2023 GMC Acadia SUV

　　

2023 GMC Acadia Review

byRyan ZumMallenContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　Looking for an SUV with three rows of seats and a comfortable ride? The 2023 GMC Acadia fits the description. And as a bonus, it comes in several styles, from the standard version to the flashy Denali, plus the bulked-up AT4 for the appearance of off-road adventuring. Whichever trim interests you, GMC hopes that you'll find the Acadia to be more upscale than some of its midsize SUV rivals, but not as expensive as a luxury SUV.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 GMC Acadia SLE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 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 $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$188/mo  for Acadia SLE

　　Acadia SLE

　　SLE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $36,800 MSRPSLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $39,100 MSRPSLT 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $41,100 MSRPSLT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $43,100 MSRPAT4 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $43,400 MSRPDenali 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $48,600 MSRPDenali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $50,600 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　It's a nice idea, but we're not quite sold. This second-generation Acadia has been around since 2017 and has fallen behind more modern rivals such as the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. These two related SUVs provide more utility and better interior quality at a similar price. There are also the redesigned 2023 Honda Pilot, the relatively new Jeep Grand Cherokee L and the roomy Volkswagen Atlas to consider. Our test team finds the Acadia to be a decent pick, but odds are you'll find one of these other SUVs to be more to your liking overall.

　　

Which Acadia does zzdcar recommend?

Check out the SLT trim, particularly for its upgraded power-adjustable seats, cushier interior and improved stereo over the base model. That brings the Acadia more in line with its premium image, and the foglights and roof rails add functionality at a friendly price. But keep in mind that you'll need one of the costlier trims with the V6 engine and trailering package to upgrade towing capacity from 3,300 to 4,000 pounds.

　　

GMC Acadia models

The 2023 GMC Acadia is a three-row midsize SUV that comes in four trim levels: SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali. SLE and SLT models come standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine while the AT4 and Denali have a more powerful 3.6-liter V6. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional except on the AT4, which is AWD-only. Notable features on each trim level are as follows:

　　SLE

　　Comes fairly well equipped, with:

　　228-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine 18-inch wheels Keyless ignition and entry Tri-zone automatic climate control 8-inch infotainment touchscreen Six-passenger seating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity) Six-speaker sound system Five USB portsA suite of advanced driver aids is standard on all Acadias (GMC Pro Safety Plus). It includes:

　　Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time) Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking) Lane keeping assist (steers the Acadia back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)SLT

　　The midrange SLT trim receives a bevy of extra features such as:

　　Roof rails Hands-free liftgate Foglights Remote start Leather upholstery Heated front seats Power-adjustable driver's seat Auto-dimming rearview mirror Household-style power outlet for the middle row Navigation system Eight-speaker Bose audio system with HD radioAT4

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

　　310-hp V6 engine Special 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires Standard all-wheel drive with componentry specific to the AT4 for greater traction Hill descent control Hill hold assist Black exterior trimDenali

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

　　Distinctive grille 20-inch wheels Digital instrument panel Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield) Ventilated front seats Heated second-row seats Driver's seat memory functions Power-adjustable passenger's seat Wireless charging padThe Denali gets exclusive access to two 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)

　　Panoramic sunroof Adaptive suspension dampers (enhance ride comfort and handling stability) Tow packageMany 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.

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