2023 GMC Acadia: The New GMC Acadia Mid-Size Luxury SUV Review

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2023 GMC Acadia is offered as the seventh model year of the second-generation crossover nameplate, introducing several changes and updates before the debut of the third-generation Acadia for the 2024 model year.

Now, GM Authority has found out when regular production will begin for the GMC Acadia 2023.

The GMC Acadia 2023 is likely to arrive as a carryover model with a full redesign expected in 2024 with the SUV moving to a larger platform.

The current GMC Acadia can be traced back to the 2017 model year when GMC came out with a second-generation SUV. Acadia is set to enter the seventh model year sold under the same generation.

As a carryover model, the Acadia 2023 will retain the same overall design as the current SUVs on sale. Acadia combines ruggedness and luxury in a cohesive way that looks luxurious.

The front end has a chunky design with a square grille, rectangular headlights, and prominent body cladding on the front fascia.

The rear of the Acadia is further softened with simple lines, rounded taillights, and rectangular exhaust outlets.

  • Body style: SUV
  • MSRP: From $35,300
  • Towing capacity: 3,500 to 4,000 lbs
  • Dimensions: 193″ L x 75″ W x 67″ H
  • Cargo volume: 12.8 ft³, 79 ft³ with seat area
  • Horsepower: 228 to 310 hp

2023 GMC Acadia Review

Looking for a GMC Acadia SUV with three rows of seats and a comfortable ride? GMC Acadia 2023 fits the description.

2023 GMC Acadia New

And as a bonus, it comes in several styles, from the standard version to the flashy Denali, plus a larger AT4 for an off-road adventure look.

Whichever trim catches your eye, GMC hopes you’ll find the Acadia more luxurious than some of its midsize SUV rivals, but not nearly as expensive as a luxury SUV.

It was a great idea, but we didn’t sell well enough. The second-generation Acadia has been around since 2017 and has lagged behind more modern rivals like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride.

These two related SUVs provide more utility and better interior quality for the same price. There’s also a redesigned Honda Pilot 2023, a relatively new Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and a roomy Volkswagen Atlas to consider.

Our test team considered the Acadia to be a viable option, but you’re likely to find one of these other SUVs more to your liking overall.

  • There are no significant changes for 2023
  • Part of the second generation Acadia introduced for 2017
  • Smooth ride quality
  • Fast acceleration of the optional V6 engine
  • The simple and easy-to-use cab layout

Acadia GMC Specs

Buyers of the GMC Acadia 2023 have two engine options. The base-grade 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the available 3.6-liter V-6 produces 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.

All Acadia models have a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The Acadia can be equipped with a standard front-wheel drive system or an optional all-wheel drive system. Also, the 2023 GMC Acadia Denali and SLT trims offer adaptive suspension.

On the towing front, the Acadia can tow up to 4,000 pounds. In addition, for efficiency, this SUV has an estimated mileage of up to 22 mpg city/29 highway.

Key technology features offered for the GMC Acadia 2023 include the GMC infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto wireless smartphone integration, Wi-Fi hotspot, and Amazon Built-in capabilities.

This SUV also offers various driving assistance technology features, such as lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and side blind zone alert.

Read next: 2024 GMC Acadia: New Super GMC Acadia Exclusive Review

GMC Acadia 2023 Model

The 2023 GMC Acadia is a three-row midsize SUV that comes in four trim levels: SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. The SLE and SLT models come standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine while the AT4 and Denali have a more powerful 3.6-liter V6.

Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional except on the AT4, which is AWD only. The important features of each trim level are as follows:

SLE – Quite well equipped, with:

  • 228-hp. turbocharged four-cylinder engine
  • 18-inch wheels
  • Keyless and entry ignition
  • Three-zone automatic climate control
  • 8-inch infotainment touch screen
  • Seating for six passengers
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity)
  • Six-speaker sound system
  • Five USB ports

An advanced suite of driver assistance is standard across all Acadias (GMC Pro Safety Plus). That includes:

  • Automatic emergency braking (warning if a collision ahead is imminent and braking if you do not respond in time)
  • Front and rear parking sensors (warns you of obstacles that may not be visible in front or behind the vehicle when parked)
  • Lanekeeper assist (redirects Acadia back into its path if it starts drifting past lane markers)
  • Lane departure warning (warning you if the vehicle starts to deviate from its lane)
  • A blind-spot monitor with rear-traffic alert (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during lane changes or when reversing)

SLT – The midrange SLT trim gets a bunch of extra features like:

  • Roof rail
  • Hands-free lifting door
  • Fog lamp
  • Start remotely
  • leather upholstery
  • Heated front seats
  • Power-adjustable driver’s seat
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Household style outlet for the middle row
  • Navigation system
  • Bose eight-speaker audio system with HD radio

