As a three-row midsize SUV, the 2021 GMC Acadia fills the gap between the smaller GMC Terrain and the larger Yukon. After a styling refresh and several upgrades last year, the Acadia returns in 2021 with only minor changes. From the affordable albeit modestly appointed base model to the off-road-themed AT4 and luxurious Denali trim, there's a wide range of Acadias to choose from. The question is: Should you?
We like the Acadia for its smooth ride and optional V6 engine, but its interior quality doesn't meet expectations for the price. It also comes up a little short on third-row space and cargo room. As such, we suggest cross-shopping some of Edmunds' highly rated three-row SUVs such as the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride.
The 2021 GMC Acadia is offered in five trim levels — SL, SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali — and comes with one of three engine choices. Most Acadia trim levels have standard front-wheel drive and offer all-wheel drive as an option. Feature highlights include: Compare the 2021 GMC Acadia trim levels in-depth.
Which Acadia trim does Edmunds recommend?
The SLT trim gets our vote because it has a more powerful turbocharged engine and a lot more standard features than the SL or SLE. On top of that, it's also eligible for more options. If you plan on towing, you'll want to get a Denali with its available V6 engine and tow package. Combined they provide a 4,000-pound maximum tow rating.
The 2021 GMC Acadia has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #29 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#29 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$610/yr
vs. $485/yr for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
1.16x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
18%
vs. 13.5% for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
2 recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
22V709000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N222378380
Number of vehicles affected:
95231
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently.
Defect Consequence:
An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the coaxial cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222378380.
Recall Number:
21V422000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N212335590
Number of vehicles affected:
572
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated.
Defect Consequence:
Improperly attached and seated fuel supply lines may loosen or separate, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect and replace fuel supply lines as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212335590.
Likes: Looks great, Powerful V6, very smooth transmission, solid braking, adjustable heads up display is great, plush comfortable ride on long trips, plenty of room for adults in 2nd row bucket seats, easy to navigate and personalize electronics, many safety features, defeat switch to disable stop/start feature, hidden tow hitch. Outside of the few minor personal dislikes listed below, … this is a really nice vehicle, and so far I am very happy with it.
Dislikes: No audible warning from blind spot monitor when using turn signal to change lanes.
Loud wind noise at highway speed when roof rack cross rails are installed.
Additional monthly fees for "MyGMC" internet app.
The optional integrated cargo mats don't fold well, and can be frustrating when raising 3rd row seats.
The right and left instrument panel clusters are designed differently than the
center cluster and the outboard halves of both can be difficult to see clearly when bright sunlight is coming through the driver's window.
2021 GMC Acadia Denali
1 out of 5 stars
Acadia Ohio, 04/27/2021
2021 GMC Acadia Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
Having bought two new Acadia Denali's prior to the 2021 model, we felt this purchase was a "no brainer"; however, nothing could be farther from the truth. We purchased the vehicle in January of 2021, and within 2,000 miles, it needed a new transmission. After getting it back from a week at the dealer, the sensor system started acting up and the vehicle started to smoke. We brought … it back to the dealer, and it was determined the engine block was porous per a GM service bulletin, and the entire engine needed to be replaced. It has been three (3) weeks and the vehicle remains at the dealer. We are a loyal GM family, but not are very scared of this vehicle and have requested a refund. Waiting to hear from the dealer. On a positive note, the dealership was attentive and emphathetic......
MAJOR Transmission Problems
1 out of 5 stars
Heather , 05/24/2021
2021 GMC Acadia SLE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 9A)
We bought a brand new 2021 GMC Acadia SLE on May 1st. It was so new that it only had 4 miles on it when we left the car lot. I drove it the first week and all was fine. Fast forward to May 8th, with 519 miles on the car, and all of a sudden, my car starts shaking and had to be towed to a dealer. The dealer said it needed a new transmission and supposedly fixed it, so I got the car back … on May 18th with 527 miles on it.
Today, May 23rd, I got in my car again and didn’t even get a mile away from my house when my car started shaking again and alerting me the transmission and engine needs services immediately. I called another tow truck and it’s now sitting at the dealer and we will have to see what they say tomorrow morning since it’s a Sunday.
Since purchasing the car on May 1st, I’ve had it to drive about 10 days and it has been at a shop basically 11 days including today.
We traded in a 2016 Mazda CX-5 to have more room for our growing family and we never had any issues with it. Wishing we kept the Mazda because this has been a headache.
This car has major issues for it to happen to us twice in a 3 week span. We also overheard someone at the dealership service department say ours was the 2nd Acadia to have this issue.
BUYER BEWARE
1800 miles and transmission needs replaced
1 out of 5 stars
Jim C, 03/13/2021
2021 GMC Acadia AT4 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
I purchased a 2021 GMC Acadia SLT on December 30th 2020. On March 11th (70 days and 1800 miles into my ownership) the vehicle lurched forward and the check engine light came on. I'm being told by the dealer it is a stuck valve problem that GM is aware of and put out a paper on. The transmission needs replaced. Now nobody can answer whether I'll get a new or remanufactured transmission. … I obviously am disgusted this would happen to a brand new vehicle. I would expect GM to put a new transmission in not remanufactured.