Used 2020 GMC Acadia

#13 in Best Midsize SUVs for 2020

Top 10 Features of the 2020 GMC Acadia

#1. Upscale, near-luxury ambience
GMC vehicles are often swisher than their Chevy counterparts — especially at the Denali level, which puts the Acadia close to luxury marques.

#2. Seats up to seven
The Acadia provides lots of interior space in a convenient midsize SUV/crossover footprint. And there’s the choice of second-row captain’s chairs for even greater comfort.

#3. Refined ride
The Acadia has essentially the same suspension as the Cadillac CT6 luxury sedan, providing a cushioned yet controlled ride.

#4. Three-zone automatic climate control
When there are several passengers on board, this standard feature (typically found in luxury vehicles) keeps heads cool and relations warm.

#5. Head-up display
Another item from the posher parts of the automotive world, the Acadia’s head-up display projects information onto the windshield, making it easy for the driver to see.

#6. Improved infotainment system
Updated for this year, the 2020 Acadia’s infotainment setup includes an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen and personalized settings. Wi-Fi and improved wireless charging are also available.

#7. Five USB ports standard
This includes two of the new USB-C ports. The other three are the usual USB-A, and there’s even one for the third seating row.

#8. Excellent engine choices
A base, 194-horsepower 4-cylinder engine and a 310-horsepower V6 are joined by a turbocharged 4-cylinder making 230 horses but with greater fuel efficiency.

#9. Nine-speed automatic transmission
Every 2020 Acadia has this new transmission that allows effortless cruising as well as sprightly dashes off the line. Electronic gear selection also creates more stowage space.

#10. New Acadia AT4 off-road trim level
As well as featuring a tougher look with black chrome accents and a decimated alloy wheel design, the AT4 has all-terrain tires and all-wheel drive as standard.

Overview

General Motors is trying to target the “right-size” SUV buyer by offering family-friendly crossover SUVs that can carry a full complement, yet are not so gargantuan that they guzzle fuel and barley fit into parking spaces. Enter the 2020 GMC Acadia, a 5-, 6- or 7-passenger SUV priced to compete with the Honda Passport, Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango, but with styling and features that push it closer to luxury brands like the Acura MDX and Lincoln Aviator.

The Acadia also offers a number of engine choices as well as front- or all-wheel drive (FWD, AWD). There’s even an off-road trim package appealing to those who like to venture far from the paved road.

We were pleasantly surprised when the latest-generation GMC Acadia came to market for 2017, the slightly smaller size and lighter weight translating into an SUV that is both nimble and well-suited to handle everything from country roads to long highway stretches. It has a rigid platform and a suspension system borrowed from Cadillac’s flagship CT6 sedan.

But there’s also a new AT4 model suitable for handling moderate off-road duties. Upgrade to the Acadia Denali and you’ll get Continuously Variable Ride Control that instantly adjusts individual shocks anywhere from soft to firm, depending on road conditions and driver input. That’s a real plus, whether dodging potholes, handling tight corners or hammering the throttle on an open highway.

Buyers looking for maximum mileage will opt for the gas-stingy 2.5-liter inline-4, but for better performance and towing, opt for the 3.6-liter V6. A third choice new for 2020 is the 230-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-4 that splits the difference in horsepower and fuel economy between the two.

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Although its absolute scale isn’t as large as the first-generation SUV, the 2020 Acadia’s cabin boasts an even more upscale character helped by a modern design that includes soft-touch surfaces, upgraded trim and active-noise cancellation.

Despite a wheelbase that matches the compact 5-passenger GMC Terrain, the Acadia’s architecture still allows for three adult-accommodating rows of seats. The second tier — 60/40 bench or captain’s chairs — features an upgraded Smart Slide system for easier access to the 50/50 third row, and both fold flat to expand the 12.8 cubic feet of base cargo space to a quite usable 79.0-cubic-foot maximum.

The 2020 GMC Acadia crossover SUV lives up to the company’s “Professional Grade” mandate. It’s a handsome vehicle with more of a modern, urban look than that of traditional SUVs. That starts with the bold, chromed grille and fascia treatments, as well as wheel arches that are more muscular-looking than those used by its Chevrolet sibling.

If you want an even bolder look, both inside and out, consider the Acadia Denali, with its distinctive lighting, 20-inch alloy wheels and a dollop of extra chrome. The AT4, on the other hand, offers more rugged off-road looks with the equipment to back it up.

CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE RIDE CONTROL
The CDC Real Time Damping system employs shocks filled with magnetic fluid that can instantaneously adjust to either soften or firm up the ride. Available only on the Denali trim, the system automatically adapts to road conditions and driver input, making independent changes at each corner in the time it takes to travel just two inches at 60 mph.

AT4
Adapted from last year’s All-Terrain package, the AT4 comes standard with the 3.6-liter V6 engine, twin-clutch all-wheel drive, 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, unique styling cues and Hill Descent Control.

Even the base Acadia SL comes with tri-zone auto climate control, a 7.0-inch color touch screen, keyless open and start, 5-year OnStar, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, five USB ports and the rear-seat reminder safety-alert system to prevent kids and valuables from being left behind.

Moving up through the SLE/SLT ranks introduces everything from a power liftgate, 8-inch touch screen with IntelliLink and SiriusXM Satellite Radio to leather upholstery, Bose audio and navigation.

The Denali and AT4 add distinctive cosmetic/convenience touches plus a full range of driver assists. New features for 2020 on several trim levels include a more powerful wireless charging pad, LED front lighting and a digital rear-vision camera.

The Acadia’s extras roster relates to its trim grade, with no AWD available on the entry-level SL. But the SLE-1 can be had with that, a V6 and a rear-seat entertainment system, while the SLE-2 offers Bose sound, upgraded infotainment and the Dual SkyScape 2-panel panoramic sunroof.

It offers a Driver Alert Package I that brings Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Rear Park Assist, all of which are found in the Denali’s more comprehensive — and standard — Driver Alert Package II that adds Pedestrian Detection and Forward Collision Alert with Low-Speed Automatic Braking.

Unlike many competitors, the 2020 GMC Acadia SUV offers buyers a choice of three engines. Standard on the SL and SLE is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine good for 194 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque.

Next up is an all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder standard on SLT and Denali trims. This mighty engine pumps out a respectable 230 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Last, there is a 310-horsepower 271-lb-ft-of-torque 3.6-liter V6 that is standard on the AT4 and optional on all but the base SL. The V6 also features Active Fuel management that cuts fuel to two of the six cylinders under light load.

A 9-speed automatic is the only transmission choice and all-wheel drive can be ordered on all but the base SL. Tow rating with the base engine remains a meager 1,000 pounds, but rises to 4,000 pounds with the V6 and AWD.

2.5-liter inline-4
194 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
190 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/27 mpg (FWD), 21/25 mpg (AWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
230 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,400-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/28 mpg (FWD), 21/27 mpg (AWD)

3.6-liter V6
310 horsepower @ 6,600 rpm
271 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27 mpg (FWD), 18/25 mpg (AWD)