The 2021 GMC Acadia Denali receives a few minor changes and updates, and marks the fifth model year of the second-generation Acadia.
Notably, the 2020 GMC Acadia Denali received a mid-cycle refresh, consisting of updates to its exterior and powertrain. To note, a mid-cycle refresh can otherwise be referred to as a facelift or a mid-cycle enhancement (MCE) in GM speak.
Changes, Updates, New Features
Exterior
- Deletion of five exterior color options
- Addition of three exterior color options
Interior
- Addition of Wireless Apple CarPlay Wireless Android Auto
- Head-Up Display is now standard on Denali models
- Deletion of the following LPO-level items:
- Cargo Rail Net Package
- Cargo flex divider
- Rear seat infotainment system without DVD player
Packages
- Deletion of Driver Alert Package II
See detailed 2021 Acadia Denali changes, updates and new features here: 2021 GMC Acadia Denali change log.
The updates and changes described here are specific to the U.S. market and may be different for other markets.
Body Styles
The 2021 GMC Acadia Denali continues to be offered as a five-door midsize crossover utility vehicle (CUV).
Models & Trims
The 2021 GMC Acadia Denali continues to be designated by RPO code 5SA, and continues to be available in either a front-wheel or all-wheel drive configuration.
- FWD Denali (TNF26)
- AWD Denali (TNN26)
Color Options
The 2021 GMC Acadia Denali offers a total of eight exterior colors, three of which are new. The Acadia Denali also offers one interior color options and a single seat trim option – perforated leather.
The 2021 Acadia color options include:
- 8 Exterior Colors:
- White Frost Tricoat
- Satin Steel Metallic
- Summit White
- Ebony Twilight Metallic
- Hunter Metallic
- Red Mahogany Metallic
- Cayenne Red Tintcoat
- Midnight Blue Metallic
- 1 Interior Color Combination:
- Dark Galvanized with Light Shale
Powertrain
The 2021 GMC Acadia Denali offers the following engine choice:
| Engine | Fuel | Aspiration | Transmission | Horsepower @ RPM | Torque @ RPM | Axle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L V-6 LGX | Gasoline | Atmospheric | 9-Speed Automatic (M3W) | 308 @ 6600 | 270 @ 5000 | 3.49 |
As mentioned previously, the 2021 Acadia Denali continues to be offered in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations.
Platform
Like all second-generation units of the GMC Acadia, the 2021 Acadia Denali continues to ride on the regular wheelbase variant of GM’s C1 platform shared with the following vehicles:
- Cadillac XT5 (first generation, 2017 – present)
- Chevrolet Blazer (rumored mid-size Chevrolet crossover, expected for 2019 MY)
A longer-wheelbase variant of the same architecture underpins the following models:
- Chevrolet Traverse (second generation, 2018 – present)
- Buick Enclave (second generation, 2018 – present)
- Cadillac XT6 (first generation, 2020 – present)
Production
The 2021 GMC Acadia Denali will continue to be assembled at the GM Spring Hill plant in Tennessee operated by GM USA.
Availability
We expect the 2021 GMCÂ Acadia Denali to follow the regular GM model year rollover sequence, and launch in the third quarter of the 2020 calendar year.
Beyond 2021
We expect that the second-generation Acadia Denali will live on thru at least the 2023 model year, and that an all-new, future GMC Acadia will launch thereafter.
Discussion
Discuss the 2021 GMC Acadia Denali in our GMC forum.
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