AT4 – The AT4 trim is similar to the SLT but has a few additional features that enhance its off-road capabilities. These additional features include:

  • 310-hp V6 engine
  • Custom 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
  • Standard all-wheel drive with components specific to AT4 for greater traction
  • Hill drop control
  • Hill support
  • Black exterior trim

Denali – Top-of-the-line Denali ignores the AT4’s off-road features but sticks with the V6 engine. Standard feature additions include:

  • Distinctive grid
  • 20-inch wheel
  • Digital instrument panel
  • Head-up display (displays important information in your line of sight on the windshield)
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Heated second-row seats
  • Driver’s seat memory function
  • Power-adjustable passenger seat
  • Wireless charging pad

Denali gets exclusive access to two optional packages:

  • Technology Package
  • Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of Acadia and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
  • Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-defined distance between the Acadia and the vehicle in front)
  • Improved automatic braking for forwarding collision mitigation system
  • Digital rearview mirror (allows you to look back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
  • Denali Ultimate Plan (requires Technology pack)
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Adaptive suspension damper (improves ride comfort and handling stability)
  • Crane package

Many of the features found on the top trim levels are available on the supporting trim as an option.

Other optional features include a rear entertainment system, second-row seats (for seating seven passengers), and the Elevation Edition package which adds black exterior styling accents and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Read next: 2023 GMC Terrain: All-New GMC Terrain Small SUV Ultimate Review

2023 GMC Acadia SLT

The turbocharged 4-cylinder engines in the SLE and SLT provide adequate muscle for most situations and are relatively easy on fuel.

A front-drive version can average around 25 mpg. Anyone who will be driving with a full passenger and/or trailer in the back should seriously consider the 310-horsepower V6.

In keeping with GMC’s tendency to be a bit more luxurious than the average mainstream competitor, the Acadia 2023 drives comfortably and without any distractions. It’s not a fun machine, but it’s not at the heart of the midsize 3-row SUV.

The AT4 has some off-road appeal but won’t go very far into the wilderness with just the same 7.2-inch ground clearance as the rest of the range.

The Denali version offers a more comfortable adaptive suspension with its optional Ultimate package.

Selecting the gear is done by pressing one of the PRND buttons. It’s not as intuitive as conventional shifters, and doing a quick 3-point spin will take a little concentration at first.

2023 GMC Acadia AT4

The GMC Acadia 2023 is a bit of an outlier in the mid-range 3-row SUV class. Most competitors don’t have a variant that boasts an off-road attitude or toward luxury. Acadia does both.

The AT4 version has all-wheel drive and all-terrain tires as standard. Denali gets luxurious with the most amenities and a V6 engine included.

However, for most buyers, the SLE or SLT versions will probably do just fine. They will still have that impressive GMC look.

That doesn’t mean that the search for a new 6-seater family SUV is over. There are a lot of great options that range from Chevrolet to Volkswagen.

And a third-generation Acadia is expected for the 2024 model year. As always, time doing research is time well spent.

2023 GMC Acadia Interior

A new steering wheel appears in the SLT trim, with switchgear for the audio system and cruise control.

2023 GMC Acadia New

The rest of the cabin remains on the classy mainstream side. The SLT and AT4 have fabric upholstery, and the other trim has perforated leather, which was optional on the AT4.

Space abounds in the first two rows of seats, and the Acadia 2023 is an exclusively 6-seater, with a pair of standard captain’s seats in the second row. The rear legroom in this row is 39.7 inches.

The third row, however, only has 29.7 inches. Kids won’t be grumpy, but adults might.

Cargo space is also disappointing, from 12.8 to 79 cubic feet.

The Acadia’s interior features a simple design that mimics the style of GMC trucks. The center console has a variety of physical controls for ease of use that is intuitively laid out.

The compact, boxy design of the SUV results in narrow third-row seats compared to other options in the mid-range. The cabin has a mix of cheap plastic and high-end materials, especially with the higher trim.

The GMC Acadia 2023 should have the same overall interior design as the SUV being sold.

We don’t expect to see any changes to Acadia 2023’s tech feature list. An eight-inch touchscreen should be standard, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi hot spots, Bluetooth, six audio speakers, and satellite radio.

Available features should include an eight-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, a wireless charging pad, and a rear seat entertainment system.

2023 GMC Acadia Exterior

There must be. The Denali model comes with the most ornate grille in its range. The SLE and SLT trim have 18-inch alloy wheels, the AT4 has 17-inch alloy wheels that wear all-terrain tires, and the Denali trim consolidates its luxury credentials with 20-inches.

The new exterior paint colors for the Acadia 2023 SUV range are Volcanic Red Tintcoat, Ultra Blue Metallic, and Sterling Metallic.

