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2019 GMC Acadia review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

GMC Acadia highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Comfortable and refined ride quality
  • Confident driving dynamics
  • Straightforward, intuitive control interface

Cons

  • Cabin design and materials are a bit dull
  • Competitors offer more third-row room and cargo space
  • Lacks effective storage bins

Mileage (EPA estimate)

17 city, 25 highway, 20 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
Year

2019 GMC Acadia makes for a confident and comfortable family vehicle

The 2019 GMC Acadia is a six- or seven-passenger three-row SUV powered by either a 193-horsepower four-cylinder engine or a 310-hp V6. All 2019 Acadias feature a six-speed automatic, with standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. The GMC Acadia was redesigned in 2017, decreasing overall size and reducing third-row room and cargo space. It can still carry people or luggage behind the second row, but trying to carry both may prove challenging. Trim levels range from base SL to luxurious Denali, with the SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1, and SLT-2 in between. An Acadia Black Edition debuted for 2019, featuring 20-inch wheels and black exterior accents.

The GMC Acadia's confident road manners are paired with a comfortable, refined ride quality and quiet interior. Stepping up from the base SL through the SLE, SLT, and Denali trims adds standard features. But even in Denali form the Acadia doesn't feel as upscale as many of its competitors, and the reduced interior space will limit flexibility compared to three-row rivals like the Chevrolet Traverse and Ford Explorer.

All GMC Acadia years

What is new for the 2019 GMC Acadia?

  • Acadia trims have been upgraded with Fold-Away Third Row as standard equipment this year.
  • Running Boards and DVD Video System features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The SLE trim now comes with Parking Sensors and Navigation System as standard equipment.
  • The SLT trim now comes with Third Row Seat, Memory Seat(s), Rear Seat Heaters, Lane Departure Warning, 20 Inch Plus Wheels, and Tow Hitch as standard equipment.
  • The SL trim now comes with Parking Sensors as standard equipment.

2019 GMC Acadia trims

Curious how GMC Acadia trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SL:

  • 193-hp, 188-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • Third Row Seat
  • Cloth Seats
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control

SLE:

  • Includes all features available on the SL
  • 310-hp, 271-lb-ft of torque 3.6L
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • 4WD/AWD
  • Power Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Remote Start
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Navigation System
  • View our GMC Acadia SLE inventory

SLT:

  • Includes all features available on the SLE
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seats
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Tow Hitch
  • BOSE Sound System
  • View our GMC Acadia SLT inventory

Denali:

GMC Acadia photos

5 reasons to buy the 2019 GMC Acadia

What We Like

Driving: The base four-cylinder engine is adequate and boasts an EPA-estimated 23 combined mpg for front-wheel-drive models (22 mpg for all-wheel-drive Acadias).

The V6 engine really wakes the Acadia up, providing strong acceleration paired with capable handling and confident brakes. And the V6 still manages an EPA-estimated 21 combined mpg with front-wheel drive or 20 mpg with all-wheel drive.
Ground clearance is just 7.2 inches, limiting the Acadia's off-road potential, but on-road dynamics are impressive.

Technology: The Acadia's infotainment system uses a straightforward design that's easy to master. Apple CarPlay® and Android Autoare available, allowing drivers to pair their smartphones for quick access to stored contacts, destinations, and music collections. The Acadia's primary controls for climate and audio functions are also well placed and intuitive.

Comfort: With its refined ride quality and a cabin that remains placid even at highway speeds, the Acadia coddles passengers in quiet comfort. The front and second-row seats offer plenty of room, with heated and ventilated seats available on higher trim levels. The third-row seats can accommodate smaller passengers, but adults won't want to sit back there for more than a short drive.

What Needs Improvement

Utility: Three-row SUVs are among the most flexible vehicles on the road, but the Acadia falls short with its limited space behind the second-row seat. Effective storage bins are also few and far between, with a short center console, shallow door pockets, and a relatively small glove box. The Acadia's tow capacity maxes out at 4,000 pounds, or about 1,000 pounds less than most vehicles in this category.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the GMC Acadia an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks GMC Acadia 29th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the GMC Acadia

GMC Acadia features and specs

SLE 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Third Row Seat
  • Traction Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Navigation System
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Quad Seats
  • Remote Start
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

193

Torque (ft-lbs)

188

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

19

Wheelbase

112.5"

Overall length

193.6"

Width

75.4"

Height

66"

Leg room

F 41"/M 39.7"/R 31.1"

Head room

F 40.3"/M 39.6"/R 37.2"

Front tires

P235/65R18

Rear tires

P235/65R18

Seating capacity

6

Max towing capacity

100/1000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2019 GMC Acadia FAQ

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