DecodedCars2021 GMC Acadia
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV AWD Denali, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Transmission
- 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 6
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 193.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,922–4,389 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 28% better than the average 2021 standard SUV (19.6 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Emergency braking not standardAutomatic emergency braking is optional or limited to some trims.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 GMC Acadia is a standard SUV offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,240 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 29 highway), 28% better than the 2021 standard SUV average of 19.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 155 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Acadia — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Acadia →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Springhill, Tennessee
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Acadia configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 193.3 in | 75.6 in | 66.5 in | 112.6 in | 64.6 / 64.6 in | 4,240 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr SUV AWD Denali | 193.3 in | 75.6 in | 66.5 in | 112.6 in | 64.6 / 64.6 in | 4,389 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 193.3 in | 75.6 in | 66.5 in | 112.6 in | 64.6 / 64.6 in | 3,922 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acadia FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | +28% | $2,700 | 349 |
| Acadia AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | +28% | $2,800 | 362 |
| Acadia FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | +17% | $2,900 | 382 |
| Acadia FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | +12% | $3,050 | 402 |
| Acadia AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | +12% | $3,200 | 413 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 GMC Acadia SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.1% |
| 2021 GMC Acadia SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |
Similar 2021 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 GMC Acadia (this car) | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Ford Explorer | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 27 |
| 2021 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 16 |
| 2021 Kia Telluride | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
Recalls (2)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 22, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V709000 · 95,231 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently.
- Risk
- An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the coaxial cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222378380.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Jun 3, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V422000 · 572 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated.
- Risk
- Improperly attached and seated fuel supply lines may loosen or separate, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace fuel supply lines as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212335590.
Not every 2021 GMC Acadia is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 GMC Acadia buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 38 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 30 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 26 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 28,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 GMC Acadia. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Acadia years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Acadia | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Acadia | 22 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 10 |
| 2025 Acadia | 23 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 69 |
| 2024 Acadia | 23 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 61 |
| 2023 Acadia | 25 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 49 |
| 2022 Acadia | 25 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 52 |
| 2020 Acadia | 24 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 106 |
| 2019 Acadia | 23 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 388 |
| 2018 Acadia | 23 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 398 |
| 2017 Acadia | 23 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 706 |
| 2016 Acadia | 18 | 201.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 236 |
| 2015 Acadia | 19 | 201.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 243 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →