Overview
If you’re looking for comfort, space, and refinement in a midsized SUV, give the 2019 GMC Acadia a close look. It packs all of the technology and other amenities into one beautiful and capable package that seats up to seven and can tow up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped.
There are two engine choices for the ’19 Acadia. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 193 horsepower gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway. The larger 310 hp 3.6-liter six-cylinder is estimated by the EPA to get 18 mpg around town and 25 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive is optional on the lower trim levels and standard on the higher ones.
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Trims and Standard Equipment
The six trims for the Acadia are the SL, SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1, SLT-2, and Denali; the top two get the V6 as standard equipment. The SL comes strictly with the base engine and front-wheel drive, but buyers of the SLE-1, SLE-2, and SLT-1 can opt to upgrade their engine. All-wheel drive is standard on the SLE-2, SLT-2, and Denali and optional on the SLE-1.
As the base trim, the SL still gets some impressive standard features, such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control with three zones, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. The SLE-1 receives upgraded floor mats with carpet, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a compact spare tire, and it’s also eligible for a number of optional packages that aren’t offered on the SL. The SLE-2 gets fog lamps, heated front seats, 18-inch wheels, silver-finished side roof rails, and a programmable power liftgate.
Moving up the trim ladder, the SLT-1 adds an eight-speaker Bose audio system, an upgraded infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, and the Driver Alert Package of active safety technology, which contains rear park assist, lane change alert with side blind-zone alert, and rear cross-traffic alert. The SLT-2 receives the larger engine, 20-inch bright aluminum wheels, heated second-row (outboard) seats, and the Driver Alert Package II (low-speed forward automatic braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, adaptive headlights, and more). At the top of the line, the Denali gets a hands-free power programmable liftgate, navigation, heated/ventilated front seats, and an automatic heated steering wheel, which turns itself on based on the cabin temperature along with the automatic front heated seat.
Technology & Safety
All trims of the ’19 Acadia come with a backup camera, a rear seat reminder (so that children and pets aren’t accidentally left behind), and Teen Driver technology, which lets parents keep tabs on young drivers’ speed and other habits for later review. The two levels of Driver Alert Package bundle active safety features for added confidence in parking lots and on the road. The SLT-1 gets the Driver Alert Package I, for rear cross-traffic alert, lane change alert with side blind-zone alert, and rear park assist. The SLT-2 and Denali add the Driver Alert Package II, with front park alert, low-speed automatic braking, intelligent headlamps, forward collision alert, a following distance indicator, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. Denali buyers can add the Technology Package to get adaptive cruise control and a bird’s-eye view camera.