The 2022 GMC Acadia is a three-row midsize SUV that fills the gap between the smaller Terrain and the larger Yukon in the GMC lineup. The Acadia is offered in four trim levels, with plenty of available options to go around.
For 2022, the SL trim level and its unimpressive 193-horsepower four-cylinder have been dropped from the lineup. The new year also sees more advanced driver aids added as standard equipment, new wheel designs, and a new color: Light Stone Metallic.
The 2022 GMC Acadia is a six-passenger three-row SUV offered in four trim levels — SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali — and with one of two engine choices. Most Acadia trim levels have a standard front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive as an option.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Acadia’s base engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for 228 horsepower and the optional 3.6-liter V-6 makes 310 horsepower. A nine-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard with either engine, and all-wheel drive is optional.
While you’ll never forget that you’re driving an SUV, the 2022 GMC Acadia is competent and reasonably composed. The Acadia feels ponderous during high-speed cornering, but when driven in a less aggressive manner (as most people drive most of the time), the ride is forgiving and stable.
An adaptive suspension—standard on the Denali and optional on SLT trim with all-wheel drive—adjusts the dampers every two milliseconds to help smooth out the ride over bumps or to tighten things up if the driver starts feeling frisky.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates the front-drive version with the turbo four-cylinder engine will earn 22 mpg city and 29 highway. The V-6 with front-wheel drive has estimates of 19 mpg city and 27 highway.
However, we haven’t tested an Acadia with the nine-speed automatic transmission on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test. For more information about Acadia’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The 2022 GMC Acadia‘s compact exterior may help it fit into garages and parking spaces, but it imposes consequences on interior spaciousness. The interior design is pleasing to the eye, and most controls are intuitive and within reach of the driver.
A black-and-white gauge cluster with red needles provides information at a glance. Denali models feature a reconfigurable center screen that provides a plethora of additional vehicle information depending on the driver’s settings.
The tilting-and-telescoping steering column could use more range to give very tall or very short drivers a comfortable position, but it works for most people. The leather-wrapped steering wheel features aluminum trim that is convincingly upscale.
Unfortunately, some of the interior materials have a cheap look and feel. With the third row in use, we were only able to fit two carry-on suitcases in the Acadia, but with the second-and third-row seats stowed, we were able to fit 28.
The Dodge Durango held four cases behind its third row and 30 with the rear rows of seats folded, so it might be a better choice if you’ll be frequently hauling people and cargo at the same time.
Infotainment and Connectivity
When it comes to technology, the 2022 GMC Acadia offers plenty for the whole family. From an abundance of USB ports to a Wi-Fi hotspot, passengers can easily stay connected.
The touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive and responsive. Charging more than one device that requires a 12-volt outlet may prove a challenge, as only one of those outlets is provided.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2022 GMC Acadia offers several standard driver-assistance technologies such as automated emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlamps, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.
For more information about Acadia’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
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