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We’re comparing the new 2022 GMC Acadia against itself from 2017 to find out which one is the better value in today’s market
GMC’s Mid-Sized SUV: What Year is the Best?
netcarshow.com | media.gmc.com | Shop GMC Acadia on Carsforsale.com
One thing the 2022 GMC Acadia does have on its 2017 counterpart is a new exterior style that’s up to date with the rest of the GMC family. Still, under the skin, these two mid-size SUVs are largely similar. Now that the chip shortage has caused GMC to pull some features out of the new Acadia we’re wondering if finding an older model might be a better deal. With that in mind we’ll compare the two vehicles in every major facet to find a winner.
New vs Used GMC Acadia Specs
The 2017 GMC Acadia arrived on the scene with four trims, two engines, and either front or all-wheel drive. Horsepower ranged from 193 all the way up to 310. Despite that large gap, fuel economy wasn’t very different. The EPA estimated that the four-cylinder would get up to 23 mpg combined and that the V6 could score as well as 21. Perhaps most interesting for this test is pricing. Right now, a number of fairly low mileage 2017 Acadias can be had for $30,000 or less depending on a number of factors.
Compare that to the new 2022 Acadia which starts at $35,945 and you’ll see why we’ve picked these two out. The new GMC Acadia features four trims as well but offers a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228-horsepower and an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of up to 25 mpg. The 310-horsepower V6 is still available as well for those who want more grunt in their life. It’s also available with front or all-wheel-drive.
Driving & Performance
To say these vehicles drive similarly would be an understatement. GMC hasn’t made any major updates to the suspension or the top powertrain so for the most part, they’re all but identical. That 310-horsepower V6 is fantastic and sincerely enjoyable to punch when getting on the highway. Braking performance is good too though we’d love to see a little more attention given to the steering feedback in the future. Both cars feel more numb than we’d like on center and even a little into the turn itself.
Where they start to feel different is with regard to the base powertrain. The new Acadia doesn’t feel like it’s gasping for breath like the older SUV. Throttle input is met with quick and linear response too. No, we don’t think that it’s necessarily worth the extra money on this one merit alone, but those who go searching for a new Acadia can be reassured, the base powertrain is better than ever.
Comfort & Interior
For us, it does seem like the exterior of the 2022 Acadia is far improved over the older car. On the other side of the coin, the interior is practically identical in almost every way. We think the average consumer would sincerely be challenged to determine which was which just based on photos. That’s not to say that these SUVs aren’t comfortable though. Each one has supportive front seats with good adjustability, headroom, and legroom.
The rear seats don’t feel nearly as supple though and that goes for every trim level including the Denali in both model years. It’s a sincere let down and feels like a clear indication that GM wants nothing to do with GMC stealing sales from Cadillac. The buttons and materials just don’t feel like they should be in a premium SUV priced in the mid-$40,000 range.
Trims & Features
For 2017, GMC Sold the Acadia in four different main trim levels.
SL – This trim came with 17-inch wheels, tri-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 7-inch infotainment system featuring Android and Apple connectivity. It also used the 193-horsepower four-cylinder engine mentioned above and used FWD only.
SLE – GMC actually split the SLE into two. The SLE1 added satellite radio and LED running lights while the SLE2 provided 18-inch wheels, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and captain’s chairs in the second row. AWD becomes optional at the SLE level.
SLT – The SLT was also split up with the first version getting leather upholstery, a Bose eight-speaker audio system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. SLT2 added 20-inch wheels, heated outboard second-row seats, forward collision mitigation, automatic high beams, and more. It also included the V6 engine.
Denali – The Denali added polished wheels, Xenon headlights, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel. Buyers could also add a surround-view camera system and adaptive cruise control.
For 2022, the lineup is the same but different. Four trims are still available but the names and equipment have changed.
SLE – This is now the base trim and features 18-inch wheels, tri-zone climate control, and a new 8-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also gets lane-keep assist, parking sensors, and automatic emergency braking.
SLT – Go for this trim if you want remote start, fog lights, integrated navigation, leather upholstery, an eight speaker Bose sound system, and a hands-free liftgate.
AT4 – As the off-road package, this Acadia only comes with All-Wheel-Drive and the V6. It also gets 17-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, hill descent control, hill hold assist, and black exterior trim.
Denali – Again, at the top of the range is the Denali and now it has 20-inch wheels, a heads-up display, a digital instrument panel, heated second row seats, and a wireless charging pad. Buyers can opt for a surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive suspension, and more.
The Verdict
2017 GMC Acadia – netcarshow.com | Shop GMC Acadia on Carsforsale.com
It feels like a no-brainer to go grab a used GMC Acadia Denali or something similar at this point. Right now, there are a few with reasonable mileage, and with almost every option available for less than $40,000. At the end of the day, the new GMC Acadia is a whole lot of disappointment on wheels considering how little buyers get for their money. That’s why we think you should pocket the cash and go get a lightly used model. It’s not like GMC offers some excellent long term warranty or complimentary maintenance (like other brands do) that might persuade us to go for new over used.
