Used GMC Acadia Buying Guide

• If you want the best model for fuel economy, then you’ll need something in the second generation.
• If you want something with the best comfort for the most passengers, then you’ll need something in the third generation.
• If you want something with the most seating, then you’ll need a first-generation.

First hitting the market as a full-size crossover SUV, this model can seat up to eight, coming in either front or all-wheel-drive configurations. This model also had a decent towing capacity at 5,200 pounds.

This generation saw a handful of engines on the vehicle, first coming with a V6 that could produce 275 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This changed in 2009, with the new V6 producing 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The generation ends with the 3.6L V6 engine that can produce 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.

No matter which engine you get, this is one of the best SUVs on the market that mixes a great towing capacity and comes with enough room for you and the family. Making it the perfect vehicle for those who are a handyman in the day and a dad at night.

While this model does come with seating for up to 8, if you opt for the 7 seating configuration, you’ll get some more comfort for the second-row passengers.

While it was a few years late to the party, the Denali hit the roads in 2010. This trim comes in both FWD and AWD configurations, with either 7 or 8-person seating. This comes with 20-inch wheels, leather seating, and a wood trim. The 2014 Denali gained a Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure warning. In 2015, a leather-wrapped steering wheel was added.

While the first generation was a full-size crossover SUV, this one was a mid-size crossover SUV. This generation lost 7 inches in length and 4 inches in width. With the smaller size, the Acadia comes in 5-6 and 7 passenger configurations.

This generation also came with two engine choices. One being 2.5L and the other being 3.6L. You also had access to a twin-clutch AWD system that is designed for off-road use.

Due to losing 700 pounds in the resize, the 3.6L engine now has better mileage. Able to go 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

If you find the All-Terrain package that is available on the SLE and SLT, you’ll see that the third row is gone for the Acadia. To help keep the driver mindful, the second generation also added a reminder to check the rear seats before exiting to make sure kids aren’t accidentally left behind.

The 2020 added some more modern features to help keep this as one of the best SUVs. Coming with a revised infotainment system, you now have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The AT4 trim joins the family, dropping the All-Terrain package in the process.

A new 2.0L I4 joins the lineup, leaving the other two engines as options. The EPA estimates that this new engine can get 24 mpg combined. Being able to go 28 miles on the highway and 21 miles in the city.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto saw some upgrades in 2021, now being able to connect wirelessly. The following model year is when the 2.5L I4 was dropped, now making the 2.0L as the new standard. The 2022 model was also the last time 5 passenger seating was dropped.