2022 GMC Acadia

The GMC Acadia is a stylish and comfortable mid-size SUV that offers a lot of value with its available three-row seating. For 2022 the former base SL model has been discontinued; the remaining models get standard automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, active lane control and automatic high beams.

The standard engine is a 2.0-liter turbo-4 making 228 horsepower, while a 310-hp 3.6-liter V-6 is available; both are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. The turbo-4 more than does the job, and sometimes feels nearly as strong as the V-6.

The ride is controlled. The cabin uses its space well, and infotainment is notably good.

The EPA rates the turbo-4 Acadia at 22 mpg city, 29 highway, 25 mpg combined, with AWD bringing 22/27/24 mpg. The V-6 gets 19/27/22 mpg, or 16/26/21 mpg with AWD.

The NHTSA gives it five stars overall in crash testing, while the IIHS gives the Acadia top “Good” scores in crash testing. Automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and blind-spot monitors are now standard, and adaptive cruise control is available in a package.

Model Lineup

Made in Tennessee, the Acadia comes as SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali editions.

The SLE starts at $36,000 and comes well equipped with cloth upholstery, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, LED headlights and keyless start. All-wheel drive is a $2,000 option. Popular optional equipment in a package for $1,750 package includes a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a roof rack.

The SLT for $40,000 adds those features, plus leather, a power passenger seat, navigation, and a Bose sound system. Options include cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and other bits, for $995.

The AT4 adds some bits that look rugged, but for the top-end experience, a fully loaded Denali can reach $60,000.

The Acadia has a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty.

Exterior

Every Acadia, not just the AT4, looks chiseled. Its long-wagon proportions wear small amounts of bright trim in base models; by the time you get to the Denali, the Acadia has dressed up nicely.

The AT4 and Denali have the most distinctive looks.

Interior

The cabin design is cohesive and straightforward. The SLE seats are cloth, with manual adjustment and not heated. The Denali has leather and heating.

The front seats are quite comfortable. Being a mid-size vehicle, the Acadia seats four more comfortably than five, and the optional third row adds two more. There’s good leg room in row two, and access through the doors is easy. Bucket seats in the second row are optional, and a good choice if three in the rear aren’t needed; they also make access to the third row easier.

Cargo space is a strong quality for the Acadia, with 42 cubic feet behind the second row and 79 cubic feet behind the first row, although if there’s a third row and it’s raised, there’s only 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

Driving Impressions

The 2.0-liter turbo-4 makes a solid and punchy 228 horsepower, which is enough because the Acadia isn’t a behemoth. The 9-speed automatic transmission delivers fast and smooth gear changes.

The upgrade engine is a strong 3.6-liter V-6 with 310 horsepower that better handles the maximum tow capacity of 4,000 pounds.

The all-wheel-drive system offers lots of grip, and has drive modes for different traction needs, and the light-duty all-terrain tires make off-road trails easier to navigate.

The Acadia’s ride is composed and smooth, on the standard 18-inch wheels. The optional 20-inch wheels make the ride somewhat choppier, but handling is good. The steering heft is good and the response is sharp, so the Acadia feels more nimble than it might, given its weight.

Final Word

The 2022 GMC Acadia twins crisp styling with capable drivetrains and now, the latest in safety gear. Take the Acadia SLT for the best value, and the third-row seats if flexibility is high on your shopping list, too.

—by Sam Moses with driving impressions by The Car Connection