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What do our experts think of the 2022 GMC Acadia? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s New for the 2022 GMC Acadia?
Slotting between the Terrain and Yukon, the 2022 GMC Acadia occupies the mid-size SUV slice of General Motors’ upscale brand. Competing with the likes of Kia’s Telluride – which we review here – the Acadia offers three rows and seating for up to seven. Part of the second generation that arrived in 2017, the 2022 Acadia now comes standard with the GMC Pro Safety Plus suite of seven driver-aids as well as a new Light Stone Metallic paint color. Additionally, the naturally aspirated four-cylinder has been dropped and replaced with the turbocharged 2.0-liter as the base powertrain.
2022 GMC Acadia – gmc.com | Shop 2022 GMC Acadia on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Long list of standard driver aids
Potent optional V6 engine
High-end finishes on Denali
Supply chain issues crimp feature availability
Third row is on the tiny side
Best amenities reserved for Denali
A solid middle of the road mid-size SUV
2022 Acadia Specs
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- 228 horsepower from base engine
- 259 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 12.8 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 79 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- V6 can haul up to 4,000 lbs
- All trims have 8-inch infotainment screen
- NHTSA 5-Star overal rating
- Complimentary first service visit
2022 GMC Acadia Powertrain
Producing 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the turbocharged 2.0L inline-four is a strong base motor found on SLE and SLT models. Both the AT4 and Denali trim levels come with a 3.6L V6 that makes 310 horsepower and 271 torques. The V6 can be optioned on the SLT for about $500. In both cases, a 9-speed automatic transmission routes power to the front wheels, though AWD is standard on the AT4 and available elsewhere for around $2000.
Front-wheel-drive models feature a Drive Mode Selector with Normal, Sport, Snow and Trailer/Tow settings, while AWD trims brings 4×4, 2×4 and Off-Road modes. Four-corner independent suspension with a five-link rear setup ensures planted handling, though this is still a two-ton plus SUV so it leans towards being comfortable versus sporty. For an extra cushy ride, check out the continuous damping control system. Available on Acadia Denali, it adjusts shock settings every two milliseconds based on road conditions to provide the best possible ride. For more information on dampers, end links and the like; check out our Automotive Suspension Explained article.
Towing & Payload
The base 2022 GMC Acadia can tow 3,500 pounds, enough for a pair of jet skis or small pop-up trailer. Stepping up to the 3.6L V6 bumps that figure to 4,000 pounds however, these ratings assume you have the optional Trailering package. For $650, it includes a Class III hitch, 7-pin wiring harness, heavy-duty cooling system, 170-amp alternator and the Hitch Guidance system.
2022 GMC Acadia Fuel Economy & MPG
A 2022 GMC Acadia with the turbocharged four-cylinder is rated for 22 mpg in city driving and 29 mpg on the highway. That bests the 2022 Ford Explorer, which we review here, by 2 mpg in both categories. Tacking on the AWD system drops the Acadia highway figure by 2 mpg. When fitted with the V6, expect 19/27 mpg in city/highway driving for FWD models and 19/26, respectively, when adding AWD.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Every 2022 Acadia comes with three rows of seating setup with middle-row captain’s chairs and two positions in the third row, though a second-row bench is a no-cost option if you want space for seven. The first-gen Acadia made this list of best three row SUVs, but it was seven inches longer than the present model. As a result of this shrinking, it is tight in the third row with just 30” of legroom. Fortunately, it can be folded flat for 42 cubic feet of storage space; a figure that jumps to 70 when you fold down the middle row.
Additional cargo space abounds from the front center console pass-through to the under-floor storage bin in the cargo hold. Standard Active Noise Cancellation helps keep the outside noise from getting in and the triple-zoned automatic climate control keeps the interior cozy for all occupants. SLT and Denali models are upholstered in perforated leather with available amenities like heated and ventilated cushions. Base models look nice with real aluminum trim or you can dial up the fancy with genuine ash wood trim on top-spec Denali trim level.
Entertainment & Technology
Across the board, the 2022 GMC Acadia is fitted with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SLT trim level adds navigation and the Denali adds the ability to configure this screen as you like. All three rows of seating feature USB connections and up to seven devices can work off the integrated Wi-Fi hotspot. There is no digital gauge cluster available on the 2022 Acadia but a six-inch, color head-up display is included on Denali models. Other high-tech content like an HD Surround Vision monitor and digital rearview mirror with washing system is also available.
Safety Features
Newly standard on the 2022 Acadia is GMC Pro Safety Plus, the automaker’s suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. This includes forward collision warning with automated emergency braking, IntelliBeam automated high beam control, lane keeping assist with lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. You can learn more about how these safety systems work with this article detailing the specifics. The safety alert seat, with directional vibration warnings, is fitted to SLT models and above, while adaptive cruise control can be added via package on the Denali.
2022 GMC Acadia Trims & Pricing
SLE – $35,995
Front-to-back LED lighting with GMC’s C-shaped “Signature” daytime-running lamps and 18” alloys lend the base Acadia SLE an upmarket look. A Black or Cocoa and Light Ash Gray fabric upholsters the cabin that features triple-zoned climate control and aluminum trim. Apple and Android smartphone mirroring connects wirelessly to the 8” touchscreen display and OnStar is included. For $1495, the Elevation package looks sharp with 20” black wheels and a blacked-out exterior treatment.
SLT – $40,295
Along with access to the $1095 White Frost Tricoat paint job, SLT models bring a hands-free liftgate with programmable height and remote engine start. Interior upgrades include a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front row and auto-dimming rearview mirror with the option for a dual-pane “SkyScape” moonroof costing $1400. On the tech front, a 120-volt power receptacle, integrated navigation system and 8-speaker Bose audio system are all on tap.
AT4 – $42,595
Only available with the V6 and AWD, Acadia AT4 is the off-road geared model with a steel front skid plate, all-terrain tires, hill start assist and hill descent control. Kalahari accents with orange and red contrast stitching as well as embroidered AT4 logos in the headrest dress up the interior, which can be finished in jet black leather for an extra $1000. Tacking on the Preferred package nets a power-adjustable steering column with heated steering wheel and power-folding side mirrors with auto-dimming functionality.
Denali – $47,795
Featuring a trim-exclusive front grille and 20” wheels, the Denali looks the fancy part especially when finished in excusive hunter metallic paint. Cabin amenities pile high with climatized front seats, heated rear outboards, French stitching, real ash wood trim and a handsome dark galvanized and light shale leather scheme. For $4145, the Black Diamond package brings adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, a dual-pane moonroof, digital rearview mirror, adaptive ride control and more.
Warranties
The GMC warranty includes the first scheduled service within the first year of ownership. Bumper-to-bumper coverage runs 3 years or 36,000 miles and the powertrain is covered for 5 years or 60,000. There is also 24/7 roadside assistance included for a 5-year/60,000-mile period.
What we think
2022 GMC Acadia – gmc.com | Shop 2022 GMC Acadia on Carsforsale.com
With plenty of standard active safety systems, a solid infotainment system and strong engine offerings, the 2022 GMC Acadia has a lot to like. A hybrid powertrain would be a nice option and it is unfortunate that you need to pony up for a Denali model to tap the best features. Overall though, it’s hard to find things not to like, especially in SLT trim with its long list of creature comforts and access to upgrade packages.
