Used 2023 GMC Acadia

The 2023 GMC Acadia is a bit of an outlier in the midsize 3-row SUV class. Most contenders don’t have variants that either boast an off-roading attitude or head toward the luxurious. The Acadia does both.

The AT4 version has all-wheel drive and all-terrain tires as standard. The Denali goes full-on plush with the most amenities and a V6 engine included. For most buyers, though, the SLE or SLT version will probably be just fine. They’ll still have that imposing GMC look.

Which is not to imply that the search for a new 3-row family SUV is done and dusted. There’s a whole aggregation of wonderful choices stretching from Chevrolet to Volkswagen. And a third generation of Acadia is expected for the 2024 model year. As always, time doing research is time well spent.

The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in the SLE and SLT provides adequate muscle for most situations, and it’s relatively easy on gas. A front-drive version can average about 25 mpg. Anyone who’s going to be driving around with a full complement of passengers and/or a trailer behind should give some serious consideration to the 310-horsepower V6.

In tune with GMC’s tendency to be a little more luxurious than an average mainstream competitor, the 2023 Acadia rides comfortably and imperturbably. It’s not exactly a fun machine, but that’s hardly the point of a midsize 3-row SUV.

The AT4 has some off-roading appeal, but won’t go too far into the wilderness with only the same 7.2 inches of ground clearance as the rest of the range. The Denali version offers an even more comfortable adaptive suspension with its optional Ultimate package.

Selecting gears is done by pressing one of the PRND buttons. It’s not as intuitive as a conventional shifter, and performing a quick 3-point turn will take a fair bit of concentration at first.

A new steering wheel appears in SLT trim, with switchgear for the audio and cruise control systems. The rest of the cabin remains on the classy side of mainstream. The SLT and AT4 have cloth upholstery, and the other trims have perforated leather, which is optional in the AT4.

Space is plentiful in the first two seating rows, with a standard pair of captain’s chairs in the second row. An available second-row bench bumps seating capacity to seven. Rear legroom in this row is 39.7 inches. The third row, however, only has 29.7 inches. Kids won’t be grumpy, but grown-ups might.

Cargo space is also disappointing, going from 12.8 to 79 cubic feet.

It certainly has a presence. The Denali model comes with the most ornate grille in the lineup. SLE and SLT trims have 18-inch alloy wheels, the AT4 has 17-inch alloys wearing all-terrain tires, and the Denali trim consolidates its luxury credentials with 20-inchers.

New exterior paint colors for the 2023 Acadia SUV range are Volcanic Red Tintcoat, Ultra Blue Metallic, and Sterling Metallic.

WIRELESS APPLE CARPLAY/ANDROID AUTO
As well as the convenience of integrating a smartphone into the 2023 Acadia’s infotainment system, this standard feature also means not having to use a cable.

ADAPTIVE SUSPENSION
Or using GMC’s description: Active Ride Control. This is optional in the top Denali trim, enhancing ride quality while minimizing body roll.

SLE is the first trim on the 2023 Acadia SUV lineup. It comes with LED headlights/daytime running lights/taillights, keyless entry/ignition, and 3-zone automatic climate control.

An 8-inch touchscreen controls the infotainment system, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Wi-Fi, satellite radio, five USB ports, Bluetooth, and six speakers.

Among the driver assistance systems are forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, front/rear parking sensors, Following Distance Indicator, automatic high beams, and a Teen Driver feature.

All-wheel drive is optional in the SLE, SLT, and Denali. The SLE is also offered with a Driver Convenience package that includes an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, remote start, and hands-free liftgate operation. The Infotainment package also adds navigation and a Bose 8-speaker audio system. These are all standard in the three higher trims.

The Luxury package for the SLT and AT4 brings heated/ventilated front seats, 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated rear outboard seats, and a power-adjustable steering column. Options also include a configurable driver information display, head-up display, heated steering wheel, and memory settings. Again, the Denali has all these items as standard, plus wireless charging.

The Denali’s optional equipment is the Technology package with adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, and a rearview camera mirror. The Ultimate package includes the contents of the Technology package, adding an adaptive suspension, dual-pane powered sunroof, and a trailering package. A sunroof is also optional in every other 2023 Acadia.

The base engine for the 2023 Acadia SUV range is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit making 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It’s standard in SLE and SLT trims.

The alternative is a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 developing 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. This is standard in the AT4 and Denali models, and optional in the SLT.

Both engines connect to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The AT4 is the only variant with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. The rest have front-wheel drive (FWD) as the default configuration, with all-wheel drive on the options list regardless of engine.

Owners can use regular gasoline.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
228 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/29 mpg (FWD), 22/27 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 (FWD), 19/26 mpg (AWD)