2020 GMC Acadia — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2020 GMC Acadia

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $41,070–$52,475
Fuel Economy 21 MPG
Seating 7 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,500/yr

Key Specifications — 2020 GMC Acadia

Seating Capacity7 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$41,070–$52,475

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2020 GMC Acadia

Our scoring places the 2020 GMC Acadia at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Technology at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.9/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 8.4/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 6.9/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.6/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $41,070–$52,475, 21 MPG, seating 7, the GMC Acadia sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.1/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Our take: The 2020 GMC Acadia is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability and performance and technology hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2020 GMC Acadia ranks #1384 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 44% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $41,070 starting price is about 14% above the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Acadia Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2017 GMC Acadia scores 7.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.3 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.8/10$47,445 Read review →
2025 7.8/10$47,445 Read review →
2024 7.7/10$46,170 Read review →
2023 7.6/10$44,895 Read review →
2022 7.5/10$43,620 Read review →
2021 7.4/10$42,345 Read review →
2020 (this review) 7.3/10$41,070
2019 7.3/10$39,795 Read review →
2018 7.2/10$38,520 Read review →
2017 7.1/10$37,245 Read review →
2016 7.1/10$29,640 Read review →
2015 6.8/10$28,470 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2020 GMC Acadia

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 21 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2020 GMC Acadia (6 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Tires
25/02/2021 · 21V115000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC…
Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Fuel pump
15/10/2020 · 20V639000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a…
Tires
05/11/2020 · 20V684000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that…
Air bags / Side/window / Curtain / Inflator
30/07/2020 · 20V446000
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5 and XT6, Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 and Traverse and GMC Acadia and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The diffuser component of the Roof-Rail Air Bag…
Power train / Automatic transmission
29/10/2020 · 20V668000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC…

Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.

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