2023 GMC Acadia

2023 is the final year of the second-generation Acadia. The volume SLT trim ships with GM's 2.0L LSY turbo I4 rated at 228 hp @ 5,000 rpm; the 3.6L LGX V6 (310 hp @ 6,600 rpm) is standard on AT4 and Denali. Volume-trim horsepower sits well below the SUV segment norm.

The 2.0L turbo I4 delivers 258 lb-ft @ 1,500–4,000 rpm on SLE/SLT; the optional 3.6L V6 peaks at 271 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm on AT4/Denali. Both figures land in the lower third of the SUV band.

Instrumented tests of the 2.0T Acadia land around 7.4–7.7 s to 60 mph; the V6-equipped AT4/Denali variants shave nearly a second to the mid-6s. Volume-trim acceleration is average for a mid-size 3-row.

Reviewers describe the 2.0T as adequate but coarse and vocal under load with occasional turbo lag off the line; the optional 3.6L V6 is smoother and more linear but is only offered on AT4/Denali. Volume-trim experience is mid-band at best.

GM's 9-speed 9T50 automatic is paired with both engines. Behavior is mostly smooth in cruise but reviewers routinely cite occasional harsh downshifts, gear-hunting on grades, and hesitation during throttle transitions — a known trait of this transmission across GM's crossover lineup.

Second-generation Acadia tops out at 4,000 lbs when equipped with the V6 and Trailering Package — enough for a small camper or utility trailer but 1,000 lbs shy of the redesigned 2024. 2.0T variants are limited to 1,000 lbs.

AWD is optional on SLE and SLT and standard on AT4 and Denali, so it's widely available across the range. The system is a conventional on-demand single-speed AWD with a driver-selectable mode dial; no low range, no torque-vectoring rear axle.

The AT4 trim gives the 2023 Acadia a light-duty off-road identity — standard AWD, all-terrain tires, dark exterior trim and hill-descent-adjacent drive modes — but ride height, approach/departure angles and underbody protection remain modest and there are no lockers or low range. Above segment average, well short of dedicated off-roaders.

The 2023 Acadia is offered with two gas powertrains (2.0L turbo I4, 3.6L V6) and no electrified option. Two-choice lineup is better than a single powertrain but well behind mid-size 3-row rivals that offer hybrid or PHEV variants (Grand Highlander Hybrid Max, Sorento Hybrid, CX-90 PHEV).

EPA combined figure for the volume 2023 Acadia SLT AWD with the standard 2.0L LSY turbo I4 (228 hp) and 9-speed automatic — the base powertrain across SLE/SLT and the second-gen Acadia's final model year before the 2024 redesign. Below segment for a mid-size three-row where hybrid rivals (Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Kia Sorento Hybrid) top 30+ MPG combined.

EPA city figure for 2023 Acadia AWD with 2.0L turbo I4. Weak for a mid-size SUV — the pre-2024 Acadia has no hybrid or electrified option to lift low-speed efficiency on a ~4,500-lb three-row body.

EPA highway figure for 2023 Acadia AWD with the 2.0L turbo I4 and 9-speed automatic. Middling for the segment — non-hybrid V6 and turbo-4 competitors sit in the 24–29 MPG hwy range; hybrid three-rows push past 34 MPG.

22.0-gallon fuel tank × 23 MPG combined yields ~506 miles of combined range on the volume SLT AWD 2.0T trim; ~572 mi at 26 MPG hwy. Solid for the segment despite mediocre MPG because of the generous tank sized for the V6.

EPA estimated annual fuel cost for the volume AWD 2.0T config at 23 MPG combined on regular unleaded — roughly $500 more per year than segment hybrids (Toyota Highlander Hybrid ≈ $1,950/yr). FWD 2.0T trims come in around $2,250/yr; V6 AWD around $2,550/yr.

Both engines — the 2.0L LSY turbocharged four and the 3.6L LGX V6 — are designed to run on regular unleaded (87 octane); GMC does not require or recommend premium. No diesel or E85 complications and no charging infrastructure to worry about.

The 2023 GMC Acadia — the final model year of the second-generation platform (2017–2023) — carries a 4-star NHTSA overall rating, with 4-star frontal, 5-star side, and 4-star rollover results on the AWD configuration. No changes from prior second-gen years since crash-tested structure is unchanged.

The 2023 GMC Acadia is not an IIHS Top Safety Pick. On the aging second-generation platform, the small-overlap driver-side result is Good but the passenger-side small overlap and updated side test scored only Acceptable, and headlight ratings are Marginal on most trims. GM did not re-engineer the Acadia to meet the 2023 TSP criteria in its swan-song year.

'GMC Pro Safety' is standard on every 2023 Acadia trim (SLE, SLT, AT4, Denali) and includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, IntelliBeam auto high beams, and HD Rear Vision Camera. Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control are bundled in 'GMC Pro Safety Plus' — standard on AT4 and Denali but optional on SLE and SLT.

GM's front automatic braking with pedestrian detection is competent in daytime testing on the second-generation Acadia, but nighttime pedestrian detection is a documented weak spot on the GM three-row SUV family (Acadia/Traverse/Enclave), and the older sensor suite is a step behind newer competitors. No standalone IIHS front crash prevention 'Advanced/Superior' rating specific to the 2023 Acadia.

Blind Zone Steering Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are alert-with-intervention on the 2023 Acadia and standard on AT4 and Denali via GMC Pro Safety Plus, but the SLE and SLT trims require an optional package to add them — no trailer-aware coverage, and the standard-across-the-line threshold is not met.

Standard Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning is corrective rather than a true lane-centering system, and no hands-on centering is offered on the 2023 Acadia — Super Cruise did not arrive on the Acadia nameplate until the 2024 third-generation redesign. Reviews describe the LKA as adequate but occasionally pingy, typical of GM's older shared implementation.

Full-speed-range Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go is included in GMC Pro Safety Plus — standard on AT4 and Denali, optional on SLE and SLT — and calibrates smoothly per reviews. Without any integrated highway-assist / lane-centering combination on this generation, the system reads as a capable ACC rather than a modern integrated highway assist.

Super Cruise was not offered on the second-generation GMC Acadia; hands-free highway driving first appears on the Acadia nameplate with the 2024 third-generation redesign. No hands-free option is available on any 2023 Acadia trim.

LED headlamps with IntelliBeam automatic high beams are standard on every 2023 Acadia trim, but IIHS has historically rated second-generation Acadia headlights as Marginal on the volume trims, with only upper-trim projector setups reaching Acceptable. No adaptive/curve-following headlights.

The second-generation Acadia's more compact-midsize proportions give above-average forward and side sightlines for a three-row SUV, with reasonable rear visibility helped by a squared-off tailgate. Rear Vision Camera is standard on all trims; HD Surround Vision (360-degree camera) is available on AT4/Denali and offsets tighter parking angles.

The 2023 Acadia has clearly marked outboard LATCH anchors in the second row and reasonably wide rear-door openings for the segment. IIHS's LATCH usability evaluation for the second-generation Acadia rates as Acceptable, held back by anchors that sit somewhat deep in the seat bight. Third-row access via the SmartSlide passenger seat is a plus for installing seats in the wayback.

Final year of the 2nd-generation Acadia (C1XX). Volume SLT trim ships with 2nd-row captain's chairs (6-passenger) but the 3-across bench is a no-cost option, bringing max seating to 7.

GMC-published dimension; carried unchanged through the 2020 refresh to end-of-run 2023.

The 2nd-gen Acadia is notably tighter up front than most mid-size 3-row rivals — a well-known weakness of this shorter platform vs. Palisade/Telluride/Explorer (43+ in).

Second-row headroom is a strength of the boxy 2nd-gen Acadia's roofline, sitting at the top of the mid-size 3-row segment.

Second-row legroom is competitive with the mid-size 3-row segment; captain's chairs on SLT and above slide fore/aft to trade legroom with the third row.

The 2nd-gen Acadia's third row is widely criticized as kid-only — 29.7 in of legroom and 37.8 in of headroom trail Palisade/Telluride/Explorer/Traverse by a wide margin, and reviewers consistently rate it a token seat for occasional short trips. Access via the sliding 2nd row is adequate but the opening is narrow.

Cargo volume behind the second row with the third row folded; the 2nd-gen Acadia's smaller footprint shows here — well below Palisade/Telluride (~46) and Explorer (~48).

