As consumers looked for a sportier and more modern alternative to the cumbersome minivan in the new millennium, GMC answered the demand with crossover SUVs like the Acadia. The Acadia made its debut in 2007 as a full-size crossover SUV and spent the next decade providing families of all sizes with a reliable and efficient SUV. By 2017, GMC returned to the drawing board to give drivers even more comfort, connectivity, safety, and performance by redesigning the Acadia for a second generation. Today, the 2021 GMC Acadia offers the latest innovation and reliability that GMC has to offer.
That innovation extends across the Acadia's trim options, each of which offers a unique suite of features that meet a variety of driving, lifestyle, and budget needs. The 2021 Acadia offers everything you can imagine, from a hands-free power liftgate and an 8-inch touchscreen display to the AT4 exclusive Active Torque Control AWD system that delivers better handling and performance. GMC also includes the latest safety and driver-assist features on models like the SLT, AT4, and Denali to give drivers all the tools they need to drive confidently and safely wherever the road takes them. There is a reason that this midsize SUV is among the most popular models in the GMC lineup.
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GMC gives drivers a choice between three powertrains beginning with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This combination comes standard on the base trims and is part of what distinguishes the SLE from the SLT. The 2.5-liter engine delivers 193 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque and includes active fuel management and stop-start technology for an average fuel economy of 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.
A 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine is an available upgrade on the SLE but comes standard on the SLT and Denali. The option features a twin-scroll turbocharger that delivers better performance to the tune of 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The engine also features the same stop-start technology with a deactivation switch and offers the best fuel economy in the entire Acadia lineup, with front-wheel-drive models averaging 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. All-wheel-drive models are close behind at 22 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.
The final powertrain in the lineup is the powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine that comes standard on the AT4 and is available on all but the base SL. Paired with the same 9-speed automatic transmission as the other two engines, the V6 is equipped with active fuel management and stop-start technology that pushes the Acadia's capability to its limit by delivering 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. This power makes the Acadia a capable hauler with a towing capacity of 4,000 pounds. And, despite offering more power, the fuel economy doesn't take a drastic hit, with the V6 averaging 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway on front-wheel-drive models.
GMC gives drivers plenty of choices with several different trim options beginning with the SL, which starts at $29,800 and offers seating for up to seven across three rows. The base SL is followed by the SLE and the SLT. As mentioned previously, the SL and SLE come standard with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the SLT offers more power under the hood with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The SLT also offers more comfort and convenience features like leather seating and a hands-free programmable power liftgate standard.
The AT4 trim is just what the doctor ordered for drivers looking for a capable off-road SUV. Starting at $41,100, the AT4 boasts exclusive details that set it apart from the other trims. These details include a black chrome grille, 17-inch gloss-black wheels and all-terrain tires, black-capped exterior mirrors, roof rails, and AT4 badging with black chrome accents. Designed for adventures both on and off the pavement, the AT4 is equipped with the powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine as well as advanced features like the Active Torque Control AWD System, a Traction Selection System, and Automatic Emergency Braking.
For drivers looking for less off-road prowess and more comfort and luxury, the Acadia Denali is a perfect choice. Starting at $46,300, the Denali boasts exclusive exterior features like the chrome Denali grille, 20-in machined aluminum wheels with black accents, exclusive badging, chrome accents, and bodyside molding that make the Denali instantly recognizable as the most luxurious model in the Acadia lineup. Apart from its distinct exterior, the Denali also features a suite of innovative technology like a color Head-Up Display as well as a High-Definition Surround Vision camera system.
The 2021 GMC Acadia is equipped with the latest technology, from connectivity features to advanced safety and driver-assist tools. The GMC Pro Safety Plus suite is the center of this technology and is standard on the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims or is an available upgrade on the SLE. The suite allows drivers to stay connected and in control the moment they start the Acadia's engine.
The safety suite includes Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Alert, which work together when the Acadia is operating below 50 mph. The tools utilize camera technology to monitor potential front-end collisions. When the technology senses a collision, it alerts the driver and can either enhance the driver's hard braking or apply hard emergency braking if the driver fails to respond. Front Pedestrian Braking works in a similar way and provides drivers with alerts to prevent front-end collisions with pedestrians.
The Acadia's automatic IntelliBeam headlights ensure the driver has the best visibility possible and are part of the GMC Pro Safety Plus suite. The suite also includes Rear Park Assist, which alerts drivers to obstacles and other vehicles when operating at low speeds. Additional features include Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning and a Following Distance Indicator. GMC also offers a suite of advanced driver-assist features that include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert that enhance the GMC Pro Safety Plus suite.
Beyond its impressive suite of safety and driver-assist tools, the Acadia also boasts some of the latest connectivity features. The Acadia Denali is equipped with a 6-in color Head-Up Display that shows vital information like fuel level, speed, cruise control, safety alerts, navigation cues, and phone calls within the driver's immediate view. Every trim comes standard with an 8-in color touchscreen display, while the SLT trim and above add built-in navigation. Through the system, drivers can access the available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, download various in-vehicle apps, sync their smartphones through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and add items to their Amazon list through Alexa Built-In.
The Acadia's technology suite continues with a Rear Camera Mirror that is offered on the Denali. The mirror gives drivers a wider and clearer view behind the Acadia and, with the touch of a button, can easily be switched back to the traditional rear-view mirror. Drivers can take this view even further by adding High Definition Surround Vision to their vehicle. This tool utilizes multiple cameras to give drivers a birdseye view of their surroundings, making parking in tight spaces a breeze.