Which GMC Acadia Version Should You Buy?
The GMC Acadia is a Gasoline SUV 5-doors represented here across three generations, including restyled first- and second-generation models. The best version depends on the buyer’s priority. The third-generation 2.5 i AT offers the catalogue’s highest output at 328 hp and is available with FWD or AWD. The restyled second generation provides the broadest engine choice: 2.5 AT, 2.0 AT, and 3.6 AT.
The GMC Acadia is a Gasoline SUV 5-doors represented here across three generations, including restyled first- and second-generation models. The best version depends on the buyer’s priority. The third-generation 2.5 i AT offers the catalogue’s highest output at 328 hp and is available with FWD or AWD. The restyled second generation provides the broadest engine choice: 2.5 AT, 2.0 AT, and 3.6 AT. Buyers comparing earlier Acadias get a 3.6 AT with up to 288 hp, while the original first-generation range also supplies the only measured top speed and acceleration figures in the data. Prices, trim-level equipment, reliability, problems, and sale listings are not provided, so the comparison below focuses strictly on measurable specifications.
GMC Acadia generations: what changed?
The first-generation GMC Acadia ran from 2006 to 2013 as an SUV 5-doors with 4 listed versions. Every version was named 3.6 AT, so the useful distinctions are output and drive: 279 hp or 288 hp, with FWD or AWD represented. All used a 6-speed Automatic gearbox and a 3564 cc, 6-cylinder, V-shaped Gasoline engine. Depending on the version, injection was distributed multi-point or direct.
The first-generation restyling ran from 2013 to 2016, remained an SUV 5-doors, and contained 4 versions, again all named 3.6 AT. Output was 281 hp or 288 hp, and both FWD and AWD were offered. The engine remained a naturally aspirated 3564 cc, 6-cylinder, V-shaped Gasoline unit with direct injection and a 6-speed Automatic gearbox. Compared with the original 279 hp version, the 288 hp restyled version adds 9 hp; compared with the original 288 hp version, peak output is unchanged.
The second generation ran from 2016 to 2019 as an SUV 5-doors with 4 versions. It introduced a clear choice between 2.5 AT and 3.7 AT, each available with FWD or AWD. The 2.5 AT produces 194 hp and 258 Nm, while the 3.7 AT produces 310 hp and 367 Nm. Choosing the 3.7 AT therefore adds 116 hp and 109 Nm. Both use direct injection, no boost, and a 6-speed Automatic gearbox.
The second-generation restyling began in 2019 and has no stop date in the supplied data. Its 5 versions comprise 2.5 AT, 2.0 AT, and 3.6 AT choices. The 2.5 AT is FWD; the 2.0 AT and 3.6 AT are represented with FWD and AWD. Every listed version uses a 9-speed Automatic, an increase of 3 ratios over the preceding second generation. The 2.0 AT adds Turbo boost, while the 2.5 AT and 3.6 AT have no boost.
The third generation began in 2023 with 2 versions, both named 2.5 i AT and distinguished by FWD or AWD. Each uses a Turbo, inline 4-cylinder, 2500 cc Gasoline engine producing 328 hp and 326 Nm, paired with an 8-speed Automatic. Against the restyled second-generation 2.0 AT, the third-generation 2.5 i AT adds 98 hp and 68 Nm. Against the second-generation 3.7 AT, it adds 18 hp but has 41 Nm less torque.
GMC Acadia engine options and specs
Where identical names occur, output and drive identify the version. Approximate power per litre is calculated from the supplied displacement and horsepower.
| Generation | Exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Power/litre | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 3.6 AT, 279 hp, AWD | 279 hp | 340 Nm | 3564 cc | 78.3 hp/L | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First | 3.6 AT, 288 hp, AWD | 288 hp | 366 Nm | 3564 cc | 80.8 hp/L | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First | 3.6 AT, 288 hp, FWD | 288 hp | 366 Nm | 3564 cc | 80.8 hp/L | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First | 3.6 AT, 279 hp, FWD | 279 hp | 340 Nm | 3564 cc | 78.3 hp/L | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First, restyling | 3.6 AT, 281 hp, FWD | 281 hp | 361 Nm | 3564 cc | 78.8 hp/L | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First, restyling | 3.6 AT, 281 hp, AWD | 281 hp | 361 Nm | 3564 cc | 78.8 hp/L | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First, restyling | 3.6 AT, 288 hp, FWD | 288 hp | 366 Nm | 3564 cc | 80.8 hp/L | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First, restyling | 3.6 AT, 288 hp, AWD | 288 hp | 366 Nm | 3564 cc | 80.8 hp/L | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second | 2.5 AT, 194 hp, FWD | 194 hp | 258 Nm | 2457 cc | 79.0 hp/L | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second | 2.5 AT, 194 hp, AWD | 194 hp | 258 Nm | 2457 cc | 79.0 hp/L | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second | 3.7 AT, 310 hp, FWD | 310 hp | 367 Nm | 3649 cc | 85.0 hp/L | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second | 3.7 AT, 310 hp, AWD | 310 hp | 367 Nm | 3649 cc | 85.0 hp/L | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second, restyling | 2.5 AT, 193 hp, FWD | 193 hp | 258 Nm | 2457 cc | 78.6 hp/L | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 9-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, restyling | 3.6 AT, 310 hp, FWD | 310 hp | 271 Nm | 3649 cc | 85.0 hp/L | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 9-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, restyling | 3.6 AT, 310 hp, AWD | 310 hp | 271 Nm | 3649 cc | 85.0 hp/L | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 9-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second, restyling | 2.0 AT, 230 hp, FWD | 230 hp | 258 Nm | 1999 cc | 115.1 hp/L | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, restyling | 2.0 AT, 230 hp, AWD | 230 hp | 258 Nm | 1999 cc | 115.1 hp/L | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third | 2.5 i AT, 328 hp, FWD | 328 hp | 326 Nm | 2500 cc | 131.2 hp/L | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third | 2.5 i AT, 328 hp, AWD | 328 hp | 326 Nm | 2500 cc | 131.2 hp/L | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
The power-per-litre comparison separates these choices sharply. The third-generation 2.5 i AT leads at approximately 131.2 hp/L. The restyled second-generation 2.0 AT follows at approximately 115.1 hp/L. The naturally aspirated options range from approximately 78.3 hp/L for the original 279 hp 3.6 AT to approximately 85.0 hp/L for the 310 hp engines.
GMC Acadia performance and mpg
Measured acceleration is available only for selected first-generation and first-generation-restyling 3.6 AT versions. The applicable 3.6 AT reaches 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds. For the other first-generation entries, acceleration is either also listed at 8.4 seconds or is not measured, depending on the specific record. Acceleration is not measured for every second-generation, restyled second-generation, and third-generation version.
A top speed of 175 km/h is measured for selected original first-generation 3.6 AT versions. Top speed is not measured for the remaining versions.
Fuel consumption is measured only for the restyled second-generation 2.5 AT, 193 hp, FWD: 11.2 L/100 km in the city, 8.7 L/100 km on the highway, and 10.2 L/100 km combined. That is a city-to-highway difference of 2.5 L/100 km. Fuel consumption is not measured for every other listed version, so no evidence-based mpg or economy comparison can be made between the remaining engines.
GMC Acadia dimensions, weight, clearance, and wheels
Exterior length, width, and height are not measured in the supplied data for any GMC Acadia version. The available dimensions-related comparison therefore concerns weight, ground clearance, tank capacity, and wheel sizes.
