Used 2019 GMC Acadia SLT-1 SUV Review

Each new car model tends to be bigger and better than the old version. So it was a surprise when GMC came out with its smaller Acadia two years ago. As a result, third-row legroom and cargo space aren't as roomy as in the previous model. But depending on your needs, the 2019 GMC Acadia could still be a good choice if you're in the market for a midsize crossover SUV.

The Acadia's size reduction pays dividends in other ways. The lighter GMC can get away with offering a base four-cylinder engine that has decent power and better fuel economy than a V6. A V6 engine is still available, though, and it delivers more power for a relatively small penalty at the pump. Overall, we like the way the Acadia drives.

Deciding on the Acadia mainly comes down to how often you need a roomy third-row seat or cargo area. If it's only occasionally, the Acadia makes a lot of sense. For frequent use, though, check out the Chevrolet Traverse. This corporate cousin to the Acadia is bigger and more family-friendly.

The 2019 GMC Acadia is a midsize SUV offered in SL, SLE, SLT and Denali trim levels. The SL model seems like a great deal until you realize that it's a custom-order model and you'll have to wait for it to be built. There are two levels of the midgrade SLE trim: The SLE-1 is only a minor upgrade over the SL (but you'll actually find it at a dealership), while the SLE-2 adds a more substantial level of upgrades. A well-equipped SLT trim is the next step up, and it, too, is split between SLT-1 and SLT-2 levels. The Denali trim rounds out the lineup with several exclusive high-end features.

Depending on trim, the midsize Acadia is offered in a two-row, five-passenger configuration or a three-row configuration with seating for six (with second-row captain's chairs) or seven (with a second-row bench). A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (193 horsepower, 188 pound-feet of torque) is standard on SL, SLE and SLT-1 models. A 3.6-liter V6 (310 hp, 271 lb-ft) is standard on SLT-2 and Denali models and optional on SLE-1 (with all-wheel drive), SLE-2 and SLT-1 trims. Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic.

Technically, GMC sells an Acadia in the SL trim, with a seven-passenger seating configuration and front-wheel drive. White and silver exterior paint are the only options on this trim. Its features include 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, GMC's Teen Driver system, Bluetooth, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone app integration, a rearview camera, OnStar with 4G LTE and a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a six-speaker audio system with a USB port and auxiliary input.

It's a built-to-order trim, however, so you're most likely going to see the next-level SLE-1 on dealer lots. The SLE-1 trim adds only LED running lights, satellite radio and rear floor mats, while the SLE-2 steps it up with 18-inch wheels, foglights, a power liftgate with programmable height stops, roof rails, remote engine start, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. The SLE-2 and above trims come standard with middle-row captain's chairs that reduce passenger capacity to six, but the second-row bench is available.

The SLE-2's available Driver Alert I package adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors.

Opting for the SLT-1 trim adds the Driver Alert I package, an auto-dimming driver-side and rearview mirror, an upgraded driver information display, a household-style power outlet, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with lumbar adjustment, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system with a subwoofer.

The SLT-2 trim adds 20-inch wheels, the V6 engine, a trailering package (detailed below), driver-seat memory functions and heated outboard middle-row seats. Also included is the Driver Alert II package that has all of the supporting Driver Alert I features, plus lane departure warning and mitigation, forward collision warning (with pedestrian detection and automatic braking at low speeds), automatic high beams, front parking sensors, and a safety-alert driver's seat that buzzes when alerts are triggered.

An 8-inch touchscreen is available on SLE-2, SLT-1 and SLT-2 models. It is paired with the Bose audio system and upgraded driver info display on the SLE-2, and it can be equipped with navigation on the SLT trims.

The top-of-the-line Denali rounds out the lineup with polished wheels, xenon headlights, a unique grille, chrome roof rails, a hands-free liftgate, the 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, a configurable virtual gauge display, ventilated front seats, and a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel. The Denali is also eligible for the optional Technology package that adds a 360-degree parking camera and adaptive cruise control.

You can get all-wheel drive on all Acadias except the base SL. A two-panel sunroof is available on SLE-2 trims and above. An All Terrain package is also available on SLE-2 and SLT-1 trims and adds the V6 engine, distinct exterior treatments, hill descent control, a more advanced all-wheel-drive system and a cargo management system (SLT-1 only). If five-passenger seating is specified, tri-zone climate control is replaced by dual-zone control with rear air vents. A trailering package is standard on SLT-2 and Denali trims and optional on SLE-2 and SLT-1 trims with the V6 engine. It includes a trailer hitch, a seven-pin wiring harness, a heavy-duty alternator and cooling system, and a dotted line in the rearview camera to show the hitch location. Finally, a special suspension with adaptive dampers is optional for AWD SLT-2 and Denali trims.

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the GMC Acadia (3.6L V6 | 6-speed automatic | AWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2017, the current Acadia has received some revisions, including minor changes to feature availability.Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Acadia, however.