What Makes the 2019 GMC Acadia Such a Great SUV?

When you start looking at SUVs out there, it can feel like you have way too many options available to you; once you start narrowing things down to those models that are right for you, however, things become much more streamlined. If you’re interested in a three-row SUV, for example, then you have a more reasonable number of models to choose from—the GMC Acadia is likely to catch your eye and find itself at the top of your list. Since it’s been available for nearly 20 years, there are plenty of Acadia models available, though we have a lot of people come to us looking for a 2019 GMC Acadia for sale. “What’s so special about the 2019 model?” you might wonder, which is pretty understandable. Although we love what every Acadia brings to the road, the 2019 model has some specifics and features that make it a particularly fine choice when looking at pre-owned models.

What’s in a Model Year?

We’ll get to some specifics about the 2019 Acadia that make it a particularly fine model, but first, we should talk about why you should choose this particular model year. At a glance, there’s nothing uniquely exceptional about it; GMC launched an all-new second-generation Acadia with the 2017 model year, and then gave it a facelift and update for 2020. So, the 2019 model falls between those two, and that might seem like a bad thing, but it’s not.

No matter how good a car company is, developing, designing, engineering, and manufacturing a new vehicle is a demanding process with plenty of room for error. Inevitably, new vehicles launch with some issues—usually minor ones—that need to be ironed out after the first model year. This is a common issue with any complicated piece of machinery or technology, and early adopters often know they have to deal with such things as part of being the first to enjoy something. What this means is that the first year of a new generation for a vehicle is not necessarily the best one to choose, particularly when looking at used vehicles. So choosing a 2019 Acadia means you can skip any little issues or idiosyncrasies that GMC needs to work out after the launch of its second generation.

While it’s tempting to look for a 2020 model to enjoy the updated features and options it brought to the road, doing so can also increase the price of a pre-owned model since it will have those very features. Going with a 2019 Acadia lets you avoid the initial bumps of a new generation while ensuring you can find something at a great price since the 2020 models are more likely to be priced higher on the used market. Best of all, 2019 models are in a sweet spot where they likely have enough use on them to be attractively priced, but they’re not so old that you have to worry about their age. If you’re shopping on a budget and need a three-row SUV for your family (we know how that goes), then the 2019 Acadia is a fantastic choice to keep costs down while still getting a great vehicle you can count on.

Performance and Power With the 2019 GMC Acadia

Now, let’s get into some specifics about the 2019 Acadia so you’ll know what to look for and why so many people still choose this one. For starters, you can find two different powertrains on these models, so pay close attention to the engine on a used Acadia. The standard engine for 2019 is a 2.5L 4-cylinder that provides 193 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque, which comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. That’s fine, but we much prefer the available 3.6L V6 engine that boosts performance up to 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on the 2019 Acadia, but driver-selectable on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD) is available.

We know that your choice will likely be dictated by your budget, but we strongly suggest going for a model with the available V6 engine. Your driving experience will be much improved by the extra power it delivers; one with AWD is especially nice. FWD works just fine and makes for a great drive each day, but if you have to deal with any rough weather or dirt roads, you’ll be glad to have the added traction and control of GMC’s AWD system. Also, note that the standard engine caps out at 1,000 lbs of towing capacity, while the V6 engine allows for 4,000 lbs of towing when properly equipped; keep that in mind if you have a boat or trailer to haul.

2019 GMC Acadia Trim Levels and Options

As you look at different 2019 GMC Acadia models, you’ll find six different trim levels out there. The features across them can vary quite a bit—though the differences are more minimal in some cases—so it’s important to know what you’ll find. A deep dive into all six trims is beyond what we have time for today; let’s take a brief look at each one to give you a sense of what they offer.

• 2019 GMC Acadia SL: The starting model with standard features, including the 2.5L engine, projector headlamps, and 17-inch wheels. Inside, it has premium cloth seating, a four-way driver’s seat, a one-color Driver Information Center, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It also has tri-zone climate control, a seven-inch infotainment display, and a six-speaker sound system.
• 2019 GMC Acadia SLE-1: Many of the same standard features as the SL but with some extra options. The 3.6L V6 engine is available here, but not for the SL, along with AWD. You’ll find LED daytime running lights here, but otherwise, it’s much like the starting model.
• 2019 GMC Acadia SLE-2: Features and options build on the SLE-1 including available Trailering Packages to allow for towing with the Acadia. The SLE-2 comes with 18-inch wheels, halogen projector fog lamps, and a power-programmable rear liftgate. Inside, this model has an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and available options, including larger displays and an available Bose sound system.
• 2019 GMC Acadia SLT-1: You’ll find numerous upgrades with this trim, including heated, power-adjustable side mirrors with auto-dimming on the driver’s side. Inside, the SLT-1 features perforated leather-appointed seating, eight-way power driver and front-passenger seats, and a multicolor eight-inch Driver Information Center screen. You’ll also find an auto-dimming rearview mirror, eight-inch infotainment display, and eight-speaker Bose premium sound system as standard in every SLT-1 model.
• 2019 GMC Acadia SLT-2: This is a notable performance upgrade: the SLT-2 model comes with the more-powerful V6 engine, dual-outlet exhaust, and 20-inch wheels. Other enhancements include memory settings for the driver’s seat and heated rear seats to keep everyone comfy.
• 2019 GMC Acadia Denali: Here is the ultimate expression of what the 2019 Acadia has to offer; it comes with gorgeous 20-inch wheels, the V6 engine, and more. Inside, the Denali has heated and ventilated front seats, an eight-inch multicolor configurable driver display, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. You’ll also find numerous details and stylistic touches inside and out that are unique to the Denali trim.

As you can see, the trim you find on a used GMC Acadia can make a big difference in the features that you’ll get. That’s why it’s so important that you pay close attention to the specifics of a pre-owned model that you’re looking at, so you can make sure it has what you want. This is also why it helps to work with a dealership (even an online dealer) with people who can answer your questions and make sure you find everything you need.

Is the 2019 GMC Acadia Right for You?

This is the big question at the end of the day, but you can see that it works well for a wide range of drivers. If you’re looking for a three-row SUV that’s fun to drive, with an array of great features inside, then this could be the perfect pick. With six different trims and two engines out there, however, what you get with a used Acadia can vary quite a lot—that’s why it’s important that you understand what’s available and pay attention to any model you’re interested in. If you find the right combination of features at a price that fits your budget, which is pretty easy with this model, then it’s a fantastic choice. All you have to do now is decide on which features you need in your SUV, and then we’ll help you find just what you want.