Explore Three Fantastic Generations of the GMC Acadia

If you’re interested in a spacious, comfortable, and dazzlingly stylish three-row SUV, you must check out the GMC Acadia and everything it offers. However, when considering different used Acadia models, there are many options out there since this vehicle has been available since the 2007 model year.

Whether you’re already interested in a used GMC Acadia for sale in Cleveland or have just started exploring what this vehicle offers, you must understand the significant differences between its generations and years. You’ve got nearly 20 different model years to consider, and going from one to the next can bring massive changes in many instances. So let’s look at all three generations of the GMC Acadia, with five key years that illustrate how it’s changed and grown (sometimes literally) over time.

The 2007 GMC Acadia – Where It All Began

Although you may not be looking this far back when shopping for a used vehicle, knowing how things started is a great way to fully appreciate what’s available. The Acadia launched with the 2007 model year, so this is where it all starts as a large (often considered full-size in its first generation) SUV with three rows of seating inside.

From the beginning, GMC has offered the Acadia with both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), making it ideal for a wide range of situations. Its three-row design gives you room inside the 2007 model for up to eight passengers, which helped to make this model incredibly popular for Cleveland families from the very beginning.

A 275-hp 3.6L V6 engine was standard for 2007 and remained throughout its first generation, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This results in an excellent driving experience with enough power under the hood to ensure this large SUV never feels cumbersome or bulky. First-generation Acadia models can fit eight passengers thanks to a second-row bench. However, a pair of captain’s chairs was also offered, switching it to a seven-passenger model instead. A comprehensive airbag suite is standard in the 2007 GMC Acadia, but you won’t get the kinds of modern safety tech and amenities found in later models.

The 2013 GMC Acadia – Revised and Restyled First-Gen Model

Jumping forward a few years, the 2013 GMC Acadia is a revised, updated model still in its first generation. The big news for the 2013 model is a complete facelift with a refreshed exterior that looks better than ever, although previous models had a bold style that we certainly like.

This includes a redesigned front grille, a new front fascia, a redesigned rear liftgate, and more updates across its exterior. You probably still don’t want to go this far back when looking at used models, but if you need to shop on a strict budget and want something older to keep costs down, then the 2013 Acadia could be a good place to start.

Its updated looks are hard to argue with, and its interior was also refreshed; look for a Denali model if you want to find some sophisticated features and comfortable seating while on a budget.

The 2017 GMC Acadia – Kicking Off the Second Generation

The 2017 Acadia launches its second generation with several exciting updates and upgrades. This is an all-new model with a complete redesign that looks stunning and sees it get a bit smaller, which could be ideal if you prefer something more like a midsize SUV for getting around Cleveland each day.

Its smaller size can make it easier to navigate the streets downtown, and its impressive fuel efficiency enhances your daily commute. A 193-hp 2.5L engine is standard for the 2017 Acadia, although we prefer the available 310-hp 3.6L V6 engine to boost performance and get you around the city in style.

When shopping for a 2017 GMC Acadia, you’ll find four trims: the standard SL, upgraded SLE, the SLT, and the pinnacle Denali. SL and SLE models have the standard 2.5L engine, while higher trims typically feature the V6 instead. Similarly, where you’ll find Premium Cloth seating with a four-way driver seat in the SL model, higher trims feature leather-appointed seating with eight-way power front seats that are heated (and ventilated in the Denali).

Note that its smaller size limits interior space a bit. Seven-passenger seating is the most you get, with almost 13 cu.ft. of rear cargo space, more than 41 cu.ft. behind the second row, and 79 cu.ft. of total cargo volume behind the front seats.

The 2020 GMC Acadia – Updated and Refreshed Again

Moving forward, the 2020 GMC Acadia is still a second-generation model, but we find a refreshed SUV that includes many impressive updates. Once again, GMC gives the Acadia a major facelift with this model, including a new front grille, new wheel options, and numerous updates across the exterior.

Similarly, the infotainment system inside is updated for the 2020 model, making it easier to use with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. These models have many more modern features. Although the two engines from previous years remain, a third option is available: a 2.0L turbocharged beauty that delivers 230 horsepower and excellent fuel efficiency for getting around Cleveland.

GMC also introduces a new AT4 trim for this year, with an advanced twin-clutch AWD system and Traction Select for heading off-road, making this an excellent choice for weekend camping trips and dealing with rough winter weather.

The 2024 GMC Acadia – Launching the Third Generation

Finally, we come to the modern era for the Acadia with the 2024 model and the launch of its third generation. Once again, we see a complete redesign, although this time, the Acadia grows larger. It remains a three-row model, but you now find a more spacious interior than the previous generation.

Powering the third-gen Acadia is a 2.5L turbocharged engine that delivers 328 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency; this is the only engine now offered for this SUV. Its more spacious interior gives you more room than the second generation: You get 23 cu.ft. of rear cargo space in this model, with more than 57 cu.ft. behind the second row and more than 97 cu.ft. of total cargo volume behind the front seats.

Seating remains limited to either seven or eight passengers, depending on whether you choose a model with a second-row bench or a pair of captain’s chairs. Only three trims are offered for the 2024 Acadia, streamlining things significantly. The standard Elevation model features a gorgeous 15-inch GMC Premium Infotainment display (replacing the eight-inch screen from the previous generation) and impressive features throughout.

You can still find the rugged AT4 model with a performance suspension and Active Torque Control AWD; the Denali trim now features an eight-inch head-up display and even has GM’s impressive Super Cruise hands-free driving system available. Overall, this SUV’s refined and elevated new generation showcases GMC’s commitment to bold, stylish vehicles.

A Used GMC Acadia Is Perfect for Cleveland Drivers

As you can see, there are some significant differences between various pre-owned GMC Acadia models, depending on where they fall across this SUV’s history. First-generation models established what this SUV is all about, but we wouldn’t go that far back when shopping. Instead, the second generation gives you a great place to start along with impressive performance, gorgeous interior features, and amenities that approach modern convenience, especially if you go for a model from 2020 or later.

Of course, if you’re looking for the latest bells and whistles on your used SUV, you want to look at the current third generation. No matter what you need in your next vehicle, we can help you find it and make shopping easier for you, so you get something you’ll love driving for many years to come.