Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
Denali 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
Denali 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
SLE 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl Turbo 9A)
SLE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 9A)
Denali 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
SLT 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 9A)
SLE 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl Turbo 9A)
SLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl Turbo 9A)
Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
SLT 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl Turbo 9A)
AT4 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl Turbo 9A)
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Find all cars near me?SLE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 9A)
AT4 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
SLT 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl Turbo 9A)
Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
SLT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
SLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
SLE 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl Turbo 9A)
SLT 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl Turbo 9A)
AT4 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
Overall Rating
The GMC Acadia has built its portfolio amidst all odds. With a starting MSRP of $33,600, the three-row Acadia makes up for a strong lead in the mid-size three-row SUV segment. The 2021 GMC Acadia is offered in four trim levels - SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali - along with three different engine variants. The top of the line Acadia Denali comes with a starting price of $48,300 and represents the Acadia in its most opulent guise.
The 2021 GMC Acadia receives some much-needed changes from last year that make it look fresher than ever. Some of the most prominent changes to the 2021 Acadia include the latest driver-assistance features in the Pro Safety Package being offered as standard in the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Then, with 20-inch wheels and black accents, the Elevation Edition package is now optional with the SLE and SLT trims. Prices for the 2021 GMC Acadia start from $29,800 for the base SL trim and go all the way to $48,600 for the fully-loaded Denali trim.
Three new color choices also join the palette. Will these changes affect the way Acadia ranks among top rivals such as the Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9, and the Volkswagen Atlas? We'll soon find out. Ranked at 12 in our compact SUV segment, prices have been bumped as the 2021 Acadia lineup now starts from an MSRP of $30,995 for the SL trim, whereas the top-end Acadia Denali starts from $47,795 - all excluding destination charges. The Acadia shares its architecture with the Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave.
We recommend going ahead and buying the SLT trim. Given that you can option the potent V6 engine and the car itself has a lot of standard equipment. It can be had with the option of a sunroof and comes with advanced safety and driver assistance features, including Blindspot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and much more. Given its MSRP is at $40,895, it’s a safe bet in our opinion.
SLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl Turbo 9A)
SLT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
SLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Denali 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
SLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl Turbo 9A)
Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
The GMC Acadia has built its portfolio amidst all odds. With a starting MSRP of $33,600, the three-row Acadia makes up for a strong lead in the mid-size three-row SUV segment. The 2021 GMC Acadia is offered in four trim levels - SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali - along with three different engine variants. The top of the line Acadia Denali comes with a starting price of $48,300 and represents the Acadia in its most opulent guise.
The 2021 GMC Acadia receives some much-needed changes from last year that make it look fresher than ever. Some of the most prominent changes to the 2021 Acadia include the latest driver-assistance features in the Pro Safety Package being offered as standard in the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Then, with 20-inch wheels and black accents, the Elevation Edition package is now optional with the SLE and SLT trims. Prices for the 2021 GMC Acadia start from $29,800 for the base SL trim and go all the way to $48,600 for the fully-loaded Denali trim.
Three new color choices also join the palette. Will these changes affect the way Acadia ranks among top rivals such as the Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9, and the Volkswagen Atlas? We'll soon find out. Ranked at 12 in our compact SUV segment, prices have been bumped as the 2021 Acadia lineup now starts from an MSRP of $30,995 for the SL trim, whereas the top-end Acadia Denali starts from $47,795 - all excluding destination charges. The Acadia shares its architecture with the Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave.
The 2021 GMC Acadia comes in a total of 4 different trims. Prices range from an MSRP of $30,995 for the SL(fleet variant) to the $42,295 for the top-end AT4 trim. The base SLE comes with a 2.5 L inline 4 cylinder while the SLT comes with a 2.0L turbocharged inline 4 and gets the 3.6L V6 as an option. The AT4 trim and Denali trim come with the V6 unit as standard along with a host of model exclusive features.
The SLE trim starts at $34,795 and comes with a lot of standard safety and convenience features. The downside is most of them come as options. The SLT trim starts from $39,995 and comes with auto-dimming inside and outside rearview mirrors, perforated leather upholstery among a lot of other features. Customers can choose between different engine options.
Trims |
SL (Fleet) |
SLE |
SLT |
AT4 |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP (FWD) |
$30,995 | $34,795 | $39,995 |
- |
MSRP (AWD) | - | $37,995 | $41,995 | $42,295 |
Key Features |
17" all-season Blackwall tires |
Adds/Upgrades to SL |
Adds/Upgrades to SLE |
Adds/Upgrades to SLT |
6-speaker audio system |
Dual SkyScape sunroof |
Perforated leather-appointed first and second-row seats |
All-terrain “17” inch tires |
|
Adaptive Cruise Control |
8.0-inch diagonal infotainment with navigation |
Gloss black roof rails |
Hands-free programmable power liftgate |
|
Black finish grille |
Compact Spare Tire |
Auto-dimming driver-side outside mirror |
Heated power-adjusted mirrors |
|
4-way manual driver seat | Heated and ventilated front seats |
AT4 grille and badging |
Cargo management system |
|
4.2" diagonal multi-color driver information screen |
Bose premium 8-speaker system |
|
Heated and ventilated front and rear seats |
The AT4 starts from $42,295 and comes with AWD as standard. The 2021 AT4 is an off-road intended trim with scuff plates and fiber cladding supplied across the underside of the vehicle. The V6 engine is offered as standard. The Denali variant starts at $46,300 and comes with a lot of standard safety and convenience features. The Denali comes equipped with the V6 as standard.
