2019 GMC Acadia Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　

What's new

No major changes for 2019Part of the second Acadia generation introduced for 2017

　　Each new car model tends to be bigger and better than the old version. So it was a surprise when GMC came out with its smaller Acadia two years ago. As a result, third-row legroom and cargo space aren't as roomy as in the previous model. But depending on your needs, the 2019 GMC Acadia could still be a good choice if you're in the market for a midsize crossover SUV.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 GMC Acadia SL 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$163/mo  for Acadia SL

　　Acadia SL

　　SL 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $29,000 MSRPSLE-1 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $32,800 MSRPSLE-1 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $34,800 MSRPSLE-2 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $35,200 MSRPSLE-2 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $37,200 MSRPSLT-1 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $38,000 MSRPSLT-1 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A) - $41,100 MSRPSLT-2 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A) - $41,900 MSRPSLT-2 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A) - $43,900 MSRPDenali 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A) - $45,500 MSRPDenali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A) - $47,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　The Acadia's size reduction pays dividends in other ways. The lighter GMC can get away with offering a base four-cylinder engine that has decent power and better fuel economy than a V6. A V6 engine is still available, though, and it delivers more power for a relatively small penalty at the pump. Overall, we like the way the Acadia drives.

　　Deciding on the Acadia mainly comes down to how often you need a roomy third-row seat or cargo area. If it's only occasionally, the Acadia makes a lot of sense. For frequent use, though, check out the Chevrolet Traverse. This corporate cousin to the Acadia is bigger and more family-friendly.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.4 / 10

　　The 2019 Acadia has excellent performance and comfort and offers all the features you would expect in this class. But if you're looking for maximum space, this isn't the best choice since its cargo and third-row accommodations are surpassed by other rival crossover SUVs.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the GMC Acadia (3.6L V6 | 6-speed automatic | AWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2017, the current Acadia has received some revisions, including minor changes to feature availability.Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Acadia, however.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.4 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	8.5
Interior	7.0
Utility	7.0
Technology	8.5

　　

Driving

8.0

　　A strong all-around performer, the Acadia is well-suited to its mission as a comfortable, easy-to-drive family hauler. There is never a lack of power with the V6 engine, and the ride quality is well-controlled over most roads. Strong, easy-to-modulate brakes round out its impressive capabilities.

　　

Acceleration

9.0

　　When equipped with the V6 engine, the Acadia is never at a loss for power. It takes off from a stop quickly and pulls up hills with ease. We measured a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds, which is impressive for a vehicle of this size.

　　

Braking

8.0

　　Drivers of all types will find the braking system accommodating thanks to its easy-to-modulate pedal and ample stopping power. Our testing showed no loss of stopping power even after multiple aggressive stops.

　　

Steering

8.0

　　The lightly weighted steering makes it easy to maneuver in parking lots and at speed on the highway. The drawback, however, is limited road feel when you're driving around turns.

　　

Handling

8.0

　　The Acadia tends to want to push wide in turns, which is typical in a vehicle like this, but overall it handles its considerable weight quite well.

　　

Drivability

9.0

　　The overall feel from the steering, the brakes, the pedal, and the suspension is excellent. It's very well-tuned for this kind of vehicle. The V6 is strong at all speeds, and the transmission is responsive to your gas pedal inputs.

　　

Off-road

6.0

　　The optional All Terrain package adds hill descent control and a more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. Both items are helpful off-road, but with only 7.2 inches of ground clearance and 20-inch all-season tires, the Acadia is better suited to snow-covered roads, not rocky trails.

　　

Comfort

8.5

　　The Acadia is a very comfortable vehicle for road trips or daily errands. It possesses soft, forgiving seats and a compliant suspension that smooths out most road imperfections. Road noise and wind noise are also kept well in check.

　　

Seat comfort

7.5

　　The front seats don't have aggressive bolstering but are comfortable over several hours. The rear seats have short cushions but are well-contoured. The third row is tighter than in the previous Acadia. There's enough room for carpool duty, but longer trips would be uncomfortable even for kids.

　　

Ride comfort

9.0

　　The Acadia gets high marks. It soaks up rough roads very well with minimal noise intruding into the cabin. It's not too soft and always feels in control. The All Terrain model is surprisingly supple for a vehicle with 20-inch wheels and tires.