The original first-generation 3.6 AT has kerb weights from 2112 kg to 2235 kg in the listed records. The 279 hp, AWD version weighs 2235 kg, or approximately 8.0 kg per hp. The 288 hp, FWD version weighs 2112 kg, or approximately 7.3 kg per hp; this gives it a calculated advantage of about 0.7 kg per hp. Listed gross weight is 2908 kg or 2930 kg, ground clearance is 190 mm where measured, and the tank holds 83 L. Wheel sizes are 255/65 R18 and 255/60 R19 where measured.
For the restyled first generation, listed kerb weights range from 2112 kg to 2200 kg, while gross weight ranges from 2908 kg to 2930 kg. Ground clearance is 193 mm, 3 mm more than the measured 190 mm of the original first generation. The tank remains 83 L, and the wheel list expands to 255/65 R18, 255/60 R19, and 255/55 R20.
The second-generation 2.5 AT, 194 hp, FWD weighs 1794 kg, giving approximately 9.2 kg per hp. It is 318 kg lighter than a 2112 kg original first-generation FWD record, but its lower output produces a less favorable calculated weight-per-horsepower figure. Second-generation gross weight and tank capacity are not measured. Ground clearance is 182 mm, while wheel sizes are 235/65 R18 and 235/55 R20.
For the restyled second generation, a kerb weight of 1794 kg is measured only for the 2.5 AT, 193 hp, FWD, equating to approximately 9.3 kg per hp. Kerb weight for the 2.0 AT and 3.6 AT is not measured. Gross weight and tank capacity are not measured. Ground clearance remains 182 mm, and listed wheels remain 235/65 R18 and 235/55 R20.
For both third-generation 2.5 i AT versions, kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, tank capacity, and wheel sizes are not measured. A weight-per-horsepower calculation is therefore not possible.
Which GMC Acadia version should you choose?
Choose the third-generation 2.5 i AT if maximum catalogue output and power density matter most. Its 328 hp is 18 hp above the second-generation 3.7 AT and 40 hp above the strongest first-generation 3.6 AT. Its approximately 131.2 hp/L is also the highest calculated figure. Pick FWD or AWD according to the drive system required; the supplied output and torque figures are identical for both.
Choose the second-generation 3.7 AT if you want the highest measured torque in this catalogue. Its 367 Nm exceeds the third-generation 2.5 i AT by 41 Nm, the restyled second-generation 3.6 AT by 96 Nm, and the second-generation 2.5 AT by 109 Nm. It also provides 310 hp without boost and offers FWD or AWD.
Choose the restyled second-generation 2.0 AT if you want a smaller-displacement Turbo option with either FWD or AWD. It produces 230 hp from 1999 cc, giving approximately 115.1 hp/L. Compared with the restyled 2.5 AT, it adds 37 hp, matches its 258 Nm, and uses the same 9-speed Automatic gearbox.
Choose the restyled second-generation 2.5 AT when measured fuel-use data is essential. It is the only version with recorded city, highway, and combined consumption: 11.2, 8.7, and 10.2 L/100 km, respectively. It also has a measured 1794 kg kerb weight. However, it is FWD only in the supplied range and makes 193 hp, which is 1 hp less than the preceding second-generation 2.5 AT.
Choose a 288 hp 3.6 AT from the original or restyled first generation when measured acceleration, tank size, and weight data matter more than having the highest output. Selected records provide 8.4-second acceleration to 100 km/h, an 83 L tank, and kerb and gross weights. The first-generation 3.6 AT, 288 hp, FWD combines 288 hp with a measured 2112 kg kerb weight, while AWD alternatives are available.
No version can be recommended here on price, Denali, Denali Ultimate, AT4, Elevation, reliability, engine problems, or availability for sale because those facts are absent from the data. On specifications alone, the third-generation 2.5 i AT is the power choice, the second-generation 3.7 AT is the torque choice, the restyled second-generation 2.0 AT is the high-output-per-litre alternative below the third generation, and the restyled second-generation 2.5 AT is the only choice supported by measured fuel-consumption figures.