The 2020 GMC Acadia lasts around 200,000 miles, with average battery and engine noise issues reported. At $23,250 to $42,998, it’s a decent value for a midsize SUV with plenty of features for the money.
Is the 2020 GMC Acadia a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the GMC Acadia since it offers good practicality and improved reliability. Owner reviews praise the luxurious interior, stereo system, along with the smooth suspension.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for a midsize SUV, the seats are supportive on long drives, although cargo space is smaller than average.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2020 Acadia. Avoid models from 2017–2018 which have a lot of transmission issues. Models from 2019–2022 are more dependable choices.
- Performance 8/10 – The base four-cylinder engine is fairly weak, while the optional V6 offers good power for an SUV of its size.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2020 Acadia is a safe SUV, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with blind spot monitoring and a rearview camera, optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control along with parking sensors.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 23 MPG, offering 420 miles of range out of the 18.3 gallon tank. Gas costs are $14 cheaper than average at $221 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 GMC Acadia is cheaper than many other midsize SUVs with reasonable depreciation rates, giving it a good overall value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the GMC Acadia?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 GMC Acadia is a very pleasant and practical family hauler, with decent owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the GMC Acadia a 3.6/5, enjoying the comfortable ride quality, but doesn’t like the lackluster weak base engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Acadia a 4.2/5, praising the excellent safety equipment, but owners don’t like the relatively low towing capacity.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 GMC Acadia Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 GMC Acadia include dead batteries, excessive engine noise, along with some stereo system issues. Overall, these problems are similar to other midsize SUVs from the same year, leading to average repair costs as the Acadia ages.
Dead batteries are the most widespread complaint from 2020 Acadia owners, showing up at around 5,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in the Acadia, and some of them may stay on even when the engine is off. Diagnosing the source of the parasitic electrical draw costs around $50, while fixing it can cost $5 to $250.
Excessive engine noise has also been mentioned by some 2020 GMC Acadia owners within the first 20,000 miles. The purge valve is a known weak spot in the Acadia, and can make a lot of noise. Replacing the purge valve, fortunately, is a quick process, only costing about $150 to fix.
Stereo system issues also show up on some Acadia models at roughly 1,500 miles. There are software updates available for the stereo, which improves reliability. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while others charge around $50 for labor.
There are six recalls on the 2020 GMC Acadia, which is worse than some other midsize SUVs. The most serious recall covers missing bolts on the start/stop accumulator, which can cause the engine to stall. GMC will replace the bolts on affected models for free. Other recalls include the rearview camera, tires, roof rails, and fuel pumps. GMC will change out those parts for free, too.
How Long Will the 2020 GMC Acadia Last?
A well-maintained 2020 GMC Acadia can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than some competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $684 per year.
As a used 2020 Acadia reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the HVAC blend door for $200, suspension ball joints costing $450, along with the water pump, which costs around $850.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is great, and includes a relatively large 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a more powerful Bose stereo system.
Standard safety technology is excellent, and features:
- Rearview camera
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear parking sensors
- Teen driver mode
- Rear cross traffic alert
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Front parking sensors
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Rear camera mirror
- Safety alert seat
- Head-up display
- Lane departure warning
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep assist
Is the 2020 GMC Acadia a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 GMC Acadia is a good value since it offers a good interior paired with decent reliability ratings as it ages. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $23,250 to $42,998, making it less than a Jeep Grand Cherokee or Kia Telluride. When new, the price range was $29,800 to $48,300. Depreciation is similar to some other SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the GMC Acadia?
There are five main models of the 2020 GMC Acadia offered from the entry-level SL through to the more luxurious Denali. The 2020 Acadia comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
SL is the entry-level model with:
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- OnStar with onboard Wi-Fi connectivity
- Manually adjustable front seats with cloth upholstery
- Standard seating for seven
- No option for second-row bucket seats
- Standard active safety features exclude common systems
- Five USB ports for device charging and connectivity
- Tri-zone automatic climate control system
- Rear parking sensors and rearview camera for safety
- Blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert
- Alloy wheels for a sleek exterior look
- Six-speaker audio system for entertainment
- Teen Driver technology to monitor driving habits
- Lacks some optional upgrades available in higher trims
SLE has more features, such as:
- Addition of satellite radio for extended entertainment
- Selectable traction control modes for different driving conditions
- Larger alloy wheels compared to the SL trim
- Access to engine upgrades and potential all-wheel drive
- Contains many of the standard features found in the SL trim
SLT is a step up, adding:
- Standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine
- Leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats for added luxury
- Heated front seats for comfort in cold weather
- Remote start and power liftgate for convenience
- Second-row captain’s chairs, with bench option for extra seating
- Eight-speaker Bose sound system and HD Radio
- Navigation system included as a standard feature
- Option packages available that mimic Denali’s features
AT4 focuses on off-road performance with;
- Standard V6 engine and all-wheel drive for off-road and performance
- Two standard rows of seating, option for third row to seat six or seven
- All-terrain tires and off-road aids like hill descent control
- Exterior design cues that emphasize a rugged look
- Automatic hill hold feature for challenging terrain
- Cloth or leather upholstery options
- Specific AT4 styling elements for a unique appearance
Denali is the flagship model with:
- V6 engine with front-wheel drive standard; AWD available
- Loaded with active safety features and luxury amenities
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats
- Navigation and Bose stereo system standard
- Unique grille and premium interior materials for exclusive styling
- Optional Technology package with adaptive cruise control
- Surround-view camera as part of the optional tech
- Safety alert seat, front parking sensors, and lane-keeping systems included
- The only trim with available Rear Camera Mirror and head-up display
What Engines Come In the GMC Acadia?
