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2019 GMC Acadia Review: Reasonably Dependable Midsize SUV With High Ownership Costs

Rating: 4.69
Based on 100 Owner Reviews
Jovan | March 31, 2025
The 2019 GMC Acadia is a mid-size SUV offering a blend of comfort and utility. Part of the second generation (2017-present), it slots between the smaller Terrain and larger Yukon. Key trims include SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali. Pricing typically ranges from the low $30,000s to the high $40,000s, depending on trim and options. The Acadia is popular for its manageable size, offering three rows of seating without being overly large, and its upscale styling compared to some competitors.
The Good

The 2019 Acadia offers a comfortable ride and a stylish design, appealing to emotional buyers. Practically, it provides decent fuel efficiency with the available 4-cylinder engine and a manageable size for city driving. Reliability is generally good, and the Denali trim offers a premium experience. Its versatility with three rows is a strong selling point.

The Bad

The 2019 Acadia's third-row seating is cramped for adults, and cargo space behind it is limited. The base engine can feel underpowered, especially when fully loaded. Some owners have reported issues with the infotainment system and transmission shifting. Check for any unusual noises or vibrations during a test drive.

2019 GMC Acadia: Quick Overview

  • Engine Options:
    • 2.5L Inline-4: 193 hp, 188 lb-ft of torque
    • 3.6L V6: 310 hp, 271 lb-ft of torque
  • Horsepower:
    • 2.5L: 193 hp
    • 3.6L: 310 hp
  • Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated):
    • 2.5L (FWD): 21 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
    • 3.6L (FWD): 18 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
    • 3.6L (AWD): 17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
  • 0-60 Times (Estimated):
    • 2.5L: 9.0 seconds
    • 3.6L: 6.1 seconds
  • Towing Capacity:
    • Up to 4,000 lbs (with the 3.6L V6 and trailering package)
  • Trim-Level Features:
    • SL: Cloth upholstery, 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, rearview camera.
    • SLE: Adds keyless open/start, available leather seats, available blind-spot monitoring.
    • SLT: Leather upholstery, 8-inch touchscreen, power liftgate, heated front seats.
    • Denali: Premium leather, navigation, Bose audio system, adaptive cruise control, unique styling.

2019 GMC Acadia Specifications

Vehicle Information
Year 2019
Make GMC
Model Acadia
Trim -
Style -
Type Sport Utility Vehicle Vehicle
Category Standard Sport Utility Vehicle Medium Truck
Manufacturing Details
Made In United States
Manufacturing City SPRINGHILL
Dimensions
Doors 4-Door
Curb Weight -
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 7000 pounds
Overall Height -
Overall Length -
Overall Width -
Wheelbase Length -
Standard Seating -
Engine & Performance
Engine LGX - Direct Injection, Variable Valve Timing, Aluminum GEN 2
Engine Size 3.6L
Engine Cylinders 6
Transmission 6-Speed Automatic
Transmission Type Automatic
Transmission Speeds 6-Speed
Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive
Additional Features
Anti-Brake System -
Steering Type -
Pricing
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) -
Invoice Price -
Delivery Charges -

Vehicle History Report

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Market Price
Analysis

What Problems Does the 2019 GMC Acadia Have?

The 2019 GMC Acadia has had a few frequently reported problems. Some owners have experienced issues with the automatic transmission, including rough shifting and hesitation. There have been reports of the infotainment system freezing or malfunctioning, requiring a reset. Oil consumption has also been a concern for some owners, particularly with the 3.6L V6 engine.
Recalls for the 2019 Acadia have included issues with the fuel pump, which could potentially lead to a stall. Additionally, there were recalls related to improperly secured child seat anchors. It's essential to check the vehicle's VIN for any outstanding recalls before purchasing.
Long-term reliability concerns often revolve around the transmission and the potential for increased oil consumption as the vehicle ages. Some owners have also reported problems with the air conditioning system. Overall, while the Acadia is generally reliable, these are the areas to pay close attention to, especially when considering a used model. Reviewing the vehicle's maintenance history is highly recommended.

How long will the 2019 GMC Acadia last?

