SLE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
Denali 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
SLT 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Denali 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 310 hp 6A)
SLT-1 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
SLE-2 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 310 hp 6A)
Denali 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
SLT 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
SLT 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
SLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
SLT-1 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
SLT 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
SLT 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Don’t want to go far?
Find all cars near me?Denali 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 310 hp 6A)
SLT 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
SLT 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
SLE-2 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 310 hp 6A)
Denali 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
SLE-1 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 310 hp 6A)
SLE-1 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
SLE-1 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
Overall Rating
The 2018 GMC Acadia is a perfect Midsize SUV that gets the looks and the power that one desire in an SUV. It starts at $29.995 for the base model and goes all the way up to $45.995 for the top end fully loaded variant.
Gutsy looks, poised stance, and sturdy impression denote the new 2018 GMC Acadia. It looks distinct and does almost everything well. Striking looks, a user-friendly infotainment system, and room for seven make the Acadia a true family car. This is also the newest version of GM's first car-based utility vehicle as the company is known for its pickups and truck-based SUVs.With GMC improving their lineup every year, the 2018 model year Acadia offers great value and competitive technological aids.
Starting at a price point of $29,000, the 2018 GMC Acadia aims to be a well-rounded package of refinement, comfort, and power. Taking on rivals such as the Buick Enclave, the Chevrolet Traverse, and the Toyota Highlander, the GMC Acadia offers immense value where the competition falters. This review of the 2018 GMC Acadia will help you understand the SUV better, and help you narrow down whether you should buy one or not.Â
The SLE-2 is the best value for your bucks. It gets almost every feature that the Acadia has to offer, including a power liftgate, power driver seat, and heated front seats. You also get a 3.6-liter V-6 engine as an option in this trim, which gives you superior performance while towing or carrying passengers. The base 2018 GMC Acadia powered by a 193-horsepower 4-cylinder engine has got enough under the hood for roaming around town, but it lacks the zest of the optional V-6 engine, which churns out 310 horsepower and has better acceleration.
SLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
SLE-1 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 310 hp 6A)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
SLT-1 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Denali 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
The 2018 GMC Acadia is a perfect Midsize SUV that gets the looks and the power that one desire in an SUV. It starts at $29.995 for the base model and goes all the way up to $45.995 for the top end fully loaded variant.
Gutsy looks, poised stance, and sturdy impression denote the new 2018 GMC Acadia. It looks distinct and does almost everything well. Striking looks, a user-friendly infotainment system, and room for seven make the Acadia a true family car. This is also the newest version of GM's first car-based utility vehicle as the company is known for its pickups and truck-based SUVs.With GMC improving their lineup every year, the 2018 model year Acadia offers great value and competitive technological aids.
Starting at a price point of $29,000, the 2018 GMC Acadia aims to be a well-rounded package of refinement, comfort, and power. Taking on rivals such as the Buick Enclave, the Chevrolet Traverse, and the Toyota Highlander, the GMC Acadia offers immense value where the competition falters. This review of the 2018 GMC Acadia will help you understand the SUV better, and help you narrow down whether you should buy one or not.Â
GMC offers the 2018 Acadia in SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali trim levels. The mid-grade SLE trim is available in two levels: The SLE-1, which receives minor upgrades over the SL, while the SLE-2 adds a substantial level of upgrades. A well-equipped SLT trim also splits between SLT-1 and SLT-2 levels. The Denali trim wraps up the line-up with several exclusive high-end features.
The Acadia SL starts at $29,995 and is the only trim that is not fitted with a V-6 engine or an all-wheel drive. It comes mated to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The two SLE trims SLE-1 and SLE-2 get you V-6 and AWD as an option along with some styling upgrades and tuned suspension. SLT trim is also available in two levels: SLT-1 starting at $ 39,275 and the SLT-2 at 42,675, which also comes standard with a 3.6-liter V-6. Both the engines are mated to a six-speed automatic.
Trims |
SL |
SLE-1 |
SLE-2 |
SLT-1 |
SLT-2 |
DENALI |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP (FWD) |
$29995 |
$33,375 |
$35,995 |
$39,275 |
$42,675 |
$45,995 |
MSRP (AWD) |
N/A |
$35,375 |
$37,995 |
$42,375 |
$44,675 |
$47,995 |
Features |
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio and cruise controls. |
SL+ |
SLE-1 + |
SLE-2+ |
SLT-1+ |
SLT-2+ |
Seven-passenger seating with second and third-row split-bench fold-flat seats. |
LED daytime running lamps. |
Programmable Power Liftgate. |
8-way power passenger seat with power lumbar. |
Memory Package recalls 2 presets for power driver seat and outside mirrors. |
Intellibeam Headlamps. |
|
Keyless Open and Start. |
Front and second row carpeted floor mats. |
Heated Driver and Front Passenger Seats. |
Perforated Leather-Appointed Seats. |
Heated second-row passenger seats. |
8″ Color Touch Screen Navigation with IntelliLink1. |
|
Sirius Radio. |
Fog Lamps. |
Perforated Leather-Appointed Seats. |
Low-speed Front Automatic Braking. |
Bright roof rails. |
||
Compact Spare Tire. |
8-way power driver's seat. |
GMC IntelliLink1 with an 8″ diagonal color touch-screen. |
Intellibeam Headlamps. |
Hands-free power liftgate. |
||
Remote Start. |
||||||
Power Liftgate. |
||||||
Silver roof rails. |
||||||
Standard 6-passenger seating. |
We Recommend
The SLE-2 is the best value for your bucks. It gets almost every feature that the Acadia has to offer, including a power liftgate, power driver seat, and heated front seats. You also get a 3.6-liter V-6 engine as an option in this trim, which gives you superior performance while towing or carrying passengers. The base 2018 GMC Acadia powered by a 193-horsepower 4-cylinder engine has got enough under the hood for roaming around town, but it lacks the zest of the optional V-6 engine, which churns out 310 horsepower and has better acceleration.
GMC has not made any mechanical changes to the new 2018 Acadia, and the performance is similar to 2017. The 2018 model year Acadia comes with two engine choices, where you get a 193 horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 188 lb-feet of torque and a 310 horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 with 271 lb-feet of torque. Both the engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with FWD and AWD optional setups.
Both the Inline-4 and the V6 engines feel refined and sturdy, while the latter offers more punch every time the pedal hits the floor. The throttle response delivered by the V6 is fairly impressive for an SUV of its merit, while the Inline-4 offers enough grunt for comfortable overtakes in the city, and for steady highway touring.
Models |
GMC ACADIA |
BUICK ENCLAVE |
CHEVROLET TRAVERSE |
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$29,995 |
$39,995 |
$30,925 |
$31,030 |
Engine |
2.5L DOHC 4-cylinder Gas engine |
3.6L V6 SIDI VVT Gas engine |
3.6L V6 SIDI VVT Gas engine |
2.7-Liter 4-Cylinder Double Overhead Cam (DOHC) 16-Valve Gas engine |
Transmission |
6-speed automatic |
9-speed automatic |
9-speed automatic |
6-speed automatic |
Power |
193 hp @ 6300 rpm |
310 hp @ 6800 rpm |
310 hp @ 6800 rpm |
185 hp @ 5800 rpm |
Torque |
188 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
266 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm |
266 lb-ft of torque @ 2800 rpm |
184 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm |
The GMC Acadia is powered by the same 2.5L 4-cylinder, which powers most of the General Motors cars. The engine is tested and proven for its reliability and offers adequate performance. When it comes to the size of a three-row SUV, the engine feels slightly underpowered. However, stepping up to the 3.6L V6 engine, which also powers the Traverse, the performance is considerably better. The added torque and lighter architecture make it a lot more powerful than its sibling.
The GMC Acadia shows decent performance with its 4-cylinder powertrain. However, this powertrain is optimized for fuel economy rather than outright performance. The 2018 GMC Acadia manages to go from 0 to 60 mph in a fairly respectable 6.8 seconds. The adequate mid-range performance helps it to pull across the standing quarter-mile in 15 seconds at 90 MPH. The Acadia feels much more capable with the performance-focused 3.6L V6 powertrain. The Acadia can tow up to 4,000 lbs, which is quite low for the segment.
