Look for These Important Model Years for the GMC Acadia

The GMC Acadia is an interesting vehicle that has been through a surprising number of changes since it was released nearly 20 years ago. You might not easily notice or recognize a lot of these changes, which can make things tricky when you go looking for a used GMC Acadia for sale since it’s easy to overlook something or miss a feature you wish you had found. Choosing the right dealership can help with this since you get to work with people who care about what you need and who will go above and beyond to find you the right vehicle, even when you’re shopping online. Whether you want to buy a used GMC Acadia today or you’re just exploring your options and planning for your next vehicle, we thought it would help to explore how this model has changed since it first released so you have a sense of which model years are worth keeping in mind while you shop.

2007 GMC Acadia: Inaugural Year and Release

There’s no better place to start than at the start, right? So here we are; the 2007 GMC Acadia is the first model available, and while you probably don’t want to go this far back when looking at used SUVs, it still helps to know how it all began. The Acadia shares a platform with the Chevy Traverse and has a lot of the same performance and underpinnings, although the Acadia is generally a more refined and sophisticated option. Nearly as large as traditional full-size SUVs, the Acadia has always had a third row of seating available; these first-generation models can seat up to eight people with two up front, three in the middle, and three in the rear seats.

2011 GMC Acadia: Introduction of the Denali Trim

After its initial release, the next model year worth having in mind for the GMC Acadia is 2011 because this is the year that the luxurious Denali trim was added. When you’re looking at used GMC models, the Denali name means you’re checking out a high-end model. Early Denali models could be identified thanks to distinct front and rear fascias, grilles, and other details, along with their impressive 20-inch wheels. On the inside, the Denali comes with features like leather seating, wood trim, and similar high-end materials that bring it closer to a luxury SUV. You probably don’t want to go as far back as 2011 for your next used SUV, but if you’re exploring a wide range of options and want a Denali, then remember this model year.

2013 GMC Acadia: Updated and Refreshed First Generation

Following the introduction of the Denali trim, updates for the Acadia were generally pretty minor until the 2013 model year. Having been around for half a decade at this point, GMC decided it was time to update the Acadia with a facelift and major overhaul. It’s important to note that this is still part of the first generation for this SUV, but the differences between it and the 2012 model are notable. For 2013, GMC gave the Acadia a redesigned front fascia and grille, a new rear liftgate, and updated interior features. This is still further back than we’d suggest going for a used vehicle, but it’s your best choice if you want something quite affordable.

2017 GMC Acadia: Launch of the Second Generation

A better option for a used vehicle that’s been on the road for a while is one from the 2017 model year, which is when the Acadia was fully redesigned for the start of a second generation. That said, there are important differences to note with the second-generation Acadia, starting with the fact that it shrank a bit in size and is now closer to a midsize SUV. Three rows of seating remain available, but there is no longer a third-row bench seat on offer, so at most, the 2017 Acadia can accommodate seven passengers: two up front, three in the middle, and two in the back. Five-passenger models can also be found that eliminate the third row entirely, so keep that in mind as you look at used SUVs. One thing we should also note is that the previous-generation version was offered for 2017 as the Acadia Limited, so pay careful attention to the name of any pre-owned model from this year.

2020 GMC Acadia: Refresh and Update for Second Generation

In general, our favorite options for a used Acadia with more modern features are from 2020 or later because GMC gave this SUV an update for this model year. On the outside, the Acadia received a facelift and refresh with a new front grille and other styling changes. Inside, the updated Acadia has improved infotainment features with better integration for modern smartphones and apps, which could be reason enough to choose one from this year or later. A new AT4 trim was also introduced as an off-road model, all of which makes the 2020 model year a great choice when shopping for a used Acadia.

2022 GMC Acadia: Now Exclusively a Three-Row SUV

Several big changes for the 2022 model year make it a very important one to keep in mind. For starters, five-passenger Acadia models are no longer a thing; every Acadia has a third row of seating, though you can find both six and seven-passenger options. The base 2.5L engine was dropped and replaced by a turbocharged 2.0L powertrain that was originally introduced as an option two years prior. The starting trim level also moved up a notch, so every Acadia has better standard features for this year. Overall, this is an excellent one to look for and have in mind when exploring used models since you can rest assured you’ll find one that’s fun to drive.

2024 GMC Acadia: A Third Generation Hits the Road

For the 2024 model year, GMC once again redesigned the Acadia for the launch of an all-new third generation with some big changes. For starters, the Acadia has grown in size to once again be closer to a full-size SUV, which means your passengers in this three-row model will have more room to stretch out. You’ll still find great options like the off-road focused AT4 trim and the luxurious Denali, while enhanced tech features have become standard, including large displays, advanced safety systems, and much more. Perhaps most exciting of all, GMC’s hands-free Super Cruise driving technology is now available for the Acadia, so this model year is a great one to look for if you want all of the latest features in your used SUV.

Which Used GMC Acadia Is Right for You?

As you can see, you have some big decisions to make when looking for a used GMC Acadia, and your choice of model year can have a major impact on what you find. We suggest something later than 2017 so you get a second or third-generation model, with options from 2020 and later being your best choice. If you want a model with just two rows of seating inside, then you’ll need to find one from before 2022, while a 2024 Acadia is your best pick if you want cutting-edge technology and features in your vehicle. With all of that in mind, just remember that the trim level you find and the available options chosen when it was sold as new also have a major effect on what you get with your vehicle. That’s why it’s important you shop with a dealership that will answer your questions and make sure you find the right SUV with everything you need.