We recommend going ahead and buying the SLT trim, given that you can opt for the potent V6 engine. It can be had with the option of a sunroof and comes with advanced safety and driver assistance features, including Blindspot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and much more, courtesy of the new GMC Pro Safety Suite Plus. Although for a premium of $9,000, the 2021 Acadia SLT with an MSRP of $39,995 is a safe bet in our opinion.
Check out the Warranty, Maintenace Costs, and Reliability Ratings of the 2021 GMC Acadia>>
Credit the Acadia's agile handling for its ability to shrink around you and drive similarly to a smaller vehicle - MOTORTREND
The 2021 GMC Acadia comes with 3 different engine choices. A 2.5L inline 4, a 2.0L turbocharged inline 4, and a 3.6L V6. Power figures stand at 193 hp, 230 hp, and 310 hp respectively which cater to a large variety of audiences and a wide price bracket ranging from $30,995 - $46,300.
Transmission options are limited to a 9-speed automatic with a choice of FWD or AWD drivetrains. The AT4 and Denali trims of the 2021 Acadia are offered with the 310 hp V6 as standard, whereas the other trims get it as an optional extra.
In terms of braking the 2021 Acadia can come to a complete emergency stop from 60 mph in 126 feet. This is an impressive figure for a near 4000 pound SUV.
The 2021 Acadia, in its 2.5L NA avatar, can go from 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds. That said if equipped with the 3.6L V6 unit the 2021 Acadia does the 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds.
Models |
2021 GMC Acadia |
2021 Toyota Highlander |
2021 Mazda CX-9 |
2021 Volkswagen Atlas |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$33,600 |
$34,600 |
$33,890 |
$35,495 |
Engine |
3.6L naturally aspirated V6 |
3.5L naturally aspirated V6 |
2.5L Turbocharged I4 |
3.6L naturally aspirated V6 |
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
Transmission |
9-speed automatic |
8-speed Automatic |
6-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
Power |
310 hp @ 6,300 RPM |
295 hp @ 6,600 RPM |
227 hp @ 5000 RPM |
276 hp @ 6,200 RPM |
Torque |
272 lb-ft @ 4,400 RPM |
263 lb-ft @ 4,700 RPM |
310 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM |
266 lb-ft @ 2,750 RPM |
0-60 MPH |
6.5 sec |
7.2 sec |
7.1 sec |
7.9 sec |
Quarter mile |
14.7 sec |
15.0 sec |
15.5 sec |
16.0 sec |
Top Speed |
115 MPH |
112 MPH |
N/A |
N/A |
It can be seen that the GMC Acadia has a power advantage over its rivals. Not to mention the towing capabilities of the car, if equipped with the V6 the Acadia can tow up to 4,000 pounds. The closest in terms of raw numbers would be the Toyota Highlander. In terms of torque generated, the Mazda CX-9 sits right at the top with 310 lb-ft.
In its base 2.5L NA guise, the 2021 Acadia S and SLE trims manage to return a modest 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The turbocharged 2.0L unit, such as in the $39,995 SLT trim manages to deliver an even modest 22 MPG in the city and about 29 miles to the gallon out on the highway. Now regardless of the not-so frugal numbers, the 2021 Acadia does have a 19-gallon fuel tank, which allows it to have one of the best-in-class range.
Model |
2021 GMC Acadia |
2021 Toyota Highlander |
2021 Mazda CX-9 |
2021 Volkswagen Atlas |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (city) |
19 |
20 |
22 |
17 |
MPG (highway) |
25 |
27 |
28 |
24 |
MPG (combined) |
20 |
23 |
24 |
19 |
Fuel Tank |
19 gallons |
17.9 gallons |
19 gallons |
18.6 gallons |
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) |
400/513/437 miles |
358/483/412 miles |
418/532/456 |
316/446/353 miles |
The GMC Acadia in its 3.6L guise is not a very frugal consumer of fuel, with it delivering only 19 MPG in the city and 25 out on the highway. These numbers are with the FWD setup, as the AWD system further takes it down a notch by 1 MPG.
