2020 GMC Acadia AT4 AWD: The Newest Addition To The Line Up

Highlight: The Acadia uses a piano key-like shift gear indicator.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $45,680 (Base Model: $32,190)

Seating Capacity: 5, 6 or 7 seater

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; rearview camera; a stability control system; a lane change alert system; a side blind zone alert system; a rear cross traffic alert system; a rear park assist system; a teen driver safety system; OnStar system; a tire inflator kit and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Base SL Model): 17-inch wheels; a 9-speed automatic transmission; a tri-zone automatic climate control system; an 8-inch infotainment screen; a keyless entry system; in-vehicle Wi-Fi system; a rear seat reminder; manually operated front seats; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a manually operated liftgate; and a fuel saving start-stop system

Standard Equipment (AT4): a 3.6-liter, 6-cylinder engine; 301-horsepower; painted aluminum wheels.; all-terrain blackwheel; a hill descent control system; a remote vehicle start system; SiriusXM radio; power driver’s seat; heated front seats; power liftgate; heated outside mirror; fog lamps; and black roof rack rails

Options: special exterior paint; a Bose 8-speaker audio system; an infotainment system with a navigation; HD radio; a safety alert system; intellibeam headlamps; a front and rear park assist system; following distance indicator; a forward collision alert system; lane keep assist with lane departure warning; an automatic braking emergency system; a front pedestrian braking; and Carbon Black Metallic

Other Trim Level:

SL

SLE

SLT

Denali

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM radio

Compatible with AppleCar Play and Android: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Depending upon the trim.

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder/193-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 18-city/25-hwy

Towing Capability: 1,000 to 4,000 lbs

What’s New: In addition to GMC’s fullsize crossover receiving a mid-cycle refresh, GMC has added the AT4 trim to the Acadia's portfolio. 

 Why: The Acadia is a sibling to both the Chevy Traverse and the Buick Enclave, but rides on a slightly shorter wheelbase. 

The fullsize Acadia, which is available in a variety of trims, continues to be available in a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration. 

GMC's fullsize crossover is available in a 5-passenger, 6-passenger or a 7-passenger configuration. The fullsize crossover can be powered by one of two 4-cylinder engines or a 6-cylinder engine, depending upon the trim. Prior to 2020, the powertrain options were a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine or a 3.6-liter, 6-cylinder engine.

For the 2020 model year, GMC continues to up the ante in the area of fuel-efficiency. The Acadia expands its powertain, adding an all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The 4-cylinder engine, which produces 230-horsepower, is designed to optimize both performance and fuel-efficiency.

In fact, all of the 2020 powertrains offerings in the Acadia now include an all-new nine-speed transmission. The standard nine-speed transmission along with the standard fuel cutoff activation system are additional measures GM has taken to ink out as much mpg as possible out of this crossover.

Other noticeable changes to the 2020 Acadia centers around a new grille, a new front fascia and a rear fascia. Unless one places the vehicle side-by-side with a 2019 model, the exterior design changes are barely noticeable. 

However, inside the vehicle the changes are more obvious. Acadia’s design team has reconfigured the center console, enhancing the storage space. Also the infotainment system, which houses the audio, ventilation and navigation systems, has been slightly modified, making the system more intuitive.

Moreover, the folks from GMC expanded the Acadia's portfolio. This year they slid in a new more rugged-look, with the 5-seater AT4 trim. The AT4 trim, which we reviewed, is powered by a 3.6-liter, 6-cylinder engine that produces 310-horsepower. To match the rugged look, the AT4 distinguishes itself from the Acadia trims, with its black chrome accented grille, standard all-wheel drive configuration, 17-inch wheels and an all-terrain tires.

Lastly, all of the Acadia trims are available with the latest self-driving aids, ranging from a radar activated cruise control system to an electronic blind spot system.

But: For those opting for the AT4 trim, they'll have to give up the third row. The vehicle is only available with second row bench seats. However, for those vehicles so equipped with the third row, they'll find that isn’t designed for taking adults on a cross country venture. The third row are more suitable for kids being that the legroom is limited due to the overall length of the vehicle.

Also, there is a lot of competition in this segment. The Koreans has entered the fullsize segment, with two competitively priced, well-equipped vehicles that are a bargain, when compared to many of its competitors.

Verdict: GMC’s Acadia is available in a variety of trims. The Acadia is GMC's only fullsize crossover, depending on the trim, without a third-row. 

With the Acadia, buyers can opt for a variety of trims, powertrains and seating configurations too. Pricing for an Acadia starts in the low $30k and can easily push to an eye-popping $55,000, when optioned out with the higher end Denalli trim.

Competition: Ford Explorer; Honda Pilot; Hyundai Palisade; Mazda CX-9; Toyota Highlander; and Kia Telluride