- The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that provides 193 horsepower. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, this engine delivers a combined fuel economy of around 23 MPG. The 2.5-liter engine offers modest acceleration, with a 0-60 MPH time of around 9 seconds.
- For those looking for more power, there’s an available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 230 horsepower. This turbocharged option also works with the nine-speed automatic transmission and achieves a similar combined fuel economy, estimated at 22 MPG. The turbo engine improves the 0-60 MPH time to roughly 7 seconds, offering a more spirited driving experience.
- At the top of the range is a 3.6-liter V6 engine, which churns out 310 horsepower. It comes with the same nine-speed automatic transmission and provides a combined fuel economy of about 21 MPG. With this engine, the Acadia can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in about 6.1 seconds, making it the quickest and most powerful choice in the lineup.
What Colors Does the GMC Acadia Come In?
How Comfortable Is the GMC Acadia?
The 2020 GMC Acadia is designed with comfort in mind, offering a ride that caters to both drivers and passengers seeking a pleasant traveling experience. Inside the cabin, occupants are greeted with supportive seats that provide ample cushioning and adjustability, especially in the higher trims, which feature power adjustments, lumbar support, and options for heating and ventilation. The interior is roomy, allowing for comfortable seating even on longer drives, and the third row is reasonably accommodating for a mid-size SUV, suitable for children and adults on shorter journeys. Noise insulation is another strong point of the Acadia, with a quiet cabin that reduces road and wind noise, contributing to a serene driving atmosphere.
The vehicle’s suspension is tuned to balance handling with comfort, absorbing most bumps and road irregularities to deliver a smooth ride quality. Additionally, the climate control system is effective in maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature across different weather conditions. For added convenience, the Acadia may include features such as a dual-pane sunroof, providing an open and airy feel, and tri-zone automatic climate control, allowing occupants in each row to customize their climate settings. Overall, the 2020 GMC Acadia provides a comfort-oriented environment that makes it suitable for daily commutes, long-distance travel, and family outings.
How Much Storage Space Does the GMC Acadia Have?
The 2020 GMC Acadia is a versatile mid-size SUV that offers a substantial amount of storage space to accommodate a variety of cargo and personal items. It provides up to 79 cubic feet of room when the second and third-row seats are folded down. This capacious area is more than adequate to fit large items such as furniture pieces, bicycles, or a week’s worth of camping gear for the whole family. With the third row in use, the space behind it offers 12.8 cubic feet, enough for several grocery bags or a couple of small suitcases. With the third-row seats folded, you gain 41.7 cubic feet, which can handle larger items like a set of golf clubs or several full-size suitcases.
In addition to the primary cargo area, the Acadia includes a variety of small interior storage spaces. These consist of a center console compartment for small personal items, door bins that can hold water bottles and maps, a glove compartment for documents, seat-back storage pockets, and an available under-floor storage bin behind the third row that provides a hidden storage area for valuables or additional small items. This well-thought-out design allows for efficient storage, making the GMC Acadia a practical choice for families and professionals alike.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the GMC Acadia was introduced for the 2017 model year.
2015: No major changes from earlier years.
2016: 4G LTE WiFi Hotspot connection added to all models.
2017: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new technology, engines, exterior, and interior.
2018: All-terrain package is now offered with the third row of seating.
2019: No major changes from earlier years.
2020: Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine offered, upgraded navigation system, and a new nine-speed automatic transmission.
2021: New Elevation Edition was added with black exterior trim, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added.
How Does the GMC Acadia Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 GMC Acadia is a decent midsize SUV, offering plenty of standard features and a spacious cabin, although running costs may be higher than some competitors.
The Ford Explorer is another SUV, which costs about $2,500 more. Passenger room is a bit better in the Ford Explorer, while the GMC Acadia comes with more standard safety technology. We recommend the Ford Explorer, although both are very similar in terms of overall reliability.
The Honda Pilot is a popular midsize SUV, which is available for roughly $3,000 more. Standard technology is better in the Honda Pilot, while the GMC Acadia handles off-road terrain a bit better. We recommend the Honda Pilot since it’s a more reliable choice with some lower ownership costs as it ages.