2019 GMC Acadia vs 2020 GMC Acadia

The 2019 GMC Acadia was a handsome SUV with a shorter wheelbase that provided an athletic stance and an upscale appearance thanks to its upright grille. Despite not being marketed as an upscale SUV, it was as nice as, if not nicer than, the more expensive Buick Envision. The Acadia had broader appeal than other GM vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox and Buick Envision, feeling closer in size to compact competitors such as the Nissan Rogue.

The 2019 Acadia came in several trims: SL, SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1, SLT-2, and Denali. The base SL trim featured 17-inch wheels, 7-passenger seating, and remote keyless entry. Higher trims added features like LED headlights, power liftgate, and premium audio systems. The SLT-1 AWD trim, with the Black Edition appearance package, offered a more menacing look with black accents. The Denali trim added luxury features like a hands-free power tailgate and leather-appointed seating.

The 2020 GMC Acadia, positioned as a premium brand, came in SL, SLE, SLT, new rugged AT4, and luxurious Denali trims. The Denali trim, tested with optional all-wheel drive and Satin Steel Metallic paint, featured a Technology Package and had a window sticker of $52,385. The 2020 model had noticeable design changes, especially in the front with squared-off headlights and a boxier grille. The cabin saw minor updates, including new electronic transmission shift switches and redesigned center console.

The 2020 Acadia's cabin contained a mix of soft surfaces and hard plastic panels, with controls laid out logically. The Denali trim featured leather upholstery and wood trim, but aside from some contrast stitching and bronze-tinted plastic metallic accents, there was little to establish it as a premium choice.

The 2019 GMC Acadia offered two engines: a 193-horsepower inline 4-cylinder and a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. The V6 was not available in the base SL or SLE-1 trims but was optional in the SLE-2 and SLE-1 with FWD. The SLT-1 AWD, SLT-2, and Denali trims came standard with the V6. The V6 engine delivered fantastic acceleration and could tow up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped. The AWD system featured GMC’s Active Twin Clutch system, allowing drivers to switch between FWD, AWD, Sport mode, and All-Terrain mode. The best fuel economy came from the base SL with the 4-cylinder engine, returning 21 mpg city, 26 highway, and 23 combined.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engines: a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a new 230-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. All engines were paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission. The AT4 trim featured a dual-clutch AWD system and all-terrain tires. The V6 and nine-speed automatic provided smooth, refined power and up to 4,000 pounds of towing capacity. The test vehicle’s powertrain included automatic engine stop/start and an engine cylinder deactivation system, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. The Acadia’s ride and handling were finely tuned, offering a balanced driving experience.

The 2019 GMC Acadia provided ample space for the driver and front passenger, with deep trays and functional in-door bins. The SL, SLE-1, and SLE-2 trims featured 7-passenger seating, while the SLT-1 AWD had 6-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seats were suitable only for kids. Cargo space was 12.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 79 cubic feet with both rows folded. The test model had rubberized floor mats, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

The 2020 GMC Acadia seated five, six, or seven passengers, depending on the trim. The Denali trim had 6-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs, but a bench seat was available as a no-cost option. The front seats were wide and supportive, with heating and ventilation. The second-row captain’s chairs were heated and comfortable, with air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a power outlet for rear passengers. Cargo volume was 12.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 79 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2019 GMC Acadia’s base SL trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen running GMC’s IntelliLink infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. The SLT-1 trim upgraded to an 8-inch screen, and the Denali trim added navigation. Higher trims also featured a 4.2-inch color information display within the gauge cluster, with the Denali trim offering an 8-inch display. A color head-up display was also available.

The 2020 GMC Acadia included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and GMC Connected Services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen had a higher resolution, simplified user experience, and improved voice recognition. The test vehicle had navigation and a Bose premium sound system. New USB-C ports, a more powerful wireless charging pad, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror were added for 2020.

The 2019 GMC Acadia came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and traction control. The Driver Alert Package 1, standard on the SLT-1 and optional on the SLE-2, added a blind-spot warning system, lane-change alert, and rear park assist. The SLT-2 trim added the Driver Alert Package 2, which included low-speed forward automatic braking, lane-departure warning, pedestrian detection, forward-collision alert, and adaptive headlights and high beams.

The 2020 GMC Acadia included a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. Standard safety features included a blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning system. Forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking were available on the SLT or AT4 trims as part of a Driver Alert Package, which also included lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, pedestrian braking, parking sensors, automatic high-beam headlights, and a head-up display. The enhanced automatic emergency braking system was exclusive to the Denali trim. The NHTSA gave the 2020 Acadia 5-star ratings in most assessments, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS provided incomplete data, with high marks in other tests.