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2020 GMC Acadia

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Make
GMC
Model
Acadia
Year
2020
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Expert Rating
3.1 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2020 SL Front-Wheel Drive
most popular
Price:   -  From $29,800
2020 SLE Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $33,800
2020 SLE All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $36,200
2020 SLT Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $39,700
2020 SLT All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $41,700
2020 AT4 All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $42,200
2020 Denali Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $46,300
2020 Denali All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $48,300

Overview

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 TypeHorsepowerTorqueMax TowingFuel Economy (Combined)
2.5L 4-Cylinder193 hp188 lb-ft1,000 pounds23 mpg
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder230 hp258 lb-ftTo Be DeterminedNot Yet Rated
3.6L V6271 lb-ft574 lb-ft4,000 pounds22 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.

GMC Acadia

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.

GMC Acadia

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

CarsDirect Tip

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.

author image
Contributing Editor
Read Less

Expert Review

Pros
  • Rugged design
  • Tons of standard tech
  • Plenty of powertrain options
Cons
  • Finicky push-button transmission
  • Have to pay for safety features
  • AT4 is all show
Expert Rating
3.1 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

Comprehensive refresh, bold look. The 2020 GMC Acadia rolls in boasting a significantly different look, front and rear. This is all thanks to a comprehensive refresh that slapped on a new nose and tail while retaining the overall shape and size from the previous model year.

This new look includes flatter headlights and a bolder grille that widen the front end and give it almost a truck-like look, a new front bumper with new fog light housings, new taillights with distinct LED signatures, a reworked rear bumper, and all-new exhaust outlets.

There's also a new AT4 model that adds some rugged bits like a black-and-chrome grille, black body cladding, unique 17-inch wheels, and all-terrain tires.

Inside, the bulk of the Acadia remains the same, save for two new USB-C connections, a 15-watt wireless charging pad, updated infotainment software, a new standard 8-inch touchscreen, and a push-button shifter.

Rounding out the updated Acadia is a new 230-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine option slotted between the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 3.6-liter V6. All three engines pair with a standard nine-speed automatic transmission.

Rugged design. The Acadia’s all-new look is refreshing. Gone is the rounded front end that softened it up for the masses and in comes a chunkier truck-like nose that appeals to crossover shoppers who’ve grown tired of the vanilla styling in the segment.

The problem is that this segment is vanilla for a reason. Going too extreme in one way or another can result in a quick drop in sales because more reserved buyers will turn their noses up at anything too wild. It’s not that the Acadia is overstyled, but its nose may be a little too truck-like for some shoppers.

Buyers who prefer the simpler look may flock to the Subaru Ascent, Honda Pilot, or the Nissan Pathfinder.


GMC Acadia

AT4 model still a soft-roader. The GMC Acadia AT4 does its best off-roader impression with unique 17-inch black wheels wrapped in knobbier all-terrain tires, a black grille, black roof-rack side rails, and more. Heck, it even slaps in the 310-hp V6 engine, twin-clutch all-wheel drive, and hill-descent control for good measure.

That's all well and good, and it looks great in a parking lot or sitting in a grassy field, but its 7.2 inches of ground clearance and standard suspension do nothing to help it off the beaten path. Snow, a little mud, sand, and loose gravel are all no problem, but you may want to pass on the log or rock climbing in this one.

If you’re into that kind of thing, you should look to the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk. It looks the part and has the undercarriage to handle moderate off-roading.

Loads of technology. The Acadia is chock-full with premium features, even in its base SL trim. This long list includes desirable tech goodies like an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 4G LTE wi-fi, five USB ports, and more.

Many of the Acadia’s competitors cannot keep up in this department. The Pilot, for example, comes standard with a 5-inch non-touchscreen and optional Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The 2019 Pathfinder also lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but unlike the Pilot, they're not available as options either.

Where the Acadia falls flat is safety tech, as all trims south of the Denali require at-cost packages to get automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and other important safety goodies.

Models like the Pilot, Ascent, Ford Explorer, and others in the segment come standard with some or all of the latest active safety tech.

Final thoughts. The 2020 GMC Acadia is a stylistic breath of fresh air in a segment that was getting a little stale. And its AT4 model adds a special touch of ruggedness, although it's still a softy at heart. Add to this all the tech goodies the younger crowd wants, and the Acadia could be a great option for a young family to grow into.

That said, you want to keep your family safe, and the Acadia makes you pay to do that while so many others deliver this safety at the base level. If you're more focused on keeping your family safe rather than entertained, you may want to check out the Pilot, Explorer, Ascent, or Volkswagen Atlas.

Check prices for the 2020 GMC Acadia »

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L I-4 / 193 HP / 188 ft.lbs.
Transmission
9-spd auto w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
21 / 27 / 24 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
7
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
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 / 27 / 24 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
144 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
193.4 "
Exterior Width
75.4 "
Exterior Height
66.7 "
Front Headroom
40.0 "
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
3,923 Lbs.
Wheel Base
113 "
Turning Radius
19.4 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
17.0 " Painted Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Front 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
6-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Split-bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Gmc Infotainment System Am/fm, Clock, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver And Passenger
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Change Alert With Side Blind Zone Alert Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Rear Park Assist Rear
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Pass-key Iii
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
12 Months / Unlimited Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
72 Months / 100,000 Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2020 GMC Acadia for Sale

4 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
GMC
FWD SLT
Color: White
Price

$23,490

Mileage

49,624 mi

Map location icon

STG Auto Group - Garden Grove (30 mi)

Phone: (855) 976-5827
GMC
SLT
Color: Summit White
Price

$23,995

Mileage

45,529 mi

Map location icon

Penske Buick GMC (6 mi)

Phone: (877) 361-5354
GMC
AWD AT4
Color: White
Price

$25,489

Mileage

54,240 mi

Map location icon

STG Auto Group - Garden Grove (30 mi)

Phone: (855) 976-5827
GMC
SLE Sport Utility 4D
Color: Silver
Price

$26,995

Mileage

57,989 mi

Map location icon

Quantum Auto Sales Inc (29 mi)

Phone: (714) 265-0240
See All Used Car Listings

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