beebs

2021 GMC Acadia review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

GMC Acadia highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Optional V6 with strong acceleration
  • Smooth ride
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Underpowered base engine
  • Third row is only for kids
  • Small cargo hold

Mileage (EPA estimate)

18 city, 25 highway, 21 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year

All GMC Acadia years

What is new for the 2021 GMC Acadia?

  • Acadia trims have been upgraded with Automated Cruise Control and Head Up Display as standard equipment this year.
  • The Denali trim now comes with Turbo Charged Engine as standard equipment.
  • The AT4 trim now comes with Cloth Seats and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
  • The SLT trim now comes with Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
  • The SL trim now comes with 20 Inch Plus Wheels and Power Hatch/Deck Lid as standard equipment.

2021 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
  • Quad Seats
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Third Row Seat
  • Cloth Seats
  • Rear View Camera
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Smart Key

SLE:

  • Includes all features available on the SL
  • 228-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • 310-hp, 271-lb-ft of torque 3.6L
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Parking Sensors
  • 4WD/AWD
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • View our GMC Acadia SLE inventory

SLT:

  • Includes all features available on the SLE
  • 230-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
  • Power Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather Seats
  • Remote Start
  • BOSE Sound System
  • Navigation System
  • View our GMC Acadia SLT inventory

AT4:

Denali:

  • Includes all features available on the AT4
  • 230-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • 230-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 3.6L
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Memory Seats
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • A/C Seats
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Head Up Display
  • View our GMC Acadia Denali inventory

AWD Denali:

  • Includes all features available on the Denali
  • 230-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 0020

GMC Acadia photos

5 reasons to buy the 2021 GMC Acadia

1. User-friendly

If you're looking for a midsize SUV, you're probably planning a lot of long drives for outdoorsy trips and vacations. That makes entertainment a priority—and the 2021 GMC Acadia delivers. Not only does this SUV have an eight-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto connectivity, and five USB ports, but it's all super simple to use. The touchscreen is intuitive and responsive, and it's easily accessible from the driver's seat.

2. Comfortable ride

Comfort is a priority in a seven-seat SUV, and the 2021 GMC Acadia has it in spades. All trims have three rows, with smart-slide second-row seating. The Acadia seats seven as standard, or six if you opt for a model with second-row captain's seats. The first two rows are spacious enough for tall passengers, with comfortable and supportive seats. Folding both the second and third rows down gives you 79 cu-ft of space—plenty for transporting furniture, sports equipment, or luggage.

3. Driver aids

For peace of mind on your journey, the 2021 GMC Acadia has some great driver-assistance features. In addition to a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and blind spot monitoring, this midsize SUV has a rear seat reminder to help ensure children or pets aren't left behind. The Acadia also has Teen Driver mode, enabling you to set limits on speed and audio volume if a new driver is behind the wheel. Available features in higher trims include forward collision warning, a surround-view parking camera system, and a head-up display.

4. Denali trim

The 2021 GMC Acadia is available in five trim levels, with the sophisticated Denali trim topping the range. The Denali's interior finishing is high-end, with brushed aluminum and real ash wood details. This premium trim also has leather-appointed front seats that are heated and ventilated, a six-inch diagonal head-up display, and a heated steering wheel. Plus, the heated seats and steering wheel can be switched on using the available remote start, so your vehicle will already be toasty on cold mornings.

5. Great for adventuring

The 2021 GMC Acadia is ready for adventure—and for every trim above the base SL, you can shop for a model with AWD to take full advantage. While the base 193-hp four-cylinder engine is good for commuting and everyday use, the available 230-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and 310-hp V6 engine options (SLE trim and higher) are great if you want more power. The Acadia offers good handling over rough terrain, so hitting the great outdoors is a breeze, even if you're towing. The V6 version can pull up to an estimated 4,000 lbs when properly equipped.

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.Get Pre-qualified

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

Denali 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • BOSE Sound System
  • Cruise Control
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Third Row Seat
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Leather Seats
  • Quad Seats
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Running Boards
  • Skylight(s)
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

228

Torque (ft-lbs)

258

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

19

Wheelbase

112.5"

Overall length

193.4"

Width

75.4"

Height

66.7"

Leg room

F 41"/M 39.7"/R 29.7"

Head room

F 40"/M 39.6"/R 37.2"

Front tires

P235/55R20

Rear tires

P235/55R20

Seating capacity

6

Max towing capacity

400/4000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2021 GMC Acadia FAQ

Research other vehicles



* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.