What's New
The refreshed 2020 GMC Acadia features updated exterior lighting and interior refinements. New additions to the lineup include an available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a standard nine-speed automatic transmission, and an off-road-oriented AT4 trim. Other updates include an enhanced infotainment system, an available new head-up display, and this model’s first-ever available rear camera mirror
Choosing Your GMC Acadia
GMC offers the Acadia in five trims: SL, SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. Prices range from $30,995 including destination for the SL to $47,495 for the Denali.
Engine Choices
The GMC Acadia is available with three engines. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is standard on the SL and SLE, the SLT gets the new 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, and the AT4 and Denali feature a 3.6-liter V6. The V6 is optional on the SLE for an extra $1,095 and on the SLT for $495.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Max Towing | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.5L 4-Cylinder | 193 hp | 188 lb-ft | 1,000 pounds | 23 mpg |
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 230 hp | 258 lb-ft | To Be Determined | Not Yet Rated |
3.6L V6 | 271 lb-ft | 574 lb-ft | 4,000 pounds | 22 mpg |
The new nine-speed automatic transmission is standard on all three engines, replacing the previous six-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is standard on the AT4 and available on all other trims but the SL for $2,000 (SLT, Denali) or $2,400 (SLE).
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Acadia is available with seating for five, six, or seven passengers. The SL and SLE seat seven with a 2-3-2 setup. Second-row captain's chairs are standard on the SLT and Denali, dropping seating to six (2-2-2). The AT4 drops the third row for a five-passenger capacity (2-3).
The SLE can be had with the second-row captain's chairs for no cost, while the SLT and Denali can be had with the second-row bench for free. The AT4 can be had with the 2-2-2 or 2-3-2 seating arrangement for no cost as well.
The current Acadia rides on a smaller platform than the one it once shared the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse. This platform also supports the Cadillac XT5. The interior seems narrow, which is why we believe the six-passenger cabin is ideal, as it supplies improved maneuverability for the third-row passengers. That said, the third row is tight, even for kids.
Cargo space is quite small, measuring just 12.8 cubic feet behind the third-row seat. Fold down or lose the third row, and the Acadia supplies a much more respectable 41.7 cubic feet. Cargo capacity measures 79 cubic feet behind the first row.
Safety Features
The GMC Acadia comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change alert, and rear parking sensors.
On the SLT, the Driver Alert Package II ($1,295) adds automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, front parking sensors, and a head-up display.
This bundle of features only costs $695 on the AT4 and comes standard on the Denali (except for the head-up display). On the Denali, adaptive cruise control, the head-up display, a surround-view camera, and the rear camera mirror are bundled in the $2,395 Technology Package.
Connectivity
GMC is one of the better brands when it comes to connectivity, especially with its highly useful and easy to discern infotainment system. The Acadia comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, five USB ports (2-2-1), and wi-fi hotspot capability.
The SLE and higher add SiriusXM satellite radio, the SLT and up bring navigation and HD radio, and the Denali is equipped with wireless charging.
SL - From $30,995
The base Acadia SL model comes with LED headlights and taillights, 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, and heated and power side mirrors with turn signal indicators. Inside, the SL has a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, cloth seating, a four-way manual driver seat, a six-speaker audio system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and three-zone climate control. Keyless open and start are also standard.
SLE - From $34,995
Jumping up to the SLE doesn't bring many extra standard features, but it does add 18-inch wheels with dark accents and satellite radio. What the jump does do is open up the availability of many optional features, including all-wheel drive. Still, it's quite the price leap with no major changes to the list of standard equipment.
Buyers can upgrade their creature comforts with the Driver Convenience Package ($1,750), which bundles remote start, a hands-free power liftgate, an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats, and more.
SLT - From $40,895
The Acadia’s sweet spot is the SLT with its standard turbocharged engine. Remote start, LED fog lights, a hands-free power liftgate, and roof rails highlight the exterior upgrades. The interior is enhanced with leather seating, navigation, heated front seats, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system.
Enhance luxury appointments with the Premium Package ($1,250) that includes ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, a power tilt and telescopic steering column, memory functionality for the driver seat and side mirrors, and a surround-view camera. A two-panel sunroof is a $1,400 standalone option.
AT4 - From $44,395
Shoppers looking for a more rugged trim can turn to the all-new Acadia AT4. It features black accents on the grille and wheels, and chrome trim along with AT4 badging. The V6 engine, twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system, unique 17-inch wheels, and all-terrain tires are standard.
Its off-road-inspired design is an attention-getter, but if you’re looking for robust trail-stomping, then the GMC Canyon has better options.
Denali - From $47,495
The top-of-the-line Denali brings forth chrome-like embellishments, a unique grille, and glitzy 20-inch wheels. The cabin is relatively posh with ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, and memory for the driver's seat and outside mirrors.
Compare Acadia Trims Side-By-Side
The 2020 GMC Acadia with anything but the base engine should please most shoppers, and we'd start our shopping with the SLT thanks to its turbocharged engine, navigation, and optional safety features.