-amp alternator, a heavy-duty cooling system for the standard-fit trailering package, a dual exhaust, front and rear park assist, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with lane change alert, a safety alert driver seat, forward collision warning, and front pedestrian braking.
Denali
The flagship Acadia Denali model is also only available with the 3.6-liter AWD. It starts at $46,495 and is distinguished from lesser Acadias by a Denali-branded grille, navigation, 20-inch aluminum wheels, bright roof rails, carpeted floor mats, a hands-free power liftgate, heated and ventilated front seats, a Denali-branded heated steering wheel, HID headlights, and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column. The Technology Package ($1,495) adds forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system.
With the option of two powerplants, two drivetrains, and three seating configurations, the 2019 GMC Acadia SLE-2 represents the best balance between affordability and equipment. Ticking the AWD box brings several welcome creature comforts, and the Driver Alert I package boosts safety equipment.