The Acadia plays it simpler, with a shield-shaped dash and clusters of controls that don't look as fresh as those rivals' linear looks - The Car Connection
With a standard seating capacity of 7, the interior of the 2021 GMC Acadia is simple yet practical and can accommodate up to seven occupants in the utmost comfort. Although not the best in terms of third-row space, the Acadia does offer middle row captain’s chairs in all the trims except the base SL trim(fleet variant). Going with the $39,995 SLT will land you with leather bathed interiors along with a decent-sized sunroof.Â
The 2021 Acadia comes with the Next Generation GMC Infotainment system, which offers an 8-inch diagonal color touch screen with an improved user interface. This system also offers Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Still, the infotainment unit could’ve been better when compared with that of the VW Atlas, which uses Audi’s MMI system.
Model |
2021 GMC Acadia |
2021 Toyota Highlander |
2021 Mazda CX-9 |
2021 Volkswagen Atlas |
---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger Capacity |
7 |
8 |
7 |
7 |
First Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
40.0/59.4/41.0 |
41.2/59.0/42.0 |
39.3/57.9/41.0 |
41.3/61.5/41.5 |
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
39.6/58.7/39.7 |
39.4/58.7/41.0 |
38.5/58.1/39.4 |
40.4/60.8/37.6 |
Third Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
37.2/54.3/31.1 |
36.3/57.2/31.7 |
35.4/53.1/29.7 |
38.3/54.9//33.7 |
Trunk Capacity |
12.6Â cu.ft. |
16.0 cu.ft. |
14.4 cu.ft. |
20.6 cu.ft. |
The winning statement here would be that the Volkswagen Atlas has a better spaced interior and cargo capacity, although for a premium of $2000 more than the base Acadia. That said, the Toyota Highlander and the GMC Acadia are not far behind when it comes to the overall space offered. Acadia has a cargo capacity of 12.8 cubic feet which is the lowest here.
Thanks to its recent facelift, the Acadia is still a handsome and modern-looking crossover - CARBUZZ
A bold and beautiful front end flanked by the new slimmer LED headlights inspired by the Sierra 1500 adorn the front of the $30,995 GMC Acadia.
Three new color shades are introduced with the 2021 Acadia- Cayenne Red Tintcoat, Hunter Metallic, and Midnight Blue Metallic.
In terms of proportions, the Acadia sits tall and is unmistakably a GMC. Acadia is the lightest SUV of the lot at 3923 lbs. Further changes include the 20-inch wheels and black exterior accents, courtesy of the Elevation Edition package.
Model |
2021 GMC Acadia |
2021 Toyota Highlander |
2021 Mazda CX-9 |
2021 Volkswagen Atlas |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb weight |
3923 lbs |
4330 lbs |
4225 lbs |
4343 lbs |
Length |
193.4" |
194.9" |
199.4" |
198.3" |
Width |
75.4" |
76.0" |
77.5" |
78.3" |
Height |
66.7" |
68.1" |
67.6" |
70.0" |
Ground clearance |
7.2" |
8.0" |
8.8" |
8.0" |
Wheelbase |
112.5" |
112.2" |
115.3" |
117.3" |
In terms of competition, the $31,555 Volkswagen Atlas looks smart and elegant. In terms of sheer size, the Volkswagen beats the rest of the competition here. A close second would be the $33,690 Mazda CX-9, which surprisingly has the highest ground clearance of them all.
In every safety review of the GMC Acadia by US authorities, the crossover rates highly - CARBUZZ
Driver Safety aids like Forward collision alert, lane departure warning, Rear-cross traffic alert make the 2021 GMC Acadia stand up against the likes of its competitors. GMC Pro Safety Plus Suite is now optional on the SL, and SLE trims, whereas it is standard on the $39,995 SLT variant and the higher trims.
Also, the improved chassis architecture helps the occupants when in the unfortunate event of a crash by dissipating the shock waves across the whole body away from the cabin. Both the NHTSA and IIHS seem very pleased with how the 2020 GMC Acadia turned out to be a safe package, awarding it with a ‘Good’ rating overall
The 2021 Toyota Highlander is one of the oldest nameplates in the 3 row SUV segment and offers decent performance. The advantage the GMC Acadia has over the Highlander is its power and smaller dimensions.
The Acadia is a boon in city driving when compared to the Highlander and has better performance on offer. The Highlander (MSRP $34,600) is more spacious and costs a bit more. It’s a Toyota and therefore comes with unmatched reliability.
The VW Atlas is one of the most spacious cars out there. In fact, it is the most spacious car in this comparison. Although not the most enthusiastic SUV out there, it still manages to offer premium features along with a utilitarian’s most important attribute; space.
The GMC Acadia cannot match the Atlas in terms of space offered but in terms of performance, the Atlas is long gone in front of the 2021 Acadia.
The 2021 GMC Acadia is a note-worthy offering with 7 seats and a ton of features all for the starting price of MSRP $30,995. Plus the new package offerings only add to the praise. The choice of 3 potent powertrains makes the 2021 Acadia a good performer both on and off-road. Plus the exterior updated styling gives it a strong and bold personality throughout, especially when you opt for the $46,300 Acadia Denali trim. GMC has a long market experience of making capable SUVs which makes it a supremely reliable vehicle too.