Acadia Car As previously discussed by GM Authority, the GMC Acadia 2023 introduces a revised list of exterior paint options, removing Satin Steel Metallic (paint code G9K), Midnight Blue Metallic (paint code GLU), and Cayenne Red Tintcoat (paint code GSK) from ranks.

Instead, the 2023 model year adds three new colors, including Volcanic Red Tintcoat (paint ode GNT), Ultra Blue Metallic (GTR), and Sterling Metallic (GXD).

Each of the three new paint options will be offered across the trim level lineup, available for an additional $495.

2023 GMC Acadia Color

The GMC Acadia 2023 is primarily a carryover model. However, it offers three new exterior paint color options: Volcanic Red Tintcoat, Sterling Metallic, and Ultra Blue Metallic.

Also, the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims have a new steering wheel wrapped in audio and cruise controls.

2023 GMC Acadia Engine

GMC is offering the Acadia with two engines for 2023. A 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine is standard and produces 230 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

A 3.6-liter V6 engine is available and produces 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and are available with front-wheel and all-wheel drive.

Acadia currently comes standard with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, rear traffic warning, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane guard assistance, parking sensors, and pedestrian detection.

Available safety features include a heads-up display and adaptive cruise control. This safety feature remains the same for 2023.

Read next: Don’t miss out: 2024 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Luxury Full-Size SUV Review

Engine & Transmission

The base engine for the Acadia 2023 SUV lineup is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit that produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It is standard in SLE and SLT trims.

The alternative is a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 that produces 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. It is standard in the AT4 and Denali models and optional in the SLT.

Both engines are connected to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The AT4 is the only variant with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard.

The rest have front-wheel drive (FWD) as the default configuration, with all-wheel drive on the options list regardless of the engine.

Owners can use regular gasoline.

  • 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
  • 228 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
  • Torque 258 lb-ft @ 1,500-4,000 rpm
  • EPA city/highway Fuel economy: 22/29 mpg (FWD), 22/27 mpg (AWD)
  • 3.6 liter V6
  • 310 horsepower @ 6,600 rpm
  • Torque 271 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
  • EPA city/highway Fuel economy: 19/27 (FWD), 19/26 mpg (AWD)

2023 GMC Acadia Configurations

As previously discussed by GM Authority, GM is currently considering offering the next-generation GMC Acadia turbo for the 2024 model year with a turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B petrol engine.

For now, however, the 2023 GMC Acadia is available with two engine options, starting with the turbocharged 2.0L I4 LSY petrol engine, producing 228 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 pm.

Customers can also opt for the naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 LGX petrol engine, which makes 310 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are connected to GM’s nine-speed automatic transmission.

For the record, the atmospheric 2.5L I4 LCV petrol engine, which makes 193 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 188 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm, has been phased out for the 2022 model year.

2023 GMC Acadia Price

GMC hasn’t released pricing information for the Acadia 2023. However, the Acadia 2023 is likely to be slightly more expensive than the Acadia 2022. The starting price for the Acadia 2022 ranges from $34,800 MSRP for the SLE ride to $46,105 MSRP for the Denali trim.

Based on fleet production data, the GMC Acadia 2023 is expected to start production in June 2022. We expect to see a release date this summer. Look out for updates as they become available.

The official price of the 2023 GMC Acadia ranges from $36,395 to $49,795 (by destination).

2023 GMC Acadia Release Date

The GMC Acadia 2023 release date is likely to be late Summer/early Fall 2022. It will be available for purchase at GMC dealerships across the United States and in select international markets.

The GMC Acadia was built at GM’s Lansing Delta City Assembly Plant in Lansing, Michigan.

According to GM Authority sources, the start of regular production for the 2023 GMC Acadia is scheduled to begin on June 10, 2022. Production will once again take place at GM’s Spring Hill plant in Tennessee.

People also ask GMC Acadia 2023

Q: Is the GMC Acadia changing in 2023?
A: What’s new for GMC Acadia 2023? Acadia continues into 2023 unchanged. This three-row SUV has a pleasing style and is offered in SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali trim levels. A 2.0-liter turbo-4 comes standard, while the refined 3.6-liter V-6 is optional.

Q: Are GMC Acadia good cars?
A: Yes, the GMC Acadia is a good SUV. It is available with two engine options which are energetic, good fuel mileage, and can drive smoothly on rough roads. The cabin looks good, and the first two rows of seats are spacious and comfortable. The infotainment system is also user-friendly.

Q: What is the GMC Acadia luxury package?
A: The $995 Luxury Package adds memory function for the driver’s seat and mirrors, power-adjustable 8-way front passenger seat, heated door mirrors, heated and cooled front seats, and heated outboard rear seats.

Q: Is the new Acadia smaller?
A: Compared to the old model, the 2017 version has a shorter wheelbase (6.4 inches) and overall length (7.2 inches) and is 3.5 inches narrower. The claimed curb weight is about 700 pounds lighter.