With consistent maintenance, a 2019 GMC Acadia can reasonably be expected to reach 150,000-200,000 miles or provide 10-12 years of service. Regular oil changes, transmission fluid flushes, and timely replacement of wear items (brakes, tires) are crucial. Long-term durability can be affected by the previously mentioned transmission issues and potential oil consumption, so diligent monitoring is recommended. The suspension components are generally robust, but may require attention after several years of use. Rust isn't a major concern, but checking for corrosion in areas prone to salt exposure is always a good idea.
Positive Owner Reviews
eleuenberger
Love this Denali 2019 Acadia. Bought in 2018 with a large Houston Dealer Discount (22%). Replaced 1 Battery under Factory warranty and the common Park/Assist malfunction repaired under 3rd Party Warranty ($1200+) in 2023. Smooth ride, V-6 @ 24-26 mpg highway/16-17 mpg town driving. Thermostat only other repair/replacement.
Katherine Clark Brown and marion Brown.
2019 GMC Acadia v6. At 51711,miles.now needs a new thermostat the dealer charging $960.00 to replace it no warranty why now, is it a recall on that ,dealer said 3 weeks is what it takes..
Kristak
Mr Shane Shavers at the Trussville location was the best, I truly love this vehicle. My salesmen was great he really listened to my family's needs and got us the best vehicle for us. Big thank you for all your help
Negative Owner Reviews
P Scott
Thought this 2019 GMC Acadia Denali would be a great car but I was wrong. Too small and not enough storage for drinks or items. A terrible shift to park issue that GMC won’t do anything about and fix is about $600. Very disappointing vehicle.
Janicec
Struggling with seeing front drivers side , the door mirror to the front windshield block my view ,, never had that problem with any other car before, I am scared to death to drive this car because of that !! My husband struggles to !! Had car 2 weeks ran over 2 curbs ,, also the front vehicle gets lost with the pavement couldn’t figure out what was car or blacktop , maybe lighting is off found it life threatening in the rain !! I’m feeling very unsafe
regretful
The vehicle has no storage space. The center console is small, no place for coins or papers. No space in the rear storage compartment under the deck lid. I am so sorry!

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

The 2019 GMC Acadia comes with a decent array of tech and safety features. Standard features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims offer an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a Bose premium audio system.
Driver-assistance features vary by trim but can include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change alert, lane keep assist, forward collision alert, and low-speed automatic braking. Adaptive cruise control is available on the Denali trim.
Safety features include multiple airbags, stability control, and traction control. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) gave the 2019 Acadia an overall safety rating of 5 stars. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) gave the Acadia a "Good" rating in most crash tests, but the headlight performance was rated as "Marginal" or "Poor" depending on the trim level. Overall, the Acadia provides a respectable suite of safety and technology features, though some of the more advanced features are limited to higher trims or optional packages.

What Colors Options are Available?

Exterior Colors
Summit White
Quicksilver Metallic
Dark Sky Metallic
Red Quartz Tintcoat
Smoky Quartz Metallic
Ebony Twilight Metallic
White Frost Tricoat
Dark Mahogany Metallic
Interior Colors
Cocoa/Dune
Jet Black
Kalahari

2019 GMC Acadia Prices and Market Value

The 2019 GMC Acadia had a starting MSRP of around $30,000 for the base SL trim and could reach upwards of $48,000 for a fully equipped Denali. Current used market prices generally range from the mid-$20,000s to the low $30,000s, depending on trim, mileage, and condition. Depreciation is fairly typical for a mid-size SUV. Factors affecting resale value include mileage, condition, maintenance history, and trim level. The Denali trim tends to hold its value better than the lower trims. Options like all-wheel drive and popular safety features can also positively impact resale value.

2019 GMC Acadia Cost of Ownership

The 2019 GMC Acadia represents a moderate ownership cost. Insurance premiums are generally average for its class. Fuel costs will vary depending on the engine choice, with the 2.5L being more economical than the 3.6L. Routine maintenance is reasonably priced, but potential repairs, especially related to the transmission or oil consumption, could be costly. Overall, it's not the most economical SUV, but it's also not excessively expensive to own, falling somewhere in the middle range.

2019 GMC Acadia Fuel Efficiency

Fuel Type Gasoline
Fuel Capacity 23 gallons
City Mileage 18 miles/gallon
Highway Mileage 25 miles/gallon

2019 GMC Acadia Safety Rating

NHTSA
Overall Rating
Overall Frontal Star Rating
Side Overall Star Rating
Overall Rollover Star Rating
Combined Front Seat Rating
Combined Rear Seat Rating
Overall Frontal Star Rating
Frontal Barrier Star Ratings Not Tested
Overall Side Star Rating
Side Barrier Star Ratings
Side Pole Star Rating
Combined Side Barrier And Side Pole Star Ratings Not Tested
Rollover Resistance Star Rating

2019 GMC Acadia Insurance

Insurance for a 2019 GMC Acadia is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Sport Utility Vehicle Vehicle with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.

How Does the 2019 GMC Acadia Compare to Other Sport Utility Vehicle Vehicle?

The 2019 GMC Acadia competes with the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Chevrolet Traverse. In terms of performance, the Acadia's 3.6L V6 is competitive, but the base 4-cylinder lags behind rivals. The Highlander and Pilot generally have better reputations for long-term reliability. The Traverse offers more cargo space.
Feature-wise, the Acadia offers a comparable range of technology and safety equipment, but some rivals offer more advanced features as standard. Pricing is generally in line with the competition.
Alternatives to the Acadia include: The Toyota Highlander is a solid choice for reliability and resale value. The Honda Pilot offers a spacious interior and good driving dynamics. The Chevrolet Traverse, mechanically similar to the Acadia, provides more cargo space and a slightly lower price point. Depending on priorities, the Highlander or Pilot might be considered better choices due to their stronger reliability records. However, the Acadia still provides a good balance of features and style.

Ranks #1291 SUV

1 2023 Toyota 4Runner (5.0★)
2 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid (5.0★)
3 2023 Lexus GX (0.0★)
4 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV (0.0★)
5 2024 Subaru Crosstrek (5.0★)
6 2024 BMW iX (0.0★)
7 2023 Ford Bronco Sport (3.0★)
8 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB (0.0★)
9 2024 Chevrolet Trax (5.0★)
10 2023 Audi A4 allroad (0.0★)
11 2023 Hyundai Kona N (0.0★)
12 2023 Nissan ARIYA (5.0★)
1291 2019 GMC Acadia (5.0★)

Final Verdict: Is the 2019 GMC Acadia a Good Sport Utility Vehicle Vehicle?

The 2019 GMC Acadia is ideal for families needing three rows of seating in a manageable size SUV. It's worth buying if found at a good price and in good condition. A used model with a comprehensive maintenance history is preferable. The SLT or Denali trims offer a better balance of features and luxury compared to the base models. Avoid the base 2.5L engine if possible. Consider a pre-purchase inspection to check for potential transmission or oil consumption issues. If reliability is a top priority, alternatives like the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot may be better choices, but the Acadia remains a stylish and practical option.

2019 GMC Acadia Owner Reviews

4.69
Overall rating
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DT on January 16, 2025

I purchased my car brand new.

I purchased my car brand new. The next day after purchase my vehicle back speaker decided to stop working and started to have static sounds. The blind spot indicator decided to stop working on the driver side. Then the back passenger seat belt stop working and the "shift to park" indicator won't go off. When I reported it to GMC nothing was resolved.

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eleuenberger on July 19, 2024

Love this Denali 2019 Acadia.

Love this Denali 2019 Acadia. Bought in 2018 with a large Houston Dealer Discount (22%). Replaced 1 Battery under Factory warranty and the common Park/Assist malfunction repaired under 3rd Party Warranty ($1200+) in 2023. Smooth ride, V-6 @ 24-26 mpg highway/16-17 mpg town driving. Thermostat only other repair/replacement.

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P Scott on December 22, 2023

Terrible Buy

Thought this 2019 GMC Acadia Denali would be a great car but I was wrong. Too small and not enough storage for drinks or items. A terrible shift to park issue that GMC won’t do anything about and fix is about $600. Very disappointing vehicle.

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1

Katherine Clark Brown and marion Brown. on December 8, 2022

Is it a recall??

2019 GMC Acadia v6. At 51711,miles.now needs a new thermostat the dealer charging $960.00 to replace it no warranty why now, is it a recall on that ,dealer said 3 weeks is what it takes..

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0
1

Kristak on August 24, 2022

Truly love this vehicle

Mr Shane Shavers at the Trussville location was the best, I truly love this vehicle. My salesmen was great he really listened to my family's needs and got us the best vehicle for us. Big thank you for all your help

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BrittB on March 23, 2022

Love the Ride

Great Vehicle for new family. Rides smooth & comfortable seats. Very roomy in the car as a whole. Plenty of storage Space for groceries & the daily stuff like baby accessories strollers. Bags etc.

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Rich on May 11, 2021

Quiet, comfortable, pleasure to drive.

Fuel efficient, Very stylish. Plenty of creature comforts. Great family vehicle. Grandkids love the WIFI connection .Nothing bad can be said of the performance ,quality, comfort of this vehicle.

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meatmen on January 29, 2021

Best in class

Some "professional" writers dislike the Acadia for it's smaller dimensions for a 3 row SUV, but I find it a plus for what I wanted. I've had a mid 90's Chevy Blazer, 99 Dodge Durango, 03 Hyundai Santa Fe, 07 Chevy Tahoe and a 13 Cadillac SRX. With it's shorter overhang and 112" wheel base this 3 row SUV is easy to drive in town and Forestry Service roads on BLM and National forest roads. Large enough to to SUV RVing. Everything lays total flat so I can sleep in the back(had to cut some plywood for the gap between the 2nd row captain chairs). 81" length inside with drivers seat back to fit my 6'1" frame. When wife comes along car camping need to use the Yakima Skybox 16 Carbonite(post 5/2020 manufacturing date, redesign to fit). Not hardcore, 2-3 days out, then hotel. Also my SLT-1 with 3.6l (optional) and towing package (optional) has more towing capacity than anything this size, 4,000 lbs, at a better price point.

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Mimi on January 19, 2021

Great SUV

The 2019 Acadia Denali is easy to drive and has all of the “extras” to make it enjoyable. Smooth ride and so comfortable. My family loves it!

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Laura on December 14, 2020

Love this car. Plenty of room, easy to park

Looking forward to my next Acadia. After buying this one, I don’t think I’ll ever buy another make or model. Easy and pleasurable to drive and ride. Great car!

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Jovan

Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.