With both rear rows folded flat the 2nd-gen Acadia's 79.0 cu ft is average for a mid-size 3-row and well short of Palisade/Telluride/Traverse.

Adequate but not standout: reasonably sized center console with sliding tray, decent door bins, and a modest glovebox. Wireless charging pad, four USB ports, and a 120V outlet are available on higher trims. No segment-defining tricks like Ford's Pro Power or Kia's under-floor bins.

Front seats are supportive for most occupants but reviewers cite flat cushions and limited lateral support on SLE/SLT; Denali's perforated leather with heat/ventilation is a clear step up. Second-row captain's chairs are comfortable for adults with recline and slide; third row is short-trip only.

Composed on smooth pavement but reviewers note the ride can feel busy over broken surfaces, and AT4's 17-inch all-terrain rubber helps compliance while Denali's 20-inch wheels transmit more impact harshness. Body control is competent rather than plush; no adaptive damping available.

Highway wind noise is well managed, but the 2.0L turbo four (standard on SLE/SLT/AT4) is audibly gruff under acceleration and reviewers note road roar on coarse pavement. No standard acoustic glass on lower trims; V6 Denali is meaningfully quieter under load.

Heated front seats and heated steering wheel standard from SLT; tri-zone automatic climate standard on SLT and up. AT4 and Denali add ventilated front seats and heated 2nd-row outboard seats. Remote start standard across the range; Denali gains perforated leather and memory settings.

The 2023 GMC Acadia — final year of the second-generation 3-row midsize SUV — opens at $37,995 including destination for SLE FWD. Lands below the SUV segment midpoint and materially undercuts the redesigned 2024 model's $43,790 opener (a ~$6k jump). Roughly $1k above the mechanically-adjacent 2023 Chevrolet Traverse LS FWD.

SLT AWD is the highest-volume 2023 Acadia configuration; a typically-equipped example lands in the low-$43k range. Sits below the SUV volume-price band midpoint and roughly $4k under the redesigned 2024 Elevation AWD, reflecting the outgoing generation's older platform and pre-refresh pricing.

Estimated from Edmunds/CarEdge class data for premium 3-row midsize SUVs on GM's 2.0L LSY turbo I4 and 3.6L LGX V6 with the 9T50 9-speed. Turbo service costs on SLE/SLT nudge the average above naturally aspirated V6 peers; final-year-of-generation status means most bugs are shaken out but the 9T50 transmission has a mixed reliability record.

GM midsize 3-row SUVs typically retain 42–48% of MSRP over 5 years per KBB/ALG residual projections. As the final year of an outgoing generation immediately superseded by a fully redesigned and larger 2024 Acadia, the 2023 carries a last-year-of-generation depreciation penalty — trailing Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride by 10+ points and behind even the outgoing-gen Explorer and Pathfinder.

GM's segment-floor 3/36 basic coverage — no premium-brand advantage despite the Acadia's Denali-heavy positioning. Trails Hyundai/Kia (5/60), Genesis (5/60), and Mitsubishi materially.

Standard 5/60 powertrain coverage — sits at the industry floor alongside Ford, well behind Hyundai/Kia (10/100) and Mitsubishi (10/100), and below the 6/70 Lincoln offers in the near-luxury 3-row space.

Standard GMC package: one complimentary first-visit maintenance (oil change / tire rotation / inspection), 5-year/60,000-mile OnStar Guardian Safety Suite (crash response, roadside), 3-year/36,000-mile courtesy transportation, and 3-month OnStar Premium + Connected Services trials. Thin vs Toyota (2 yr ToyotaCare) and BMW (3 yr scheduled), but above brands offering nothing.

$42,995 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (42% retained, or about $18,058) leaves about $24,937 in depreciation. Add the projected $5,800 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $30,737 in total.

2023 is the final year of the mature 2nd-generation Acadia (2017-2023) with the post-2020 refresh (9-speed automatic, standard 2.0T LSY, optional 3.6L LGX V6). Consumer Reports has historically rated the Acadia below segment average (~2/5 predicted reliability), and J.D. Power dependability signals are middling — mature but not a standout.

