2021 GMC Acadia SLT Test Drive and Review

GMC has been building their Acadia since 2006, and introduced an extensively updated version for the 2013 model year, and then did so again in 2017. I recently had an opportunity to test drive the latest edition of the new design, a 2021 Acadia SLT, courtesy of Weld County Garage in Greeley, Colorado. The Acadia name is derived from a French area of northeastern North America that includes parts of Canada and Maine.

2021 GMC Acadia Pricing and Equipment

The vehicle, as an SLT model, is in the middle of the lineup in terms of luxurious equipment content. The MSRP of the Acadia SLT that I drove was $46,230, and it included all standard SLT content plus White Frost tricoat paint ($1,095), technology package ($1,000), preferred package ($995), trailering package with 170-amp alternator ($650), and a 3.6 liter V6 engine ($495). 

Also on the SLT were 18” machined aluminum six-spoke wheels with midnight silver accents, a navigation/connectivity system with 8″ screen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, adaptive cruise control, lane change alert, blind spot warning, forward collision alert, and a Bose premium 8 speaker stereo.

2021 GMC Acadia Interior Details

My test car was for six passengers, and all second and third-row seating could be folded flat, producing 79 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Jet Black leather was very attractive and the two front buckets were powered, heated, cooled, and comfortable. The second-row buckets were heated, too. 

The Acadia had power mirrors/windows/locks, head-up display, and tilt/telescope (powered) steering column with leather trimmed, heated steering wheel. I would describe the interior of the Acadia SLT to be, in a word, elegant. Another word could be dainty. The wood-tone was pleasing to me, and little details inside the car like the electronic precision transmission shift “tabs” were well-designed, attractive, and provided added storage in the cabin. 

2021 GMC Acadia Performance and Driving Experience

Ride on the highway is a hallmark of the Acadia, a vehicle that weighs 4,234 pounds—700 pounds less than the offering of five years ago. Wheelbase is 112.5”, length is 193.6” (7″ shorter than the 2016), width is 75.4”, and height is 66.7”. The SLT includes a good-looking slatted chrome grille, sculpted fascia, and a programmable, hands-free power liftgate. LED daytime running lights are up front, as are projector beam fog lights. 

The wheels are fitted with P235/65R18 Continental all-season radials. GMC Acadia power comes from a 3.6 liter, DOHC, direct injected V6 (310 hp/271 lb-ft of torque), and an automatic 9-speed automatic transmission delivers it to the all-wheel drive train. 

EPA mileage ratings are 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, and a 19-gallon gas tank is on hand, providing 494 miles of range on the road. Zero to 60 mph acceleration time is reportedly under seven seconds. The transmission, in typical GM fashion, is silky smooth. My wife and I drove the Acadia to Cheyenne, Wyoming for a day, and she expressed surprise at the sumptuous GMC ride quality. I agree, and think the Acadia SLT is a spot-on choice for the mid-size crossover SUV shopper.

– Reviewed by Stu Wright