GMC improves performance and condenses the model lineup on the 2022 GMC Acadia SUV.
A more powerful base engine gives the Acadia more credibility in the 3-row SUV class, but the GMC model is still outclassed by rivals such as the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot.
Both the Kia and Honda offer more interior space and beefier standard engines, plus better-equipped and finished cabins than the Acadia.
On the plus, the GMC’s slightly smaller dimensions make it easier to maneuver in tight spaces, and its infotainment system is excellent.
2022 GMC Acadia SLE (starting at $34,800)
GMC has dropped last year’s entry-level SL trim, so the considerably more expensive SLE is now the starting point for Acadia buyers. The good news is that GMC has introduced a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower, up from 193 horsepower last year.
Though the power boost is welcome, the Acadia still lags behind the competition in engine output. As a result, we recommend stepping up to the SLT trim level and selecting the optional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower (the larger engine is standard in the AT4 and Denali trims).
The SLE rides on 18-inch wheels and comes in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The price difference is an extra $2,300 on the SLE grade or $2,000 more on the higher trims (the AT4 version comes with AWD as standard).
The 2.0-liter engine distributes its power via a 9-speed automatic transmission.
The SLE has three rows of seats, with room for six or seven passengers, depending on configuration. As standard, the SLE comes with seating for six, with second-row captain’s chairs, but a no-cost option on all trims replaces those chairs with a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat, which ups seating capacity to seven. The third-row seat is 50/50 split-folding.
In front of the driver is a 4.2-inch instrument display. An 8-inch touchscreen is in the center of the dashboard, and the base audio system has six speakers, but an 8-speaker Bose system is optional.
Other standard equipment includes a 3-zone climate control system, auto high beam, LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights. The vehicle is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Among the optional features are heated front seats, 8-way power driver seats, a power liftgate, and 20-inch wheels.
An impressive suite of standard safety features includes automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, front and rear park assist, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision alert, blind-spot alert, and rear cross-traffic alert.
For $1,750, a driver convenience package includes an 8-way power-adjustable driver seat, driver’s power lumbar adjustment for the driver, heated front seats, remote start, and hands-free, programmable liftgate.
A $995 infotainment package upgrades the standard 8-inch touchscreen with a navigation system and Bose 8-speaker audio system.
One other notable option is a $1,400 sunroof, which has two panels, one fixed and one that can slide or tilt.
Adding in the $1,195 destination fee, the GMC Acadia SLE sticker comes to $35,995. Given 3% financing over 60 months and no down payment, that would produce a monthly payment of $618. Find a 2022 GMC Acadia SLE for sale
2022 GMC Acadia SLE Includes:
- Excellent safety equipment – Most desirable safety aids are included.
- 3-zone climate control – Nice system for keeping passengers comfortable.
- 8-inch touchscreen – User-friendly infotainment system.
2022 GMC Acadia SLT ($39,100)
Adding to the SLE equipment, the SLT trim makes standard the features in the optional driver Convenience package and the Infotainment package. The SLT also sports an enhanced 8-inch color driver display, leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED fog lights, and roof rails.
Again, we favor the SLT trim with the V6 engine option, which adds $495 to the bottom line. The V6 is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
The $995 Luxury package adds memory function for driver’s seat and mirrors, 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated door mirrors, heated-and-cooled front seats, and heated outboard rear seats.
Adding in the $1,195 destination fee, the GMC Acadia SLT sticker comes to $40,295. Given 3% financing over 60 months and no down payment, that would produce a monthly payment of $692. Find a 2022 GMC Acadia SLT for sale
2022 GMC Acadia SLT Includes:
- Available V6 engine – Extra power is welcome.
- Leather-wrapped wheel – Nice upscale feature
- 8-inch driver display – Aids driver vehicle management.
2022 GMC Acadia AT4 ($41,400)
GMC positions the AT4 as the trim to choose if buyers have plans for a little more adventurous off-roading.
With that in mind, the standard AWD system, all-terrain tires mounted on 17-inch wheels, and the more powerful standard V6 engine are advantages.
But the AT4 has no more ground clearance than its stablemates, limiting its ability on rough trails.
In terms of standard equipment, the AT4 basically mirrors the makeup of the SLT trim.
Leather seating is an option for $1,000.
Adding in the $1,195 destination fee, the GMC Acadia AT4 sticker comes to $42,595. Given 3% financing over 60 months and no down payment, that would produce a monthly payment of $731. Find a 2022 GMC Acadia AT4 for sale
2022 GMC Acadia AT4 Includes:
- AWD – Good for modest trail work and snow belt buyers.
- V6 engine – Preferred over the base engine.
2022 GMC Acadia Denali ($46,600)
Climbing to the top of the Acadia trim ladder brings us to the Denali grade. At this level, the Acadia comes with all the equipment of lower trims, plus 20-inch wheels, the V6 engine, and the features of the optional SLT luxury package as standard.
Beyond that, there are two main options.
The Denali Ultimate Package includes the two-panel sunroof, adaptive ride control, and a trailering package – costs $5,045 for the AWD version or $3,845 for the FWD version include the adaptive ride control system.
The Denali Technology Package includes surround vision, adaptive cruise control, and a rear-camera mirror for $1,795.
Neither of these packages is available if the Acadia Denali buyer opts for the 2.0-liter turbo engine alternative to the V6 (the switch saves $495).
Adding in the $1,195 destination fee, the GMC Acadia Denali sticker comes to $47,792. Given 3% financing over 60 months and no down payment, that would produce a monthly payment of $820. Find a 2022 GMC Acadia Denali for sale
2022 GMC Acadia Denali includes:
- 20-inch wheels – Sharpens up the Acadia curb appeal.
- Heated and cooled seats – Premium touch for all climate comfort.
- Heated rear seats – No one is left out when it turns cold.
