2021 GMC Acadia: Specs, Options, Price

Following the recent major mid-cycle update for the 2020 model year, the 2021 GMC Acadia is expected to come with minimal changes. The current second-generation Acadia arrived for 2017 and 2020 refresh introduced several important upgrades. The model gained the new turbocharged engine and 9-speed automatic transmission plus the off-road-focused AT4 trim. The exterior received revised styling elements while all versions are available with the upgraded infotainment system.

For the 2021 model year, GMC will likely introduce new color options and possibly a new appearance package or special edition version. The next Acadia could also expand the availability of active safety equipment to the lower grades. The model is expected to return with the same trim range.

While the recently refreshed Acadia will continue mostly unchanged until the next redesign, GMC is now working on the refreshed Terrain and all-new, full-size Yukon which will hit the market for the 2021 model year.

2021 GMC Acadia: Design

Thanks to the recent mid-cycle upgrade, the GMC Acadia looks more modern than before and will continue in the same form until the next full redesign likely for the 2023 or 2024 model year.

The last year’s refresh brought new, more dynamic grille style and nicer headlights with new signature lighting. The Acadia appeared also in the new, off-road-ready AT4 trim with the dark-themed styling elements including the grille, 17-inch alloy wheels and body cladding. The model is also equipped with all-terrain tires and can switch to the 20-inch wheels.

The 2021 GMC Acadia will keep the styling in the current form while it should offer new color options and the special edition version is also very likely.

Interior, equipment:

The cabin of the mid-size Acadia received a new center console, upgraded infotainment system and new color schemes for the recent refresh. Now the model comes with the 8-inch touchscreen and Apple Car Play and Android Auto from the base trim.

The 2021 version won’t bring many novelties inside the cabin but GMC might expand the availability of active safety systems to the lower trims. GMC offers automatic emergency braking as standard equipment only on the top Denali trim while it is available by default in most rival models. The model will also be available with lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and parking sensors.

The 2021 Acadia will start with the cloth upholstery and standard seven-seat configuration in the base SL trim. The SLT trim will introduce the leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a power liftgate, etc. The range-topping Denali version will switch to the premium, stitched leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, a Bose sound system, unique trim accents, etc.

2021 GMC Acadia: Performance

The 2021 GMC Acadia will deliver a reliable and comfortable ride with various engine options. The off-road-focused AT4 trim will provide a limited off-path capability.

A naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine will remain the base powering unit making 193 horsepower and torque of 188 pound-feet. Above the base trim, buyers can opt for the more powerful V-6 or turbocharged engine. A 3.6-liter V-6 delivers 310 hp and peak torque of 271 pound-feet. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine introduced for the recent mid-cycle update makes 230 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. All engines will be paired with the 9-speed automatic transmission which replaced the 6-speed automatic unit for the last update. 

At the efficiency level, the base engine will manage up to 21 mpg city and 26 mpg on the highways. With the six cylinders employed the model should return up to 19 mpg in the city drive and 26 mpg on the highways.

The model will again tow up to 4000 pounds when equipped with the V-6 engine. 

2021 GMC Acadia: Release, Price

The 2021 GMC Acadia will hit the market in the last quarter of 2020. The price will stay close to the current range. The current Acadia starts just below $30, 000 and climbs close to $50, 000 with the Denali treatment.

With the mid-size Acadia in the lineup, GMC offers an alternative to the popular Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Edge and Kia Sorento. The sales of the Acadia in the US continue to be above 80, 000 examples since 2013.