GMC lands in the lower-middle third of recent Consumer Reports brand-reliability rankings and near industry average in J.D. Power VDS (PP100). Mid-pack — not bottom-third, but well short of top-5 dependability leaders like Toyota/Lexus.

As a mature final-year build, MY2023 Acadia has fewer recall actions than earlier 2nd-gen years or the 2024 launch redesign. Recalls to date are typical (electrical/software, seat-belt-adjacent items) with no engine-fire or systemic driveline actions on this MY.

The optional 3.6L LGX V6 (310 hp) is a well-proven GM DOHC family shared across Camaro/Traverse/Colorado with a solid high-mileage record. The standard 2.0L turbo LSY (228 hp / 258 lb-ft, since MY2020) has more mixed reports (occasional turbo/oil-consumption grumbles) but no widespread failure pattern, and the Hydra-Matic 9T65 9-speed has matured past its early shift-quality complaints.

The 2020 refresh upgraded soft-touch coverage, gauges, and the Denali trim brought real-wood, leather, and metallic accents that read well for a non-luxury mid-size 3-row. Lower SLE/SLT trims use more hard plastic in secondary zones. Solidly competitive but not class-leading — the outgoing 2nd-gen cabin trails the fully redesigned 2024 in perceived richness.

By 2023 the 2nd-gen Acadia is a mature build at GM's Spring Hill (TN) plant — panel fit and trim assembly are consistent and initial-quality complaints have dropped from earlier-generation levels. Occasional interior rattle/software glitch reports appear in owner forums but nothing widespread.

GMC vehicles are sold and serviced through the extensive Buick-GMC dealer channel — one of the densest US networks with roughly 1,900+ US points. Service satisfaction runs around industry average per J.D. Power CSI; not top-tier for service experience but reliably available almost everywhere.

Mature 2nd-gen Acadia benefits from years of parts pipeline maturity and heavy component sharing across the GM C1XX-adjacent platform (Chevy Traverse, Buick Enclave). LGX V6 and Hydra-Matic 9T65 are widely stocked; aftermarket support is solid. Repair costs sit near mainstream mid-size 3-row averages per RepairPal-class references.

2023 is the final year of the 2nd-generation Acadia, which retained the 8.0-inch GMC Infotainment System center touchscreen across every trim. That is unchanged from the 2020 mid-cycle refresh and puts the Acadia near the bottom of the mid-size SUV segment for screen real estate — the all-new 2024 jumps to a 15-inch portrait display.

GMC Infotainment System (built on GM's Global B / pre-Ultifi platform) is quick to boot, has a logical tile menu, and keeps physical volume/tuning knobs plus hard shortcut buttons — reviewers consistently call it one of the easier-to-use systems even if graphics look dated. Small screen limits at-a-glance information density.

Both Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto are standard on every 2023 Acadia trim — no dongle, no upper-trim gating. That's ahead of many mid-size SUV rivals still requiring a USB tether at this price point.

The 2023 Acadia uses GM's older command-based voice recognition — no Google Assistant / natural-language capability (that arrives with Google Built-In on the 2024). Embedded turn-by-turn navigation is optional (Denali/AT4 package), and most owners lean on CarPlay/Android Auto for maps and voice. Functional but bypassed.

Base 6-speaker system is present on SLE/SLT and rated adequate by reviewers; an 8-speaker Bose premium system is standard on Denali and available on AT4. Solid mid-pack setup, but the Bose configuration is smaller and less ambitious than the 12-speaker Bose in the 2024 or the flagship systems in luxury rivals.

The 2023 Acadia retains a traditional analog speedometer/tachometer flanking a small color Driver Information Center display (roughly 4.2 in) — no full-digital reconfigurable cluster is offered on any trim. That's a clear miss compared with rivals now shipping 10–12 in digital clusters, and it's one of the biggest year-over-year jumps in the 2024 redesign (which adds an 11-inch digital cluster standard).

Second-gen Acadia supports OTA software updates for infotainment and some vehicle modules over the built-in 4G LTE / Wi-Fi connection — owner-forum threads confirm 2023 units receiving multiple 2023-onward updates. Cadence and scope are limited compared with GM's newer VIP/Ultifi vehicles and well short of Tesla/Rivian.

myGMC app with OnStar Remote Access covers remote start, lock/unlock, vehicle status, and vehicle locator, and works reliably. Most premium remote features move behind an OnStar subscription after the trial, and there is no smartphone-as-key on the 2023 Acadia — puts it mid-pack behind Hyundai/Kia and Ford.

Five USB ports (mix of USB-A and USB-C across the first two rows) are standard; a wireless phone charging pad is available on SLT and standard/available on AT4 and Denali. No 120V household outlet is offered. Adequate coverage for a family SUV but short of best-in-class multi-row USB-C setups.

Keyless Open (passive entry) and push-button start are standard across the 2023 lineup, and remote start is standard on all trims via the OEM key fob. Hands-free power liftgate is standard on Denali and available on AT4/SLT. No smartphone-as-key option, which keeps it out of the top tier.

HD Rear Vision Camera is standard on every trim, front and rear park assist are standard on SLT and above, and HD Surround Vision (360-degree camera) is part of the Denali Technology Package — available only on Denali. Automated parking is not offered. Image quality is fine but display size (8-inch) limits usefulness.

A color head-up display is offered only on the top Denali trim (bundled in the Technology Package) — not available on SLE, SLT, or AT4. Informative and configurable when equipped, but the volume trim goes without, keeping the score mid-band.

Final year of the 2nd-gen Acadia offers 6- or 7-passenger seating (volume SLT ships with captain's chairs, no-cost bench brings capacity to 7), a SmartSlide 2nd-row passenger seat that eases 3rd-row child-seat access, and IIHS-rated Acceptable LATCH usability on outboard 2nd-row positions. Downsides: the 3rd row is tight for kids (29.7 in legroom, 37.8 in headroom) and only 12.8 cu ft of cargo sits behind it with all seats up — a stroller-plus-groceries load is a squeeze. Hands-free power liftgate is only on Denali, not the volume SLT.

NHTSA rates the 2023 Acadia AWD 4 stars overall (5 side, 4 front, 4 rollover) — one star short of the segment-best 5-star that families expect. Not an IIHS Top Safety Pick: mixed small-overlap and side results with predominantly Marginal headlights on the volume trims. Standard GMC Pro Safety covers AEB, FCW, pedestrian braking, LKA/LDW and rear seat reminder on the family-friendly SLT, but blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise require the optional Pro Safety Plus package — features that cost extra at the trim families actually buy.

The 2nd-gen Acadia handles medium family trips: 39.7 in of 2nd-row legroom and a class-leading 39.9 in of 2nd-row headroom keep captain's-chair passengers comfortable, tri-zone climate is standard from SLT, and heated 2nd-row outboard seats plus 120V outlet are available on AT4/Denali. Ceiling: 41.7 cu ft cargo behind the 2nd row is below Palisade/Telluride/Explorer, the 3rd row is short-trip only for adults, and rear-seat entertainment isn't offered. Volume SLT lacks acoustic glass and ventilated seats that make Denali a better long-hauler.

At 193.6 in overall length with a ~38.7 ft turning circle, the 2nd-gen Acadia is easier to thread through daily traffic than the redesigned 2024 or a Palisade, and the standard GMC Pro Safety suite reduces stop-and-go workload. The 2.0L LSY turbo (volume SLT) is adequate around town but reviewers cite gruff engine sound and intermittent 9-speed hesitation on downshifts, and adaptive cruise control isn't standard on SLE/SLT — Super Cruise isn't offered on any 2023 Acadia. Fine daily manners with minor annoyances, not effortless.

EPA 21/26/23 mpg city/hwy/combined on the volume 2.0T AWD (25 combined FWD, 22 combined V6 AWD) yields roughly $2,550/year in fuel at typical annual mileage — well behind hybrid mid-size 3-row rivals (Toyota Highlander Hybrid ~$1,850/yr, Kia Sorento Hybrid similar). Positive: runs on regular unleaded. Negative: no hybrid, PHEV or EV option exists in the 2023 Acadia lineup, so commuters can't opt into segment-leading efficiency at any trim. Insurance costs are mid-pack.

