GMC is still relatively new to the crossover marketplace. The Acadia was the brand's first foray into light-duty utilities, the first generation of which GMC sold from 2007 through 2016.
The Acadia is now well into a second generation that was introduced in 2017. It arrived on a smaller platform designed to set GMC's mid-size crossover apart from the similar, but larger, Chevrolet Traverse.
For 2020, the Acadia gets a significant mid-cycle update that brings new styling; a newly optional 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine; a nine-speed transmission to replace last year's six-speed; GMC's latest infotainment system; and a new AT4 trim that gets a more aggressive exterior appearance.
Acadia's new styling ties this crossover's appearance more closely to that of the big Sierra pickup. It also follows in the Sierra's wake with the adoption of the AT4 trim. This package doesn't add any functional features, but makes the Acadia look better suited to venturing off paved roads.
GMC's new turbo four-cylinder engine is a call-up from the compact Terrain crossover. Interestingly, it makes less power in the larger Acadia, with ratings of 230 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Terrain's version makes 252 hp. In the Acadia, the turbo engine has cylinder deactivation that shuts off two cylinders in light load conditions. Turbo Acadia models also get GM's eBoost brake system, which uses electricity to provide power brake assist instead of engine vacuum as has been standard practice for decades.
The new engine slots in between Acadia's existing engines: a 2.5L four-cylinder makes 193 hp/188 lb-ft, and a 3.6L V6 remains the strongest option with 310 hp and 271 lb-ft.
Acadia's new nine-speed transmission is standard with all three engines, and brings push-button controls to replace last year's traditional shift lever.
For 2020, Acadia's trim levels are SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali. As we write this, GMC has yet to reveal the Acadia's full feature list. Highlights include standard 18-inch wheels, with 20-inchers included in pricier trims; a hands-free power tailgate for SLT, AT4 and Denali; and a refined infotainment system that lives in an 8.0-inch touchscreen.
We expect AWD to once again be standard in all trims, save SLE, which will start as a front-driver.
As of this writing, GMC had not published fuel consumption estimates for the 2020 Acadia. Ratings for the 2.5L and 3.6L engines should be similar to last year's. Those figures are 11.1/9.2 and 11.3/9.4 L/100 km (city/highway) for 2.5L FWD and AWD models, respectively, and 13.1/9.4 and 13.5/9.5 L/100 km for the 3.6L engine with FWD and AWD. Look for the 2.0L turbo engine to be rated at something like 12.0/9.5 L/100 km with AWD.
