2023 GMC Acadia Review: Functional But Somewhat Forgettable

Having been around in the USA since 2017, the GMC Acadia is one of the older vehicles in the mid-sized three-row SUV market segment. While its last facelift for 2020 brought its styling in line with the rest of GMC's current model range, the skeleton underneath is showing its age, especially with most of its opponents being considerably more modern. The segment is crowded with more modern competitors showing up the GMC Acadia, including such luminaries as the VW Atlas, the Kia Telluride, and the Hyundai Palisade. While the Acadia doesn't embarrass itself in this company, it doesn't really offer anything unique to lure in buyers, either.

Built on the C1XX platform shared with the Cadillac XT6 and Chevrolet Blazer, the GMC Acadia offers a choice between two engines: a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, along with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 hp and 271 lb-ft. Both engines send their power into a nine-speed automatic transmission, and all trims except the AT4 offer a choice between front- or all-wheel drive. The AT4 has some misguided off-road aspirations, so it can only be had with AWD. Overall the Acadia is a good family SUV, but its newer opponents simply outclass the aged GMC product by most metrics.

What's the Price of the 2023 GMC Acadia?

GMC is known for creating upscale automobiles, but it doesn't quite break into the luxury segment. While the price of the GMC Acadia is a bit higher than that of the more budget-friendly crossovers, it isn't exorbitant. The base-model FWD SLE will cost you $36,800, while the FWD version of the SLT equipped with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine will set you back $41,100. Switching to AWD increases the price of the SLE to $39,100 and the SLT to $43,100.

The AT4 is available with the all-wheel drivetrain and the V6 engine only, with a starting price of $43,400. The Denali asks for an investment of $48,600 with FWD, while the cost of the Denali with AWD rises to $50,600. These are MSRP prices and do not include tax, registration, licensing, and the $1,395 destination charge.

2023 GMC Acadia Handling and Driving Impressions

The best way to describe the driving experience in a GMC Acadia is "aggressively adequate." It doesn't do anything particularly wrong, but it also doesn't shine in any single aspect. The only remarkable part of the Acadia's dynamics is its ride quality, which is compliant and controlled, but that comes at the expense of body control in corners. Make no mistake, it's not a plodding beast of burden that understeers at the sight of a slight turn, but it also clearly doesn't encourage spirited driving. The steering is accurate enough but completely devoid of road feel, although the brakes are more than potent enough to stand up to the performance on offer.

Between the two engines, the hearty V6 is the more-agreeable option. While the 2.0-liter turbo four with 228 hp is decent, the V6 is more powerful, more responsive, and smoother in operation. The V6 should get an Acadia hustling to make highway merging and overtaking effortless.

Verdict: Is The 2023 GMC Acadia A Good SUV?

If you're interested in a comfortable family SUV, the GMC Acadia will meet your needs just fine. But know that you can get better practicality, better efficiency, more comfort, and more driving enjoyment from other SUVs in its class. What really counts against the Acadia is the fact that its cargo compartment is very small with all seats in use, and those third-row seats are severely lacking in people space. Its features list is fairly up-to-date but doesn't offer anything you can't find elsewhere, and several of its opponents match the Acadia on its main strong suit: ride comfort. It was a class leader at its initial release, but eight years down the line, the segment has moved on and left the GMC Acadia in its wake.

What GMC Acadia Model Should I Buy?

Thanks to some shuffling of the tech, several desirable safety features are now standard on the lower-tier trims. The SLT has always been an excellent value-for-money offering that balances comfort, power, and safety without asking for a huge cash investment. Now, the mid-tier trim is safer than ever with last year's added safety features bolstered even more with rear parking sensors added this year, all included without the need to pay extra. Equipped with the turbocharged four-pot, it also offers the best mileage figures and pretty lively acceleration around town. If you need to tow heavy trailers regularly, you may need to aim for some higher specs, such as the V6 engine and all-wheel drivetrain.