The 2nd-gen Acadia's ~193.6 in overall length is roughly 10 in shorter than the 2024 redesign and near the small end of the mid-size 3-row segment, making it noticeably easier in tight lots and city streets than a Palisade or Telluride. Turning circle ~38.7 ft. HD Rear Vision Camera is standard on every trim; HD Surround Vision (360°) and front/rear park assist are available on AT4/Denali but require a package on SLE/SLT. Manageable-to-easy for a three-row, with camera help still trim-gated on the volume grade.

Max tow is 4,000 lbs — but only with the 3.6L V6 (standard on AT4/Denali) plus the Trailering Package. The volume SLT with 2.0T is limited to 1,000 lbs, essentially useless for a small camper or utility trailer. 79 cu ft max cargo is average for the segment, there's no bed, no HD alternative and no dual-rear-wheel option. Volume-trim buyers get almost no meaningful work capability; only V6-equipped AT4/Denali configurations reach light-work territory.

Advantage over the all-new 2024: the 2023 rides on a proven 2nd-gen platform with the mature 3.6L LGX V6 and 2.0L LSY turbo, both with years of GM field history, and the Hydra-Matic 9T50 9-speed has matured through several model years despite early shift-quality complaints. Consumer Reports predicted reliability for the 2023 Acadia hovers around 2/5 — mid-pack. Denali-heavy trim mix skews toward leather and premium trim that don't wear well under jobsite abuse, and there's no fleet/utility trim option.

Basic work provisions only: 120V household outlet is available on AT4and Denali (not the volume SLT), USB ports across rows charge tools/devices, roof rails are standard SLT and up, and a Class III hitch with integrated brake controller comes in the Trailering Package. No dedicated cargo tie-down rail system, no wipe-down vinyl-floor option, no upfit ecosystem, and no Multi-Pro Tailgate (Yukon/Sierra exclusive). Volume-trim buyer gets very few work-focused features.

22.0-gallon fuel tank × 23 mpg combined (2.0T AWD) delivers ~506 mi combined range, ~572 mi at 26 mpg hwy — solid for the segment because the tank was sized for the V6. Front seats are supportive for most occupants and the Denali adds acoustic-laminated glass, ventilated leather and heated 2nd-row seats. Ceiling is capped by the volume 2.0T's road/engine noise on coarse pavement, no adaptive dampers, and no Super Cruise on any 2023 Acadia — full-speed ACC is the ceiling for driver-assist highway relief, and only on AT4/Denali or as an SLT option.

The AT4 trim gives the 2023 Acadia a light-adventure identity most mid-size 3-row rivals lack — standard AWD, 17-inch all-terrain tires, off-road drive mode, hill-descent-adjacent modes, and dark-out exterior trim. But unlike the redesigned 2024 AT4, the 2nd-gen AT4 gets NO lift kit and NO skid plates, ride height is a modest ~7.2 in, and the AWD is single-speed with no low range or lockers. 4,000 lb tow (V6) handles small campers/kayak trailers; roof rails are standard SLT and up. Handles gravel roads and bike racks, well short of a Wrangler/4Runner.

79 cu ft max cargo (both rear rows folded) is mid-pack for the mid-size 3-row segment and roughly 18 cu ft below the 2024 redesign; 41.7 cu ft behind row 2, 12.8 cu ft behind row 3 with all seats up. 2nd-row 60/40 bench (SLE / SLT option) or fold-and-tumble captain's chairs (SLT/AT4/Denali) give flexibility, standard roof rails accept accessories from SLT up, Class III hitch is available, and underfloor storage bins sit under the load floor. Hands-free power liftgate is Denali-only; volume SLT gets a manual liftgate.

Final year of the shorter 2nd-gen Acadia (112.5-in wheelbase, ~4,200 lb) on GM's C1XX platform. Body control is composed and predictable for a mid-size three-row and its more compact footprint gives it a slight agility edge over the much larger redesigned 2024. Passive dampers on every trim, no torque vectoring and front-drive-biased AWD cap ultimate cornering ability; reviewers consistently place handling in the middle of the mid-size 3-row pack.

Variable-effort electric power steering is accurate and appropriately weighted around town but delivers little on-center feedback at highway speed — the same numb EPS calibration that carries across GM's mid-size crossover lineup. Precise enough for daily use, uninspiring for enthusiast driving.

Four-wheel discs (ventilated front, solid rear on lower trims) deliver a firm, easy-to-modulate pedal without fade complaints in road tests; instrumented 60–0 mph stops for the 2nd-gen Acadia sit in the ~125–130 ft range — average for a ~4,200-lb mid-size three-row. No brake-by-wire or regen blending on this non-electrified powertrain.

Volume SLT trim runs GM's 2.0L LSY turbo I4 (228 hp / 258 lb-ft) paired with the 9T50 9-speed automatic. Reviewers cite noticeable turbo lag off the line and the 9-speed's periodic gear-hunting and hesitation on grade or during passing-power kickdown. The optional 3.6L LGX V6 on AT4/Denali is meaningfully smoother and more linear, but is not the volume configuration.

The 2.0L turbo four in the volume trim becomes coarse and audibly gruff under acceleration, and lower trims do not get standard acoustic glass. The 3.6L V6 (AT4/Denali) is meaningfully quieter and more refined, but the volume-trim ownership experience is a step below V6 or hybrid rivals like the Explorer, Pilot and Grand Highlander.

The 2nd-gen Acadia's shorter 112.5-in wheelbase yields a 38.7-ft curb-to-curb turning diameter — mid-pack for the mid-size SUV segment and notably tighter than the redesigned 2024 (40.4 ft).

Commanding SUV seating position with good forward sightlines over the squared-off hood; tilt/telescope steering column and 8-way power driver seat standard from SLT accommodate a range of drivers. Physical volume/tuning knobs and hard-key climate controls flank the 8-inch touchscreen — dated by 2023 but easy to operate. Thick C-pillars and relatively small rear glass limit rear-quarter visibility, partially offset by standard rear camera and available surround view on Denali.

The 2023 Acadia is a comfortable, competent family cruiser rather than something enthusiasts recommend for the twisty road home. Numb steering, a coarse 2.0T on the volume trim, and the 9-speed's hunting behavior leave little to reward hard driving. The V6-powered Denali is more pleasant but still appliance-like; the AT4 has visual appeal without meaningfully sportier dynamics.

Base 2023 SLE FWD (~$37,795) includes 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and GMC Pro Safety Plus (auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, forward collision warning), which is competitive on safety tech but light on comfort content versus similarly priced Palisade SE and Telluride LX that bundle more heated/upgraded seating and larger displays.

Mid-tier SLT V6 AWD offers decent content for the money and the optional 3.6L V6 (310 hp) is competitive on power, but the Acadia's smaller-than-average third row and modest cargo volume undercut value against Palisade/Telluride/Grand Highlander, and Denali AWD ($50K+) trails those rivals for interior richness at similar pricing.

Four well-spaced trims (SLE, SLT, AT4, Denali) with two engines (2.0L turbo I4 and 3.6L V6), FWD or AWD, and 5/6/7-passenger seating gives buyers real range from budget to loaded — meaningfully broader than the streamlined 2024+ redesign lineup.

GM reported roughly 55K-62K Acadia deliveries in 2022-2023 — a solid mid-pack result but noticeably behind volume leaders Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Kia Telluride/Hyundai Palisade, with buyer interest cooling ahead of the announced 2024 redesign.

GMC carries a premium truck-and-SUV image reinforced by the Denali sub-brand, lifting perceived status above mainstream Chevy/Ford equivalents — not aspirational the way a luxury badge would be, but a clear positive for satisfaction and resale.

As the final year of the second-generation Acadia ahead of the 2024 redesign, GM ran aggressive cash, lease, and financing incentives to clear inventory, and dealer discounting off MSRP was easy to find — buyer-friendly conditions well above typical mid-size 3-row rivals.

2023 is the final year of the second-generation Acadia (introduced for 2017, mid-cycle refresh in 2020) with an 8-inch infotainment, aging interior, and a fully redesigned third-generation replacement publicly announced for 2024 — high replacement risk and dated relative to fresh rivals.

2023 Acadia reviews were lukewarm: reviewers praised the smooth V6, comfortable ride, and Denali's premium touches but consistently flagged the tight third row, dated tech, and mid-pack cabin materials, placing it below Palisade/Telluride and Grand Highlander in group tests; no major 2023 awards.