Following the debut of the first-generation GMC Acadia for the 2007 model year, a second-generation was introduced for the 2017 model year. The second-gen model famously changed segments, shedding some length to go from a full-size to a midsize crossover  The second-gen model is getting a refresh (otherwise known as a MCE or a Mid-Cycle Enhancement, in General Motors parlance) for the 2020 model year, gaining a tweaked exterior design, a new trim level in the form of the first-ever Acadia AT4, the new turbo-charged 2.0L I4 LSY engine, a new nine-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Precision Shift gear selector, and several other enhancements, one of which is new suspension tuning across the lineup.
That new suspension tuning results in greater ride refinement.
“We did some retuning of the suspension for more isolation while maintaining body control, and we did that for both standard suspension and the Denali,” GMC spokesperson, Stu Fowle, told GM Authority.
The Denali bit is in reference to the 2020 GMC Acadia Denali AWD, which features Continuous Damping Control (aka CDC or Adaptive Ride Control) – an adaptive suspension/damping system. CDC isn’t new for the GMC Acadia, as the feature was offered on the second-gen GMC Acadia Denali prior to this latest 2020 Acadia refresh.
However, all 2020 GMC Acadia models still receive the new suspension tuning improvements as part of the 2020 model year refresh, including Acadia Denali with CDC, Acadia Denali without CDC, and sub-Denali models.
Suspension:,FE2,FE2,FE2,FE2,FE2,FE5
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- FE2 is the base/standard suspension system
- FE5 is the Performance Ride and Handling system with Adaptive Ride Control/CDC
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Comments
The ride and handling of the Acadia is one thing that is too often overlooked.
My 17 has a great ride but with the CDC and in sport mode it really can carve up a winding road with pleasure.
The ride is compliant but still not floaty and never out of control.
The sport suspension first the struts up a but makes the steering more responsive and puts the drive 60% to the rear wheels and 40 % to the front.
It drives much more like a touring sedan vs a SUV.
60 – 40% numbers pulled straight out of your ars.
You want a fun fact?
It was stated by GMC at the introduction. Also read up on the Blazer as the same rear bias claim is made.
What have you up your ARS?
FYI the All Terrain version get a twin clutch AWD from the XT5. That also came from GMC.
You need to smoke one !!!
Could you please send me a color list for the Acadia Denali 2020. I may have ordered the wrong color in red or maroon. Thank you.
@scott3 I don’t think you have ever driven on the race track. The way you explain handling is like a soccer mom driving fast from grocery store, because she is late to pick up kids from school.
Could you please send me a color list for the Acadia Denali 2020. I may have ordered the wrong color in red or maroon. Thank you.
I quite like (read: love) how the current GMC Acadia rides and handles. We’ve had a few 2017 Acadia Denalis come through our used car lot, and I’ve loved every single one of them.
They’re a good size. Decent materials, though build quality and interior panel gaps could improve. Plenty of features. Killer audio system. And the ride and handling… mmm! Fantastic! They’re one of the relatively few vehicles GM has to be truly proud of right now. It’s unfortunate I have to say that, because GM really does have the talent and supply chains to make world-class vehicles, but their profit-centric company culture simply won’t allow it.
Still need a muscle car, Camaro !!! not just the super car c8 vette. As a Camero driver I don’t care much for the new vette, I’m sure most people that have a passion for c8, don’t care about 700+ hp ZL1 and that’s ok.
It is not that we need these cars but the fact that a smaller segment still wants these cars.
Years ago you could sell several hundred per model per year on a shared platform that sold many more other models. Today all three pony cars are vastly under performing in sales.
Now if you have a way to sell 100k or more a year that will help them sell them at a lower price then let’s see and hear the plan. I know three companies that would love to have that answer.
Just a change in styling is not going to save any of them. The formula that created them is dead as the platforms have changed and customers buying habits have changed.
Might post this in a thread thatbit really pertains too.
I wish GM’s marketing had come up with the ‘domestic, not domesticated’ slogan for the Camaro. In many of the US’s social circles, a GM vehicle is an iconoclastic choice, and they should take advantage of where it can work for them. The Vette, the half-tons, and strong effort Cadillacs are their only straight icon appeals. Probably in that order.
I’m about to sound like a broken record, but, here goes: give me some knee room. Offer a console delete like in a Yukon. I’d buy one tomorrow.
GMC did a great job downsizing the Acadia. Had the chance to drive a mid-level several 100 miles across country, and it performed well. Even gave me great mileage with the four-banger. They are available at great discounts if you spend some time to look. While the interiors aren’t filled with bling like some foreign, so-called aspirational, brands, it’s a good choice for a vehicle if you are a buy-and-hold type like me.