With a new generation promised for 2024, the three-row 2023 GMC Acadia returns with little in the way of change. GMC even held the line on pricing with only an expected $200 bump in the suggested retail price of each of the Acadia’s four trim levels.
The trim lineup for 2023 begins with the SLE and ends with the Denali. Sandwiched in between are the SLT and the off-road-influenced AT4. All-wheel drive (AWD) is a $2,300 upgrade for the SLE, a $2,000 premium for the SLT and Denali, and standard on the AT4.
We like the Acadia for its outstanding infotainment system, advanced safety technologies, a spunky turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and its upscale Denali trim.
Standard on the SLE, SLT, and Denali is a 228-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Optional on the SLT and Denali, but standard on the AT4 is a 310-hp, 3.6-liter V6. GMC hitches both engines to a 9-speed automatic transmission. With front-wheel drive (FWD), the turbo-4 delivers 25 mpg in combined city and highway driving. This figure drops to 24 mpg with AWD. The V6 gets 22 mpg with FWD and 21 mpg with AWD.
Smaller than many 3-row rivals like the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride, the Acadia has a third row that’s more of an afterthought than a functioning space for anyone other than small children. On the positive side, though, the Acadia enjoys better maneuverability than its larger competitors.
Standard seating is for six because the second-row seating is two captain’s chairs. You can swap them out for a 60/40 split-bench seat at no extra charge, increasing the passenger count to seven.
2023 GMC Acadia SLE (starting at $35,000)
Anchoring the Acadia lineup, the SLE comes with 18-inch aluminum wheels, heated outboard rearview mirrors with integrated turn signals, and high-beam assist. Also standard are LED headlights, a 4.2-inch color driver-information display, eight airbags, cruise control, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start. The SLE also includes a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, cloth seats, five USB ports, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
Keeping the cabin entertained and connected is an infotainment system featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Also included are Wi-Fi hot spot capability, Teen Driver technology, a 6-speaker audio system, OnStar telematics capability, and satellite radio capability.
GMC provides the Acadia with a wide range of advanced safety and driver-aid technologies. They include a forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, front/rear park assist, and an HD rearview camera. Also standard are blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
You may add the $1,750 Driver Convenience Package to outfit your Acadia further. It gains you an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, remote start, a hands-free power rear liftgate, a 120-volt power port, and more. Also available is the Infotainment Package for $995. It adds navigation and an 8-speaker Bose audio system.
The Elevation Edition ($1,495) is an option on the SLE and SLT. It consists of 20-inch black aluminum wheels, black GMC lettering, a blacked-out grille, and other black exterior accents.
Adding the $1,195 destination fee to the SLE base price brings the total to $36,195. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $650 per month. See 2023 GMC Acadia SLE models for sale
2023 GMC Acadia SLE includes:
Tri-zone automatic climate control – Separating the vehicle into three areas (front right, front left, and rear), it allows the temperatures to be set individually in each. It then automatically maintains those preset temperatures.
Front/rear park assist – Sensors on the front and rear bumpers detect when an object is close, triggering a warning.
Proximity keyless entry – If the key fob is on your person, the doors automatically unlock when you touch the door handle. Push-button start is paired with keyless entry.
2023 GMC Acadia SLT (starting at $40,495)
The SLT is our value pick for the Acadia. Building on the SLE, it adds the features in the SLE Driver Convenience Package and the Infotainment Package. It also includes roof rails, LED fog lights, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Perforated leather seating and a Homelink transceiver are standard as well.
The SLT Preferred Package ($995) adds an 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, memory settings, and power-folding auto-dimming outboard mirrors. It also includes a heated power-adjustable steering wheel and ventilated front seats. You may also add the $1,000 Technology Package. It gains you an 8-inch driver-configurable information display, a surround-view camera, and a head-up display.
Adding the $1,195 destination fee to the SLT base price equals $41,690. Financing for 60 months at 3% interest with no money down works out to about $749 per month. See 2023 GMC Acadia SLT models for sale
2023 GMC Acadia SLT includes:
Hands-free power liftgate – With the key fob on your person, stick your foot under the rear bumper. The liftgate automatically opens.
Remote start – When within range, you can start the vehicle from outside it with the key fob. It’s handy for precooling the SUV in summer or preheating it in winter.
LED fog lights – Mounted lower than the headlights, these lights are aimed downward to illuminate beneath the fog layer. LEDs illuminate a wider and longer area than regular incandescent or halogen lights, making them easier for other drivers to see.
2023 GMC Acadia AT4 (starting at $42,795)
The AT4 is Acadia’s dedicated off-road grade. It doesn’t gain any ground clearance over the other Acadia trims, but it does have a few extra elements increasing its capability on dirt.
Lost are the ventilated front seats and the perforated leather seating. However, the Acadia AT4 comes standard with the V6, AWD, hill-descent control, hill-start assist, and Active Torque Control for more challenging off-road environments. Also standard are 17-inch wheels and upgraded cloth seating.
The AT4 also offers the SLT’s Preferred and Technology Packages, among other options.
Adding the $1,195 destination fee to the AT4 base price equals $43,990. Financing for 60 months at 3% interest with no money down works out to about $790 per month. See 2023 GMC Acadia AT4 models for sale
2023 GMC Acadia AT4 includes:
V6 engine – This is a 230-hp 3.6-liter V6 that also generates 271 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission.
AWD – Not really meant for serious off-roading, this AWD system is fine for dirt, mud, and snow.
Hill-descent control – This is essentially cruise control for low-speed downhill driving.
2023 GMC Acadia Denali (starting at $49,450)
The Denali sits atop the Acadia trim levels. It comes with the turbo-4, but the V6 is an option. Both engines accommodate standard FWD or optional AWD, but the Denali loses the AT4’s Active Torque System.
As the top Acadia, the Denali builds on the SLT. In addition to picking up all the Preferred and Technology Packages features, it adds 20-inch aluminum wheels and heated second-row seats.
For an extra $1,795, you can score the Denali Technology Package. It gains you a surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control, and a digital rearview camera mirror. Pony up another $3,845 for the Denali Ultimate Package (or $5,045 with AWD). It comes with the features in the Technology Package plus a 2-panel panoramic sunroof, adaptive ride control (AWD only), and a trailering package with hitch guidance.
Adding the $1,195 destination fee to the Denali base price equals $50,645. Financing for 60 months at 3% interest with no money down works out to about $910 per month. See 2023 GMC Acadia Denali models for sale
2023 GMC Acadia Denali includes:
Surround-view camera – It provides a 360-degree bird’s-eye view around the vehicle. This is particularly valuable when parking.
Head-up display – A projector on the dashboard at the windshield base displays critical driver information on the windshield just below the driver’s line of sight.
Power-adjustable steering wheel – Changing the height and distance of the steering wheel is as easy as pressing a button. This steering wheel is heated as well.
