2021 GMC Acadia review
GMC Acadia highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Optional V6 with strong acceleration
- Smooth ride
- Comfortable
Cons
- Underpowered base engine
- Third row is only for kids
- Small cargo hold
Mileage (EPA estimate)
18 city, 25 highway, 21 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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All GMC Acadia years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each GMC Acadia generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2021 GMC Acadia?
- All models now include advanced safety features as standard equipment.
- New infotainment system with enhanced connectivity options is added.
- Upgraded fuel efficiency across all variants by 10%.
- New color options available for 2024 models.
2021 GMC Acadia trims
Curious how GMC Acadia trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesSL:
- 193-hp, 188-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
- Quad Seats
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Third Row Seat
- Cloth Seats
- Rear View Camera
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Smart Key
- View our GMC Acadia SL inventory
SLE:
- Includes all features available on the SL
- 228-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- 310-hp, 271-lb-ft of torque 3.6L
- Lane Departure Warning
- Parking Sensors
- 4WD/AWD
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Satellite Radio Ready
- View our GMC Acadia SLE inventory
SLT:
- Includes all features available on the SLE
- 230-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
- Power Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather Seats
- Remote Start
- BOSE Sound System
- Navigation System
- View our GMC Acadia SLT inventory
AT4:
- Includes all features available on the SLT
- No significant upgrades found on the AT4
- View our GMC Acadia AT4 inventory
Denali:
- Includes all features available on the AT4
- 230-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- 230-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 3.6L
- Automated Cruise Control
- Memory Seats
- Rear Seat Heaters
- A/C Seats
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Head Up Display
- View our GMC Acadia Denali inventory
AWD Denali:
- Includes all features available on the Denali
- 230-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 0020
- View our GMC Acadia AWD Denali inventory
GMC Acadia photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 GMC Acadia
1. User-friendly
If you're looking for a midsize SUV, you're probably planning a lot of long drives for outdoorsy trips and vacations. That makes entertainment a priority—and the 2021 GMC Acadia delivers. Not only does this SUV have an eight-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity, and five USB ports, but it's all super simple to use. The touchscreen is intuitive and responsive, and it's easily accessible from the driver's seat.
2. Comfortable ride
Comfort is a priority in a seven-seat SUV, and the 2021 GMC Acadia has it in spades. All trims have three rows, with smart-slide second-row seating. The Acadia seats seven as standard, or six if you opt for a model with second-row captain's seats. The first two rows are spacious enough for tall passengers, with comfortable and supportive seats. Folding both the second and third rows down gives you 79 cu-ft of space—plenty for transporting furniture, sports equipment, or luggage.
3. Driver aids
For peace of mind on your journey, the 2021 GMC Acadia has some great driver-assistance features. In addition to a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and blind spot monitoring, this midsize SUV has a rear seat reminder to help ensure children or pets aren't left behind. The Acadia also has Teen Driver mode, enabling you to set limits on speed and audio volume if a new driver is behind the wheel. Available features in higher trims include forward collision warning, a surround-view parking camera system, and a head-up display.
4. Denali trim
The 2021 GMC Acadia is available in five trim levels, with the sophisticated Denali trim topping the range. The Denali's interior finishing is high-end, with brushed aluminum and real ash wood details. This premium trim also has leather-appointed front seats that are heated and ventilated, a six-inch diagonal head-up display, and a heated steering wheel. Plus, the heated seats and steering wheel can be switched on using the available remote start, so your vehicle will already be toasty on cold mornings.
5. Great for adventuring
The 2021 GMC Acadia is ready for adventure—and for every trim above the base SL, you can shop for a model with AWD to take full advantage. While the base 193-hp four-cylinder engine is good for commuting and everyday use, the available 230-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and 310-hp V6 engine options (SLE trim and higher) are great if you want more power. The Acadia offers good handling over rough terrain, so hitting the great outdoors is a breeze, even if you're towing. The V6 version can pull up to an estimated 4,000 lbs when properly equipped.
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Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the GMC Acadia an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks GMC Acadia 29th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the GMC AcadiaGMC Acadia features and specs
Curious how GMC Acadia trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
SLT 4D Sport Utility 2WD
Standard Features
- Smart Key
- Air Conditioning
- Side Airbags
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear View Camera
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Seat(s)
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Third Row Seat
- Remote Start
- Lane Departure Warning
- Cruise Control
- Power Windows
- Front Seat Heaters
- Traction Control
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Power Mirrors
- ABS Brakes
- Parking Sensors
- Leather Seats
- Rear Defroster
- Power Locks
- Heated Mirrors
- Alloy Wheels
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Android Auto
- Satellite Radio Ready
- AM/FM Stereo
- Navigation System
- Apple CarPlay
- Bluetooth Technology
- BOSE Sound System
- Sunroof(s)
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Skylight(s)
- A/C Seat(s)
- Quad Seats
- Head Up Display
- Memory Seat(s)
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Heated Mirrors
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Full Roof Rack
- Tow Hitch
- Alloy Wheels
- Running Boards
- Rear Entertainment System
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
230
Torque (ft-lbs)
258
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
19
Wheelbase
112.5"
Overall length
193.4"
Width
75.4"
Height
66.7"
Leg room
F 41"/M 39.7"/R 31.1"
Head room
F 40"/M 39.6"/R 37.2"
Front tires
P235/65R18
Rear tires
P235/65R18
Seating capacity
6
Max towing capacity
150/1500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 GMC Acadia FAQ
The 2021 GMC Acadia has a maximum towing capacity of between 1000 and 4000 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
The 2021 GMC Acadia has received an average 4.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 GMC Acadia, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 GMC Acadia Reviews.
The GMC Acadia received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the GMC Acadia as 29 out of 32 among Midsize SUV
Here are the pros and cons of the 2021 GMC Acadia: Pros - Interior Space - Power - Technology and Entertainment Cons - Interior Space - Cargo Space - Cost to Maintain
Here is what's new for the 2021 GMC Acadia:
- Head Up Display
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Alloy Wheels
The 2021 GMC Acadia offers the following fuel efficiency options: • Gas: 22 city / 27 highway MPG (SLE trim) • Gas: 19 city / 25 highway MPG (AT4 trim) • Gas: 22 city / 27 highway MPG (Denali trim) • Gas: 21 city / 27 highway MPG (SL trim) • Gas: 22 city / 29 highway MPG (SLT trim) Actual mileage may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle condition, and driving habits.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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