2023 GMC Acadia
When shopping for a three-row midsize SUV, you want something distinctive that also fits your family. You also want to be able to afford it – not just in terms of payments, but in upkeep.
Most vehicles in its class are presumed to be average. Some may say that the GMC Acadia appears to be average. But, not quite so.
We had a chance to drive the Professional Grade 2023 Acadia to see whether it still stands out in a class that still yields its share of families looking for practicality and capability in their SUV.
The Acadia does so with a more upright and bold profile. It starts up front with a large dominant square grille, flanked by two LED headlamp units. The side profile seems boxy, but there are some curves and shapes that break up that image. The rear end is flanked by a “claw”-like taillight unit and a chrome piece above the license plate on the liftgate.
Our Denali tester wore plenty of chrome from front to back. The chrome grille pops out more than the other Acadia models. A set of bright 20-inch alloy wheels finish up the overall look for this Acadia Denali.
The interior has evolved from the original second-generation model, dated back to the 2017 model year. Part of that evolution is a combined analog and digital instrument cluster with great sight lines for the driver. A head-up display is added that is clear and concise. An eight-inch infotainment screen is front and center on the dashboard. Vehicle controls are a mix of easy-to-use switches to the transmission buttons on the lower center stack.
Leather upholstery adorns the front and second-row seats. The driver’s seat has plenty of powered adjustments offering a comfortable and supportive environment behind the wheel. Second row captain’s chairs are also comfortable with plenty of adjustments. Access to the third row is fine, although there is enough space for only two average-sized people.
Behind the third row of seats is 12.8 cubic feet of available cargo space. Once you fold down the third row, that space expands to 41.7 cubic feet. With both the second and third row down, you have a maximum cargo volume of 79.0 cubic feet.
Standard power on the Acadia is a 228-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, the Denali model is upgraded to the 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine with 271 pound-feet of torque. The V6 is connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission with our tester’s available all-wheel drive system.
Performance is pretty decent overall. Passing power is nice, as is the cruising experience on the highway. It does well around town by giving you the right performance when you need it. The Environmental Protection Agency states that the Acadia with the V6 should average 21 MPG in a combined cycle.
When you step up to the Denali, you will experience a superb and balanced driving experience. The ride quality was smooth with minimal feedback from rougher surfaces. Handling was controlled through evasive maneuvers and cornering on twisty roads. We experienced only minimal roll through these maneuvers.
The steering was solid with a good turning radius. On-center feel was also solid with good lane-holding. The brake pedal was responsive and solid. We experienced good stops in normal, panic, and wet situations.
The 2023 GMC Acadia comes in four trim levels, starting from $38,195. Our Denali tester came with a sticker price of $55,835.
GMC offers a solid three-row mid-size SUV that should be great for families. It is up against some strong competition, such as the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent, Mazda CX-90, Mitsubishi Outlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Volkswagen Atlas, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ford Explorer, and the Chevrolet Traverse.
Whether you have a family of six or seven and simply want a solid SUV for the road – or around town – the 2023 GMC Acadia fits your needs. It remains distinctive and attractive for those looking to stand out. If your budget calls for it, step up the Denali model. That’s the Acadia’s sweet spot in the lineup.
Credits: CarSoup Editors