Models |
GMC ACADIA |
BUICK ENCLAVE |
CHEVROLET TRAVERSE |
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
6.8 sec |
7.8 sec |
6.5 sec |
8.9 sec |
Quarter mile |
15 sec @ 90 mph |
16.1 sec @ 84 mph |
15.6 sec @ 97mph |
15.4 sec @ 90 mph |
Top Speed |
115 MPH |
130 MPH |
130 MPH |
115 MPH |
Emission Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year |
7.7 |
8.4 |
8.4 |
8.0 |
There is no thirst for power when the Acadia is equipped with the 3.6-liter V-6 engine. It hits 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds, which is impressive for a vehicle of this size, and its 310 horsepower is adequate for towing and climbing hills with ease. The 2018 GMC Acadia also beat others in the competition. Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse with almost the same engine specification take 7.8 sec and 6.5 sec to hit 0-60
The Acadia comes standard with all-around disc brakes as standard. The SUV gets 17-inch disc brakes at the front, which is the largest in the segment. The rear wheels are also stopped by a 17-inch disc brake. Together the brakes are aided by a 4-channel ABS system, which provides immense stopping power. The Acadia is also lighter at 3,956 lbs, making it a much efficient SUV to drive. Thanks to capable brakes, the 2018 GMC Acadia manages to stop from 60 to 0 mph in 126 feet.
Model |
GMC ACADIA |
BUICK ENCLAVE |
CHEVROLET TRAVERSE |
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER |
---|---|---|---|---|
Front Brake (in) |
17 |
12.8 |
12.8 |
12.9 |
Rear Brake (in) |
17 |
13 |
13.0 |
12.2 |
Curb weight(lbs) |
3956 |
4359 |
4713 |
4165 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
126 |
134 |
126 |
126 |
The Acadia braking system is well-tuned with plenty of stopping power. Brakes feel strong even after multiple aggressive stops. GMC gets strong competition from Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Highlander in stopping from 60 mph in 126 feet. However, it beats the Enclave by a good 8 feet. The Acadia is also considerably lighter than the competition, which aids its braking performance.
The Acadia is more car-like to drive, which sets it apart from its truck-like GMC siblings. The higher trims offer adaptive suspension. The Denali trim with its V6 powertrain is the more off-road biased variant, and it offers long-travel suspension as standard. The ride quality in the third row feels bumpy. However, with car-like manners, the passengers would feel more comfortable than their tall siblings.
The Acadia is remarkably efficient when it comes to city driving, and is at par with the competitor on the highway. The 2018 GMC Acadia returns an impressive 21 MPG in the city while managing 26 MPG on the highway. This, of course, is for the FWD variant. The AWD model returns a slightly lower figure of 25 MPG on highways. Jumping to the V-6 engine will also not hurt your fuel efficiency, as the FWD model is rated at 18/25 MPG while the AWD variant at 17/25 MPG. Additionally, GMC fits the 2018 Acadia with a fat 22-gallon fuel tank, which results in an excellent driving range.
Model |
GMC ACADIA |
BUICK ENCLAVE |
CHEVROLET TRAVERSE |
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mpg city mpg |
21 |
18 |
18 |
20 |
Mpg highway mpg |
26 |
26 |
27 |
24 |
Mpg combined mpg |
23 |
21 |
21 |
22 |
Tank Capacity |
22 |
22 |
21.7 |
19.2 |
Range (city/hwy) |
462/572 |
396/572 |
391/586 |
384/461 |
The 2018 GMC Acadia is the most fuel-efficient SUV in the competition. The Chevrolet Traverse SUV, however, returns 27 MPG on the highway, making it more efficient on the freeway. The GMC Acadia and the Buick Enclave get the largest fuel tank with a massive capacity of 22 gallons. They can have a maximum highway-only range of 572 miles. However, the better fuel economy from the Chevy Traverse gives it more highway miles, which adds up to 586 miles on a full tank of gas.
