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2020 GMC Acadia

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

GMC Acadia
Pictured: 2024 GMC Acadia Denali front view. Photo: Deathpallie325, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV AWD Denali, 4dr SUV FWD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
6–7
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
24 combined · 21 city / 28 hwy
Length
193.3 in
Curb weight
3,922–4,389 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 23% better than the average 2020 standard SUV (19.5 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Emergency braking not standardAutomatic emergency braking is optional or limited to some trims.
  • 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2020 GMC Acadia is a standard SUV offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 193 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,240 lb (4dr SUV AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 28 highway), 23% better than the 2020 standard SUV average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 106 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2020

  • Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo

Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Acadia →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–3.6L 6-cyl
Transmission6-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD · FWD
Seating6–7 seats · 3 rows

Trims

DenaliAT4SLTSLE

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingSome trims
Pedestrian emergency brakingSome trims
Forward collision warningSome trims
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningSome trims
Lane keeping assistSome trims
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamSome trims
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Springhill, Tennessee

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 Acadia configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD193.3 in75.6 in66.5 in112.6 in64.6 / 64.6 in4,240 lb57/43
4dr SUV AWD Denali193.3 in75.6 in66.5 in112.6 in64.6 / 64.6 in4,389 lb57/43
4dr SUV FWD193.3 in75.6 in66.5 in112.6 in64.6 / 64.6 in3,922 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Acadia FWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 9-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 24+23%$2,800362
Acadia FWD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic 9-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 23+18%$2,900382
Acadia AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 23+22%$2,900374
Acadia FWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 9-spdFront-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22+13%$3,050413
Acadia AWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21+12%$3,200433
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.5 MPG2020 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2020 GMC Acadia SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.4%
2020 GMC Acadia SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.1%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2020 GMC Acadia SUV FWD
Frontal crash test — 2020 GMC Acadia SUV FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2020 GMC Acadia SUV FWD
Side crash test — 2020 GMC Acadia SUV FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2020 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2020 GMC Acadia (this car)24 MPG★★★★★6
2020 Toyota Land Cruiser14 MPGNot rated0
2020 Toyota 4Runner17 MPG★★★★★1
2020 Ford Explorer28 MPG★★★★★35
2020 Toyota Highlander36 MPG★★★★★5
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee21 MPG★★★★★3
2020 Kia Telluride23 MPG★★★★★7

Recalls (6)

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 22, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V709000 · 95,231 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently.
Risk
An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the coaxial cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222378380.
Tires · Feb 25, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V115000 · 33,838 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Risk
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
Tires · Nov 5, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V684000 · 7,516 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
Risk
Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace tires that have DOT number and production mold number combinations identified by Continental, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202319030.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 29, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V668000 · 194,105 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Risk
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Oct 15, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V639000 · 2,781 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a blocked nozzle and an insufficient fuel supply to the engine.
Risk
Insufficient fuel supply can result in an engine stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module. The recall began November 16, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202314760.
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator · Jul 30, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V446000 · 769 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5 and XT6, Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 and Traverse and GMC Acadia and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The diffuser component of the Roof-Rail Air Bag (RRAB) inflator may not have been properly crimped to the inflator and could separate from the inflator during air bag deployment.
Risk
If the diffuser separates from the inflator during deployment, RRAB performance may be degraded, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect RRAB modules, free of charge. The recall began September 3, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N202305380.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2020 GMC Acadia is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

106Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
4Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
10,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine29
Electrical System28
Power Train21
Steering20
Unknown Or Other14
Fuel/Propulsion System9
Service Brakes8
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking6
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/06: 224/07: 224/08: 224/09: 124/11: 124/12: 125/01: 225/03: 325/04: 125/05: 325/08: 225/09: 425/11: 625/12: 126/01: 126/02: 326/03: 626/04: 626/05: 426/06: 226/07: 326/08: 226/09: 626/10: 124/0624/0925/0125/0525/1126/0226/0526/08max 6

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2020 GMC Acadia buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 29 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 28 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Power Train — 21 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 10,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 GMC Acadia. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Acadia years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Acadia22–Not rated00
2026 Acadia22203.9 inNot rated110
2025 Acadia23203.9 in★★★★★069
2024 Acadia23203.9 in★★★★★061
2023 Acadia25193.3 in★★★★★449
2022 Acadia25193.3 in★★★★★352
2021 Acadia25193.3 in★★★★★2155
2019 Acadia23193.7 in★★★★★2388
2018 Acadia23193.7 in★★★★★2398
2017 Acadia23193.7 in★★★★★4706
2016 Acadia18201.2 in★★★★★4236
2015 Acadia19201.2 in★★★★★4243

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →