2021 GMC Acadia Review

　　

2021 GMC Acadia Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　As a three-row midsize SUV, the 2021 GMC Acadia fills the gap between the smaller GMC Terrain and the larger Yukon. After a styling refresh and several upgrades last year, the Acadia returns in 2021 with only minor changes. From the affordable albeit modestly appointed base model to the off-road-themed AT4 and luxurious Denali trim, there's a wide range of Acadias to choose from. The question is: Should you?

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 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) - $33,900 MSRPSLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $37,100 MSRPSLT 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $39,100 MSRPSLT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $41,100 MSRPAT4 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $41,400 MSRPDenali 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $46,600 MSRPDenali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $48,600 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　We like the Acadia for its smooth ride and optional V6 engine, but its interior quality doesn't meet expectations for the price. It also comes up a little short on third-row space and cargo room. As such, we suggest cross-shopping some of zzdcar' highly rated three-row SUVs such as the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride.

　　

Which Acadia does zzdcar recommend?

The SLT trim gets our vote because it has a more powerful turbocharged engine and a lot more standard features than the SL or SLE. On top of that, it's also eligible for more options. If you plan on towing, you'll want to get a Denali with its available V6 engine and tow package. Combined they provide a 4,000-pound maximum tow rating.

　　

2021 GMC Acadia models

The 2021 GMC Acadia is offered in five trim levels — SL, SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali — and comes with one of three engine choices. Most Acadia trim levels have standard front-wheel drive and offer all-wheel drive as an option. Feature highlights include:

　　SL and SLE

　　The SL base model has a second-row bench seat and seven-passenger capacity. The SLE has second-row captain's chairs, reducing passenger capacity to six. Otherwise, these two trims are very similar, though the SLE is eligible for more options than the SL. Standard features include:

　　A 193-horsepower four-cylinder engine Keyless ignition and entry Tri-zone automatic climate control 8-inch infotainment touchscreen Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration Six-speaker sound system Five USB ports OnStar connected services with an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)SLT

　　The midrange SLT trim receives a more powerful engine and bevy of extra features such as:

　　A 230-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine Roof rails Hands-free power liftgate Foglights Remote ignition Leather upholstery Heated front seats Power-adjustable driver's seat Auto-dimming rearview mirror Universal garage door opener Household-style power outlet for the middle row Navigation system Eight-speaker Bose audio system with HD radioYou also get these safety features as standard:

　　Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane keeping assist (steers the Acadia back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker) Automatic high beamsAT4

　　The AT4 trim is similar to the SLT but has a few extra features that enhance its off-road capability. Feature additions include:

　　A 310-hp V6 engine All-terrain tires Standard all-wheel drive with componentry unique to the AT4 for greater traction Hill descent control Hill hold assistDenali

　　The top-of-the-line Denali forgoes the AT4's off-road features but keeps the V6 engine. Standard feature additions include:

　　Power-folding heated mirrors Digital instrument panel Head-up display Ventilated front seats Heated second-row seats Driver-seat memory functions Wireless charging padThe Denali is also eligible for two exclusive option packages:

　　Technology package

　　Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Acadia and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Acadia and the vehicle in front) Enhanced automatic braking for forward collision mitigation system Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)Denali Ultimate package requires the Technology package and adds:

　　Sunroof Adaptive suspension dampers (enhance ride comfort and handling stability) Tow packageMany of the features found on the upper trim levels are available on supporting trims as options. Other optional features include a rear entertainment system, a second-row bench seat (for seven-passenger seating), and an Elevation Edition package that adds black exterior styling accents and 20-inch wheels.

　　

2021 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