2018 GMC Acadia has a quiet and handsome cabin along with excellent material quality. Everything in the car is within arm's reach, so you are always in comfort. The first two rows of seats are spacious, but the third row is a little cramped. The Denali model is dressed up with real-wood inserts. The cabin feels very well put together and every interior element feels sturdy. The leather steering wheel offers comfort and the seating position allows for a good view outside, inspiring confidence in the driver.Â
The outgoing 2017 Acadia was sold in seven and eight-seat configurations, whereas the new Acadia is also available in the five-seat configuration when equipped with the All-Terrain package, emphasizing more on the cargo space. Other seating options include a three-row configuration with seating for six (with second-row captain's chair) or seven with the second-row bench. Acadia's has less second-row headroom than Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Highlander, but legroom is the roomiest, even when compared to the largest in competition, the Traverse.
Model |
GMC ACADIA |
BUICK ENCLAVE |
CHEVROLET TRAVERSE |
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER |
---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
7 |
7 |
8 |
8 |
Passenger Volume(ft cube) |
143.8 |
151.1 |
150.8 |
144.9 |
Front (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
40.3/55.7/59.4/41 |
41/59.1/62.4/41.2 |
41.3/58.1/62.1/41 |
40.7/57.2/59.3/44.2 |
Second (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
39.6/53.3/58.7/39.7 |
39.9/57.7/61.7/38.9 |
40/56.9/62.2/38.4 |
39.9/57.1/59.6/38.4 |
Third (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
37.2/42.9/54.3/31.1 |
37.6/48.5/57.3/33.5 |
38.2/48.5/57.5/33.5 |
35.9/45.6/55/27.7 |
The rear seats of the GMC Acadia are one of the most comfortable in the segment. The seats offer adequate support with enough bolstering. Among the competition, the Buick Enclave has the most front headroom to offer, while the Toyota Highlander comes with the most front legroom. In the second row, the Chevrolet Traverse has the most headroom, while the GMC offers the highest legroom. Despite things getting tight in the third row, the Chevrolet Traverse offers the most headroom, as well as the most legroom. Some key interior features offered with the 2018 GMC Acadia include:
GMC Acadia comes with an abundance of technological aids. There are plenty of USB ports along with 4G LTE Wi-Fi so the passenger can feel connected. A 7-inch touch-screen with GMC IntelliLink system is standard on the SL and SLE trims. There is also an 8-inch unit available, which is optional on the SLE and standard for SLT and the Denali. The screen feels responsive with big, clear buttons. The Acadia is also offered with a SiriusXM Radio, along with standard features such as Bluetooth Audio Streaming.
Some highlight infotainment features offered with the 2018 GMC Acadia include:
The Acadia, unfortunately, does not impress much with the cargo space. It offers the least amount of cargo space in the segment as compared to its competitors with 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 41.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and 79 cubic feet with all seats down.
There are two underfloor storage bins where you can store small items, while the second and third row both fold flat giving you a flush cargo floor. A power liftgate and a hands-free power liftgate are available depending on the trim.
Model |
GMC ACADIA |
BUICK ENCLAVE |
CHEVROLET TRAVERSE |
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER |
---|---|---|---|---|
Behind 3ndRow(ft.cube) |
12.8 |
23.6 |
23.0 |
13.8 |
With 3nd row folded (ft.cube) |
41.7 |
58 |
58.1 |
42.3 |
With All Seats folded (ft.cube) |
79 |
97.6 |
98 |
83.7 |
The GMC Acadia gets the smallest boot in the comparison with just 12.8 cu.ft of storage. The seats of the Acadia are bulkier compared to the competition and eat up most of the volume of the cabin. However, if you do not have many occupants, the rear seats can be split folded to open up more room on the inside. With all seats folded, the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse opens up a massive 98.0 cu.ft of storage, which is the largest among the competition. However, the equally larger boot of the Buick Enclave is less accessible due to the higher boot lip.Â
The 2018 GMC Acadia stamps a bold impression with its styling from front to back, making it a truly distinctive SUV. Its striking headlamps, tail lamps, and fog lamps let you see and be seen. It is a standout when fitted with the All-terrain appearance package, which is optional on SLT and Denali trims. We absolutely love the Acadia's imposing proportions, especially the rear end, where the SUV morphs into a vehicle asserting the look of a full-size SUV. The wheels go really well with the rest of the design, and subtle folds and creases enhance the elegance of the 2018 model year Acadia.
