2020 GMC Acadia: What’s New And What’s Not

The 2020 GMC Acadia gets a new face, as well as some important updates.

GMC has refreshed the Acadia to keep it competitive with its three-row competition. However, this latest model takes a slightly different approach to the original model. Rather than distinguishing its largest crossover from its SUVs and trucks, it’s trying to shape the 2020 GMC Acadia more in their image. Here’s what’s new (and what’s not) about this new version.

2020 GMC Acadia Denali. [Photo: GMC]

If you glance at the grille and see some resemblance to the new GMC Sierra pickup, you’re not alone. The 2020 GMC Acadia has a new front clip, including the new grille and a new headlight assembly with C-shaped daytime running lights. While the flanks of the car aren’t much different to the old model, but the taillights do sport a slightly different design.

2020 GMC Acadia
Updated 2020 GMC Acadia interior. [Photo: GMC]

New powertrain to the 2020 GMC Acadia: 2.0-liter turbo

Under the hood, there is one difference. The 2.5-liter inline-four and 3.6-liter V6 engines from 2019 remain. However, there’s now a 2.0-liter engine that comes standard on SLT and Denali models. That engine puts out 230 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque thanks to its twin-scroll turbocharger. What’s more, the engine uses Active Fuel Management, which will shut down two of the cylinders under light engine load.

No EPA figures are available just yet, but we’d expect fuel economy comparable to the less powerful 2.5-liter unit, at around 23 mpg combined. Again, that’s just an estimate this point, and we’ll know more closer to the Acadia’s launch.

On the inside, there’s a new center console design to complement the new nine-speed transmission. Rather than using a conventional gear lever, the 2020 GMC Acadia uses a push-button setup like the smaller Terrain. The new design also accommodates available wireless charging and a new USB-C port up front. There’s another USB-C port in the second row, in addition to three conventional USB ports placed throughout the cabin. GMC also updated the infotainment system, making it “more user friendly” than the outgoing model.

2020 GMC Acadia AT4. [Photo: GMC]

New model: Acadia AT4

Second to the new powertrain, the other most significant change to the 2020 GMC Acadia is the AT4 trim level. As with the 2019 GMC Sierra trucks, the AT4 trim is meant to evoke an image of a tougher, more rugged, off-road ready vehicle. The Acadia AT4 gets darkened trim, chunkier tires and bespoke 17-inch wheels. 20-inch wheels are also available.

2020 GMC Acadia AT4 interior. [Photo: GMC]

The 2020 GMC Acadia AT4 also gets the 3.6-liter V6 as standard, rather than the 2.0-liter turbo. As before, the V6 engine produces 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, but still comes mated to a nine-speed automatic. As you’d expect, a twin-clutch all-wheel drive system also comes standard on the Acadia AT4.

2020 GMC Acadia AT4

While you get a tougher-looking Acadia, there aren’t any significant changes to make the car more off-road worthy. For instance, it doesn’t get any more ground clearance than the standard model. As with the other Acadias, the AT4 still has 7.2 inches of ground clearance. That’s not bad for a three-row crossover, but it’s a far cry from the Subaru Ascent’s 8.7 inches. The Mazda CX-9 sits even farther off the ground, with 8.8 inches of ground clearance.

Pricing information for the 2020 GMC Acadia isn’t available yet, but it will go on sale in fall 2019. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates!