Used 2021 GMC Acadia

The 2021 GMC Acadia is a family-friendly crossover SUV that seats six or seven people without being gargantuan. It’s priced to compete with the Honda Passport, Ford Explorer, and Dodge Durango, but with premium styling and features more like those of the Acura MDX and Lincoln Aviator.

You can get an Acadia with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, or a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard; all-wheel-drive (AWD) is available with each engine except the 2.5.

The V6-powered AT4, new last year, is the Acadia designed for rugged conditions, thanks to twin-clutch AWD, all-terrain tires, and Hill Descent Control.

When the current-generation Acadia arrived for 2017, it was slightly smaller and lighter than the outgoing model, so it was nimble and more enjoyable to drive on that road up to your mountain cabin. Its rigid chassis and good suspension came from the CT6, Cadillac’s flagship luxury sedan.

For 2021 that’s still true, and the Acadia lineup continues to be blessed by the rugged AT4, which is totally at home on moderately bumpy dirt roads and the like. The top Acadia, the Denali, continues to be available with adaptive suspension damping, its shock absorbers adjusting automatically to the road conditions to deliver a comfortable ride and excellent handling composure in the corners.

Looking to maximize mpg? Opt for the front-drive Acadia with the turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which is standard in the SLT. This Acadia is rated by the EPA at 29 mpg on the highway. The maximum towing capacity with the 310-horsepower V6 is 4,000 pounds.

The FWD Acadia has a 19-gallon fuel tank. AWD models get a 22-gallon tank.

The 2021 GMC Acadia has an upscale modern cabin featuring soft-touch surfaces, upgraded trim, active-noise cancellation, and five USB ports. What’s more, the Acadia’s excellent infotainment system now includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Although it’s not a large as the original model, the 2021 Acadia is roomy enough for three rows of adult-accommodating seats. The second row — 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 AT4, which comes standard as a 5-seater, also can be ordered as a 6- or 7-seater.

With a look that’s more modern and urban than that of most traditional crossover SUVs, the GMC Acadia enters 2021 looking much like it did last year. Visual highlights include a chromed grille and fascia along with wheel arches that are much more prominent and muscular than those used on its Chevrolet Traverse corporate cousin.

The AT4 and the Denali have a bolder look, but the AT4 doesn’t get the 20-inch wheels of the Denali because its off-road tires (on 17-inch rims) have larger sidewalls to protect against flats and rim damage. The Denali announces its presence with distinctive lighting and even more chrome.

GMC PRO SAFETY PLUS
This safety suite, standard on the SLT, AT4, and Denali models, includes automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian detection), smart headlamps, front and rear parking aids, and a lane-keep assist program with lane-departure warning. Also included in the package: a forward collision alert, a following-distance indicator, a blind-spot system, and rear cross-traffic alert.

TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE
If you get a Denali, order one with the optional $1,795 Technology Package. It comes with adaptive cruise control, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a Rear Camera Mirror (along with a washer for said camera).

The base GMC Acadia, the SL, comes with tri-zone auto climate control, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, keyless ignition, a Wi-Fit hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and five USB ports.

If you opt for the SLE, center row captain’s chairs become available, as do a power liftgate and automatic emergency braking.

The Acadia SLT is noted for its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and power liftgate, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an 8-speaker Bose audio system.

If you want a V6 in your Acadia, it’s standard in the AT4 or Denali. Both models are well equipped. The AT4 is distinguished by its twin-clutch AWD system and niceties like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the Acadia Denali features a head-up display, 20-inch alloy wheels, and wireless smartphone charging.

A sunroof and a trailering package are available on all 2021 GMC Acadias except the SL, the entry-level model.

Beyond that, many modern safety features are included in the GMC Pro Safety Plus Package. Available on the SLE (and standard on the higher models), the package includes automatic emergency braking and front and rear parking aids, plus a blind-spot alert and rear cross-traffic alert. If you want adaptive cruise control, it’s available only on the Denali model, and only as a part of the $1,795 Technology Package, which also includes a Rear Camera Mirror that offers an unobstructed view of what’s behind the vehicle.

For 2021, the GMC Acadia continues to be offered with 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 a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder standard in the SLT. This mighty engine pumps out a respectable 230 horsepower and a healthy 258 lb-ft of torque.

The top offering, and our favorite powerplant, is the 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with 271 lb-ft of torque. Standard in the AT4 and Denali, this 4-cam V6 features Active Fuel Management, which cuts fuel to two cylinders in light-load conditions to improve fuel economy.

A 9-speed automatic is the only Acadia transmission. All-wheel drive is available in all but the base SL. The Acadia’s maximum tow rating with the base engine remains a meager 1,000 pounds, but rises to 1,500 lb with the turbo 2.0 and 4,000 lb with the V6.

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)

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: 22/29 mpg (FWD), 22/27 (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), 19/26 mpg (AWD)