There are very few wasted curves on the new Acadia, and its squared-off wheel opening gives the impression of a truck look. The chrome strip loops around the front two rows remind you that the third row is not the seating area to prefer. Acadia's taillights are large with a big chunk of chrome between the two lights. The top-trim Denali offers added bling with a dressy grille and a shiny exterior.
Model |
GMC ACADIA |
BUICK ENCLAVE |
CHEVROLET TRAVERSE |
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER |
---|---|---|---|---|
curb weight(lbs) |
3956 |
4359 |
4713 |
4165 |
Length(in) |
193.6 |
204.3 |
204.3 |
192.5 |
Width(in) |
75.4 |
78.8 |
78.6 |
75.8 |
Height(in) |
66 |
69.6 |
70.7 |
68.1 |
Ground clearance(in) |
7.20 |
7.7 |
7.2 |
8 |
Wheelbase(in) |
112.5 |
120.9 |
120.9 |
109.8 |
Track width(in) F/R |
64.5/65.5 |
67.3/67 |
67.3/67.0 |
64.4/64.2 |
Among the competition, the Chevrolet Traverse comes off as the heaviest vehicle in the lot. The Enclave and the Traverse measure the longest, while also boasting the greatest width. The Traverse flaunts the greatest height, while the Buick Enclave comes with the most ground clearance. The Buick and the Chevrolet offer the longest wheelbase, while the Toyota Highlander offers the shortest. Some exterior features include:
The 2018 GMC Acadia boasts a good crash-test score by the NHTSA. However, it received a marginal rating in the headlight and an acceptable latch rating by IIHS. GMC has offered industry-first rear seat reminders in the new Acadia, which flashes and sounds a warning alarm to check the back row while the vehicle is shutting down. So, don't forget to remove your child from the back there. Many other active safety features are part of the SUV for the safety of passengers inside. Standard safety features include:
Like the Acadia, Buick's Enclave has also been redesigned for the year 2018. It also boasts a standard V-6 engine like the GMC and seats up to seven with an extensive feature list. Buick also offers wireless device charging, which is not available in Acadia along with a larger touchscreen. Overall, Buick's interior is close to luxury, but that comes at a cost. Buicks Enclave is almost $11,000 more than the Acadia. It is definitely better than its midsize SUV cousin but that does not justify the price difference between the two.
You can call the Chevrolet Traverse, Acadia's larger cousin with little difference between the two. The Chevy comes mated to a standard V-6, whereas the base Acadia has a standard 4-cylinder engine with an optional V-6. Feature lists are similar between the two, although GMC's interior is a bit better than that of the Chevy. If you are looking for space, then go for the Traverse. It seats up to eight people as compared to seven in Acadia and its cargo capacity is also much higher. The pricing of both cars is similar, and Acadia will be a better option if you are looking for luxury rather than space.
The major differences between the two cars is the space and the towing capacity. Highlander has more space than the Acadia. It also seats eight while the Acadia manages only seven. The towing capacity of the Toyota Highlander is much more than the GMC.It can tow up to 5,000 pounds while the latter can tow only 4,000 pounds. Go for the Highlander if you require towing heavy trailers, otherwise, the GMC Acadia is a good option as it gives you extra comfort.
Fortunately, the 2018 GMC Acadia does not come with major weaknesses, but it is also not the best in the class in several aspects. Ride quality is smooth with a nice interior along with a good selection of features and easy-to-use infotainment. The major drawback of the car is that it has less cargo space than most of the competitors and it is also less athletic when it comes to performance. If you are in the market searching for an SUV, then you will want to overlook the Acadia and check out Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave. If space isn't too much of your concern, then we're happy to say that the 2018 GMC Acadia will certainly not have you disappointed.