　　

Noise & vibration

9.0

　　The Acadia garners high marks for being very quiet on the road. There's minimal wind or road noise when you're driving on the highway, and engine noise rarely intrudes.

　　

Climate control

8.0

　　There's a dual automatic climate control up front along with additional controls for the rear. The layout is simple with minimal buttons. There are eight fan speeds, and the lowest speed is acceptably low. Dual seat heaters (back and cushion) and ventilation are available depending on trim.

　　

Interior

7.0

　　The overall design of the interior is straightforward with easy-to-use controls. It feels more like a car from behind the wheel compared to some of its competitors, but outward visibility is about the same. Shorter drivers will appreciate its relatively low step-in height.

　　

Ease of use

7.5

　　The Acadia uses the same overall layout as the GMC Sierra pickup, which is good. The minimal number of knobs and buttons makes it easy to figure things out. But it's not very luxurious-looking.

　　

Getting in/getting out

7.5

　　A low step-in height makes it easy to get in and out. An average-size adult will drop down slightly when getting in, so there's no climbing up into the Acadia. The doors are light, and they open wide. But we're not fans of the door-handle design because the handles can pinch fingers easily.

　　

Driving position

7.5

　　It feels more like a car than the Honda Pilot. The windshield angle is steep, but the base of the windshield sits low. You can rest your elbows comfortably on the door and the center console.

　　

Roominess

7.0

　　With the seat all the way back, you can barely reach the pedals. And your head is nowhere near the ceiling. The high console makes it feel a little tight up front. The second row offers moderate room, but the third row is very tight.

　　

Visibility

7.0

　　The steep windshield angle reduces the overall view forward. The windshield pillars are standard-size. The rearmost pillars are thick with smallish back windows. The mirrors are a typical size. The rearview camera has good coverage but not the clearest picture.

　　

Quality

6.5

　　Inside, the parking button is off-center. The quarter panels at the front roof pillar don't line up on the inside or outside. Other interior areas look and feel fine.

　　

Utility

7.0

　　There's a decent amount of space with the second row folded, but the Acadia isn't outstanding in any other areas. There's not an abundance of storage space up front, and the limited area behind the third row means you need to pack light.

　　

Small-item storage

6.0

　　The center console is deep but square, so it doesn't fit anything longer than a pen. A small bin in front of the shifter can be used for things like keys, and the overhead console can accommodate sunglasses. The shallow door bins don't hold anything sizable, and there is a standard-size glovebox.

　　

Cargo space

8.0

　　Open the liftgate, and with the third-row seat folded, you've got a wide, unobstructed cargo floor to work with. Remote-release handles make it easy to fold the second row. Note, however, that with the optional third row in place, there's only enough space for a couple of duffle bags.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

7.0

　　We like the easy-to-find LATCH attachment anchor points. The raised center seat on models with the second-row bench makes it more awkward to fit a child seat in the middle.

　　

Towing

6.0

　　Towing capacity is 4,000 pounds, which is 1,000 pounds less than most competitors can handle.

　　

Hauling

8.0

　　In the two-row Acadia configuration, the All Terrain package includes adjustable tie-down rails, additional attachment hooks and a usable underfloor storage system. The cargo area itself is wide and flat, making it well-suited to accommodating cargo.

　　

Technology

8.5

　　The touchscreen technology interface in the Acadia is one of the easier systems to use at a glance. It favors the features you use most often, which is a plus. Bluetooth pairing is quick and easy.

　　

Audio & navigation

8.0

　　The standard GM touchscreen interface is generally good thanks to simple menus and large, easy-to-read icons. There are knobs for tuning and volume, which are always a plus. The rest of the controls are kept to a minimum to reduce clutter.

　　

Smartphone integration

9.0

　　Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available. Bluetooth pairing is straightforward and quick.

　　

Which Acadia does zzdcar recommend?

　　The base SL offers a ton of features for a very reasonable price, but it's only available in two colors — white or silver — and there are no additional extras. More to the point, it's a special-order vehicle and you'll have to wait for it to be built. The SLE-1 adds thousands to the price tag but not many features to the car itself. We'd go with the SLE-2, which not only adds luxuries such as heated front seats and a power liftgate but also allows the V6/front-wheel-drive powertrain combination. We also recommend the SLE-2's Driver Alert I package, which includes blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors.

