2020 GMC Acadia Review

　　

2020 GMC Acadia Review

byWill KaufmanSenior Editor and Content Strategist, CarMax

　　Will Kaufman has worked in the automotive industry since 2017. He has written hundreds of car-related articles and reviews over the course of his career. Will is a senior editor and content strategist for CarMax at zzdcar. Will has been featured in the Associated Press and a number of major outlets on the topics of infotainment and vehicle data, vehicle subscription services and autonomous vehicles. Will started his career in online publishing by writing and editing standardized test guides, but he has a lot more fun writing about cars.

　　GMC has updated its Acadia SUV for 2020. Visually, the Acadia stands out more than it did before thanks to a tougher face that better matches GMC's truck-oriented marketing. The Acadia's outdated six-speed automatic is also gone, replaced with a new nine-speed unit that promises better acceleration and improved fuel efficiency. GMC has added a new optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine that should provide similar benefits compared to the base four-cylinder engine. The 3.6-liter V6 engine is still around.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 GMC Acadia SL 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 9A) 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

　　$160/mo  for Acadia SL

　　Acadia SL

　　SL 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 9A) - $29,800 MSRPSLE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $33,800 MSRPSLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $36,200 MSRPSLT 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $38,800 MSRPSLT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $40,800 MSRPAT4 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $41,300 MSRPDenali 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $46,300 MSRPDenali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $48,300 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　For 2020, you get the latest generation of GMC's infotainment in the cabin, along with fast-charging USB-C ports. Finally, there's a new AT4 trim level that has more rugged styling and a few mild enhancements to aid in off-road situations.

　　All of these changes help make the Acadia a more distinctive choice. Previously, it failed to offer a significant enough experience compared with its roomier corporate sibling, the Chevy Traverse. But know that there are more choices than ever if you're shopping for a three-row crossover SUV. The Honda Pilot, for example, offers impressive all-around capability, while the slightly smaller CX-9 provides superior handling and a luxury-level interior. You should also consider the all-new Kia Telluride, which is one of our top-rated SUVs.

　　

Which Acadia does zzdcar recommend?

Because of the 2020 changes, there's not much sense in opting for anything less than the SLT. That gets you the turbocharged engine, more comfortable second-row captain's chairs and leather upholstery (among other upgrades). The SLT also has access to more options, such as a better stereo to a full suite of driver safety aids. If you want to tow, you'll have to upgrade to the V6. It's rated for 4,000 pounds. The other engines can only manage a 1,000-pound trailer.

　　

2020 GMC Acadia models

The 2020 GMC Acadia is available in five trim levels — SL, SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali — and with three engine variants. The base SL is relatively well-equipped, though it lacks some common active safety features. Standard infotainment features for the SL include an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and OnStar with onboard Wi-Fi. The front seats are manually adjustable, and cloth upholstery is standard.

　　The SL is limited in terms of what can be added to it. You can only get it with the base 2.5-liter engine (193 horsepower, 188 lb-ft of torque) and front-wheel drive. Seating for seven is standard, with no option for second-row bucket seats.

　　The SLE comes with a few upgrades, notably satellite radio and selectable traction control modes for inclement weather or different driving situations. And the SLE opens access to more upgrades, such as the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (230 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque) or the V6 (310 hp, 271 lb-ft).

　　The SLT offers more luxury and practicality through leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a power liftgate, remote start, and second-row captain's chairs in place of a bench. You can opt to switch back to the bench for an extra seat. It also comes standard with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Beyond that, quite a few of the range-topping Denali's features are available as parts of option packages for the SLT.

　　The new AT4 rides on all-terrain tires and comes with some extra off-road aids such as hill descent control and automatic hill hold. It has a few distinguishing exterior design cues to help it look even tougher as well. Inside, you'll find only two rows of seating standard, reducing weight and increasing storage for off-road adventures. Seating for six or seven passengers can be added as an option. The AT4 comes standard with a V6 engine and all-wheel drive.

　　The range-topping Denali trim comes with the V6 engine and front-wheel drive as standard (AWD is available). It's loaded with almost all the options GMC offers, including active safety features such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking as well as lane keeping assist. It also gets navigation, a Bose stereo system, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. A unique grille and upgraded interior materials further set the Denali apart.

　　It's worth noting that adaptive cruise and a surround-view camera aren't standard, even on the Denali. They are part of the Technology package that is only available on the Denali.

　　

2020 Acadia Highlights

Trim: SLSLESLTAT4DenaliSL

　　

Base MSRP	$29,800
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$160/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles