DecodedCars2018 GMC Acadia
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 193.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,955–4,405 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2018 standard SUV (19.5 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 GMC Acadia is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 194 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,405 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 26 highway), 18% better than the 2018 standard SUV average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 398 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2018
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Acadia →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 193.7 in | 75.6 in | 68.9 in | 112.6 in | 64.6 / 64.6 in | 4,405 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 193.7 in | 75.6 in | 68.9 in | 112.6 in | 64.6 / 64.6 in | 3,955 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acadia FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | +18% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Acadia AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 25 / 23 | +23% | $2,900 | 392 |
| Acadia FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | +8% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Acadia AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | +7% | $3,350 | 442 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 GMC Acadia SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |
| 2018 GMC Acadia SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15% |
Similar 2018 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 GMC Acadia (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 Ford Explorer | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2018 Toyota Highlander | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
| 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 14 |
Recalls (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · May 31, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V358000 · 895 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
- Risk
- A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Aug 22, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V516000 · 2,905 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
- Risk
- If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. If the assembly separates while parked on a grade, without the park brake engaged, the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right front intermediate drive shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17329.
Not every 2018 GMC Acadia is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 GMC Acadia buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 152 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 107 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 35 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 32,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 GMC Acadia. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Acadia years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Acadia | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Acadia | 22 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 10 |
| 2025 Acadia | 23 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 69 |
| 2024 Acadia | 23 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 61 |
| 2023 Acadia | 25 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 49 |
| 2022 Acadia | 25 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 52 |
| 2021 Acadia | 25 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 155 |
| 2020 Acadia | 24 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 106 |
| 2019 Acadia | 23 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 388 |
| 2017 Acadia | 23 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 706 |
| 2016 Acadia | 18 | 201.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 236 |
| 2015 Acadia | 19 | 201.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 243 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →