The 2020 GMC Acadia debuted online this week ahead of an expected appearance at the 2019 New York International Auto Show next month.
The Acadia is only a few years old, but the crossover segment is increasingly competitive, so it’s no surprise to see General Motors act quick in delivering an updated version. The biggest changes have happened to the front and rear fascias, which have been completely redesigned and also receive new LED headlights and taillights.
Another big change for the 2020 GMC Acadia is the addition of the new off-road focused AT4 model. All examples of the tough-looking AT4 trim are distinguished by model specific gloss black exterior trim, 17-inch black wheels and all-terrain tires. The full 2020 Acadia lineup will include the SLE base model, SLT, AT4 and the luxury-focused Denali.
Powering base versions of this updated mid-size crossover is General Motors’ 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the 3.6-liter V6 returns as an optional extra. A new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is also offered on SLT and Denali models, which is rated at 230 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. All of the engines are paired with a new nine-speed auto, which replaces the outgoing six-speed automatic.
Some minor interior updates have also been applied including a new electronic gear selector, which has enabled GM to redesign the center console for additional storage space and convenience. There’s also a more user-friendly infotainment system, a different HD rear-view camera and an available wireless charging pad.
So, with all this in mind, GM Authority readers, do you think the 2020 GMC Acadia is Hot or Not? We like that GM has updated the range with the AT4 trim, but it will face stiff competition from Jeep’s Trailhawk vehicles, for example. We also like to see the addition of the 2.0-liter turbo to the engine range, although it would have been nice to see it made available on more trim levels.
Vote Hot or Not on the 2020 GMC Acadia in the poll below and feel free to tell us why you voted the way you did in the comments.
Comments
Is that a HUD I see in the window?? That would be a nice addition.
The new Sierra made me believe that GM is going to start betting big on HUDs.
I think they’re betting HUDs can make massive Ram-style touch screens seem dated. Combining HUDs with the motion gesture macros many lux manufacturers are starting to incorporate seems like a winning idea.
Miss the traditional gear selector.
Love the new design.
I thought I would miss the traditional gear shifter when I got my 2019 Terrain, but I don’t. I found it easy to pick up. Saleslady didn’t even have to go over it with me. Had it down by the time I was finished with my test drive. I like how it opens up the center console for storage and side by side cup holders. Don’t notice any abnormal delays with the gear selection and have not had any problems. Just need to try it and you might like it.
I mean, I thought the same thing about the joystick in the XT5. I hated the idea of it, but its not actually that bad. I cant stand the buttons (nor any of FCAs dial shifters) because it just feels….unnatural.
But your talking to someone who loves the good ‘ol column shifter in the SUVs and trucks 🙂
Don’t know if I could get used to a joystick, then again it’s kind of like a traditional gear shifter only in a different position and different range of motion. Hate dial shifters. Dial shifters are only good for 4WD selection in my opinion. I will say this though, not having a column shifter in my Terrain makes using low gear a little awkward and slightly distracting. I don’t use it that much but tried it out when I got the SUV home; made me miss the column shifter a little.
I’m old enough to remember people complaining the move from column to floor shifters.
Love the new design in front and back. Still scratching my head at what GM is thinking on the AT4 designation and putting the 4cyl turbo as standard in the Denali. Maybe I should question the market though instead. Hope it all works out to more sales, but I’m confused the on the direction here.
4 cylinder turbo upgrade everywhere would have been a nice addition and justify the expense of getting it certified.
Reason I said that about the HUD is my previous Gen Acadia Denali had one, the current Gen doesn’t which was a disappointment at the time.
In the meanwhile, Ford has properly updated the Explorer, dropping FWD/AWD and going back to RWD/4WD, has increased the power/torque, and designed a clean-looking and current-tech interior. Go ahead, GM…pat yourselves on the back. Way to go.
Many people in the north and Midwest don’t even want RWD. I’ve spoken to many friends who have families and they said for a family car, they’d prefer front or all wheel drive. So no, the Acadia not having RWD is not an issue. Many families don’t really care about how it drives. It’s about the features.
Much improved vehicle with the updated powertrain combinations, especially the 9-speed auto and 2.0L turbo. GMC should drop the 2.5 four cylinder.
I think it looks Great.
I’ll hold my opinion till I see it in person, hard to tell in photos !!
It’s a nice looking ride. My only issues are the taillights at the rear and the fog light inserts up front. The taillights would have looked much better if they didn’t extend past the rear quarters to the hatch. A smooth hatch always looks classy. The fog lights upfront just look cheap, like someone forgot about them then said “Holy crap! We forgot about the fog lights.”.
Looks fine as it is just a mild refresh. Just not enough content change to make me replace my 17 Denali yet
I am glad they added HUD.
I do expect auto stop with no shut off as it’s sister models have with the V6 9 speed and that would give me major pause to buy it.
The refresh is a success without a doubt. Looking like how a real GMC should look.
One little quibble though, if you’re doing a AT4 Acadia raise it at least an inch and a half and lose the chin spoiler. Otherwise job well done, GMC.
I too missed the HUD that was on my previous Acadia but taken away on my current Acadia. One thing I do hope they fixed is the problem with storing the cargo cover. 2014 model no problem, but 2017 there is no where to store it. You either put it in the house (which defeats the entire purpose) or your third row passengers carry it! Really dumb. If they haven’t fixed that issue, I may not be getting an Acadia at the end of the year when my lease is up. Also, I do see they brought back the power fold mirrors which were on my 2014 and then taken away on my 2017.
I do not like the grill but hope I get used to it by the time the lease is up on my 2018 Acadia. Turbo would be nice if available on SLE and it actually gets better mileage than the V6.
Well it finally LOOKS like a GMC now…
The headlights in the current model had me scratching my head from the beginning.
GMC should be nothing but straight hard angled lines.
I like the update and the new features. However as a Gmc salesperson. We miss the size of the previous generation. We kind of feel Gmc shot themselves in the foot. We wish Gmc would have offered both a std length and an Acadia XL with a larger rear cargo area. My customers certainly make that comment.
The new headlamp design looks like the one on the new Cadillac XT6. And, the new 2.0 liter turbo engine is the new one in the Cadillac XT4 that has the patented floating camshaft. In most respects, the exterior dimensions and powertrain are the same as the new Chevrolet Blazer based on Camaro design cues. But, the new Acadia interior design is much more upscale than the Blazer. I had decided on buying a Blazer until I saw the refresh of the Acadia and if it gets the surprisingly great reviews of the automotive press as the Blazer for design and performance and the price structure is the same between the two, I’m buying an Acadia Denali. The big deal about the EPS reminds me of when drivers were all atwitter about the change from column shifters to floor shifters. I like the way EPS opens up center stack space not to mention the problems when floor shifters have mechanical problems. I’m tired of all of the German and Asian models with their cookie cutter designs.