　　

2019 GMC Acadia models

　　The 2019 GMC Acadia is a midsize SUV offered in SL, SLE, SLT and Denali trim levels. The SL model seems like a great deal until you realize that it's a custom-order model and you'll have to wait for it to be built. There are two levels of the midgrade SLE trim: The SLE-1 is only a minor upgrade over the SL (but you'll actually find it at a dealership), while the SLE-2 adds a more substantial level of upgrades. A well-equipped SLT trim is the next step up, and it, too, is split between SLT-1 and SLT-2 levels. The Denali trim rounds out the lineup with several exclusive high-end features.

　　Depending on trim, the midsize Acadia is offered in a two-row, five-passenger configuration or a three-row configuration with seating for six (with second-row captain's chairs) or seven (with a second-row bench). A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (193 horsepower, 188 pound-feet of torque) is standard on SL, SLE and SLT-1 models. A 3.6-liter V6 (310 hp, 271 lb-ft) is standard on SLT-2 and Denali models and optional on SLE-1 (with all-wheel drive), SLE-2 and SLT-1 trims. Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic.

　　Technically, GMC sells an Acadia in the SL trim, with a seven-passenger seating configuration and front-wheel drive. White and silver exterior paint are the only options on this trim. Its features include 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, GMC's Teen Driver system, Bluetooth, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone app integration, a rearview camera, OnStar with 4G LTE and a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a six-speaker audio system with a USB port and auxiliary input.

　　It's a built-to-order trim, however, so you're most likely going to see the next-level SLE-1 on dealer lots. The SLE-1 trim adds only LED running lights, satellite radio and rear floor mats, while the SLE-2 steps it up with 18-inch wheels, foglights, a power liftgate with programmable height stops, roof rails, remote engine start, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. The SLE-2 and above trims come standard with middle-row captain's chairs that reduce passenger capacity to six, but the second-row bench is available.

　　The SLE-2's available Driver Alert I package adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors.

　　Opting for the SLT-1 trim adds the Driver Alert I package, an auto-dimming driver-side and rearview mirror, an upgraded driver information display, a household-style power outlet, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with lumbar adjustment, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system with a subwoofer.

　　The SLT-2 trim adds 20-inch wheels, the V6 engine, a trailering package (detailed below), driver-seat memory functions and heated outboard middle-row seats. Also included is the Driver Alert II package that has all of the supporting Driver Alert I features, plus lane departure warning and mitigation, forward collision warning (with pedestrian detection and automatic braking at low speeds), automatic high beams, front parking sensors, and a safety-alert driver's seat that buzzes when alerts are triggered.

　　An 8-inch touchscreen is available on SLE-2, SLT-1 and SLT-2 models. It is paired with the Bose audio system and upgraded driver info display on the SLE-2, and it can be equipped with navigation on the SLT trims.

　　The top-of-the-line Denali rounds out the lineup with polished wheels, xenon headlights, a unique grille, chrome roof rails, a hands-free liftgate, the 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, a configurable virtual gauge display, ventilated front seats, and a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel. The Denali is also eligible for the optional Technology package that adds a 360-degree parking camera and adaptive cruise control.

　　You can get all-wheel drive on all Acadias except the base SL. A two-panel sunroof is available on SLE-2 trims and above. An All Terrain package is also available on SLE-2 and SLT-1 trims and adds the V6 engine, distinct exterior treatments, hill descent control, a more advanced all-wheel-drive system and a cargo management system (SLT-1 only). If five-passenger seating is specified, tri-zone climate control is replaced by dual-zone control with rear air vents. A trailering package is standard on SLT-2 and Denali trims and optional on SLE-2 and SLT-1 trims with the V6 engine. It includes a trailer hitch, a seven-pin wiring harness, a heavy-duty alternator and cooling system, and a dotted line in the rearview camera to show the hitch location. Finally, a special suspension with adaptive dampers is optional for AWD SLT-2 and Denali trims.

　　

2019 Acadia Highlights

Trim: SLSLE-1SLE-2SLT-1SLT-2DenaliSL

　　

Base MSRP	$29,000
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$163/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles