Archived model-year dossier
2018 GMC Acadia
The 2018 GMC Acadia is a lightly updated version of the redesigned 2017 midsize SUV, gaining a heated steering wheel on the Denali and a new Blue Steel Metallic color, with a 193-horsepower four-cylinder or an optional 310-horsepower V6. Two recalls apply, but owner complaints are heavy, 395 on NHTSA. Resale value is $9,450.
Configurations4
Model/option labels2
Combined efficiency20–23 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers6
What changed on the 2018 GMC Acadia
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the 2018 Acadia gets a heated steering wheel on the Denali trim and a new exterior color, Blue Steel Metallic. Two engines are offered: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 193 hp and 188 lb-ft, or an optional 3.6-liter V6 with 310 hp and 271 lb-ft. Towing is up to 1,000 pounds with the four-cylinder and 4,000 pounds with the V6. The EPA fuel economy for the four-cylinder is 21/26 mpg city/highway with front-wheel drive and 21/25 with all-wheel drive, and MotorTrend notes the V6 costs little in fuel economy at 18/25 and 17/25. In IIHS testing the 2018 Acadia scored Good on all crash tests but Marginal for the new headlights test. The base SL includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera and 4G LTE connectivity.
Recalls and complaints on the 2018 Acadia
NHTSA lists two recalls. 18V358 covers the fuel pump on a group of 2015 to 2018 GM vehicles including the 2017 to 2018 Acadia, and 17V516 covers a right front intermediate driveshaft on the 2017 to 2018 Acadia and the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain.
The bigger signal is complaints. NHTSA holds 395 on the 2018 Acadia: power train 163, unclassified 118, electrical system 108, engine 33, steering 24 and service brakes 21. VinSpectorAI (opens in a new tab) counts 373 complaints and lists transmission and drivetrain at 157, uncategorized issues at 112 and electrical faults at 105 as the top three, with eight crash-related complaints. Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) rates a 2018 with 108,000 to 120,000 miles as a medium risk of major repair. Power train is the largest group, so test the transmission on a drive with stop-and-go traffic.
What a 2018 Acadia costs today
Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) says a 2018 Acadia has depreciated $9,161, or 49 percent, in the last three years, leaving a resale value of $9,450 and a trade-in value of $7,250, in the 25th to 75th percentile for depreciation among 2018 SUVs. The EPA rates the 2018 Acadia at 20 to 23 mpg and $2,700 to $3,100 a year in fuel on fueleconomy.gov (opens in a new tab), against 18 to 22 mpg ($2,850 to $3,450) for the 2018 Ford Explorer and 21 to 23 mpg ($2,700 to $2,950) for the Honda Pilot.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2018 GMC Acadia: 6 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Automatic, 6-Spd | FWD | 194 | 190 | 21 / 26 / 23 mpg | 7 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| SLE-1 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Automatic, 6-Spd | FWD | 194 | 190 | 21 / 26 / 23 mpg | 7 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| SLT-1 | 3.6-liter V6 | Automatic, 6-Spd | AWD | 310 | 271 | 18 / 25 / 20 mpg | 7 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| SLE-2 | 3.6-liter V6 | Automatic, 6-Spd | AWD | 310 | 271 | 18 / 25 / 20 mpg | 7 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| SLT-2 | 3.6-liter V6 | Automatic, 6-Spd | AWD | 310 | 271 | 18 / 25 / 20 mpg | 7 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Denali | 3.6-liter V6 | Automatic, 6-Spd | AWD | 310 | 271 | 18 / 25 / 20 mpg | 7 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Trim | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL | 193.6 in | 66 in | 112.5 in | 7.2 in | 38.7 ft | 19 gal | 40.3 in | 41 in | 1,000 lb | P245/65HR17 |
| SLE-1 | 193.6 in | 66 in | 112.5 in | 7.2 in | 38.7 ft | 19 gal | 40.3 in | 41 in | 1,000 lb | P245/65HR17 |
| SLT-1 | 193.6 in | 66 in | 112.5 in | 7.2 in | 38.7 ft | 22 gal | 40.3 in | 41 in | 4,000 lb | P235/65HR18 |
| SLE-2 | 193.6 in | 66 in | 112.5 in | 7.2 in | 38.7 ft | 22 gal | 40.3 in | 41 in | 4,000 lb | P235/65HR18 |
| SLT-2 | 193.6 in | 66 in | 112.5 in | 7.2 in | 38.7 ft | 22 gal | 40.3 in | 41 in | 4,000 lb | P235/55HR20 |
| Denali | 193.6 in | 66 in | 112.5 in | 7.2 in | 38.7 ft | 22 gal | 40.3 in | 41 in | 4,000 lb | P235/55HR20 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2018 GMC Acadia trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | SL | SLE-1 | SLT-1 | SLE-2 | SLT-2 | Denali |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||||||
| Blind-spot alert | – | – | Std | Opt | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | – | – | Std | Opt | Std | Std |
| Hill-descent control | – | – | Opt | Opt | – | – |
| Pedestrian detection | – | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Side-view cameras | – | – | – | – | – | Opt |
| Surround-view camera | – | – | – | – | – | Opt |
| Top-view camera | – | – | – | – | – | Opt |
| Front and rear parking sensors | – | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | – | – | Std | Opt | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||||||
| Text-message reader | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-seat DVD entertainment | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Satellite radio | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Emergency and security services | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Parental (teen-driver) controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||||||
| Heated front seats | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated rear seats | – | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | – | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | – | – | Std | – | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | Std | – | Std | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | – | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Third-row seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote liftgate or trunk release | – | – | – | – | – | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | – | – | Std | – | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | – | – | Std | Opt | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
4 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38961Acadia AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic 6-spd | Regular | 21 | 25 | 23 | N/A |
| 38962Acadia AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic 6-spd | Regular | 17 | 25 | 20 | N/A |
| 38957Acadia FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic 6-spd | Regular | 21 | 26 | 23 | N/A |
| 38958Acadia FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic 6-spd | Regular | 18 | 25 | 21 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
6 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2018 GMC Acadia versus the 2017 GMC Acadia?
Model year
Against the 2017 GMC Acadia: Model/option labels no longer listed: Acadia Limited AWD, Acadia Limited FWD. Certification records went from 6 to 4. Midpoint combined efficiency moved from 20.0 to 21.5 MPG/MPGe. Federal recall campaigns on file went from 4 for the 2017 to 2 for the 2018.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02What automatic transmission fluid does the 2018 GMC Acadia use?
Maintenance
The 2018 GMC Acadia owner's manual names DEXRON-VI for the transmission. Source: 2018 GMC Acadia owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q03What size wheels does the 2018 GMC Acadia have?
Wheels and tires
The 2018 GMC Acadia's wheel diameter is 17 inches on the SL and SLE-1, 18 inches on the SLT-1 and SLE-2 and 20 inches on the SLT-2 and Denali. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04How do the 2018 GMC Acadia trims differ from one another?
Trims
The SLE-1 has satellite radio as standard equipment over the SL. The SLT-1 has 310 hp against 194 and AWD instead of FWD and blind-spot alert, forward collision warning, power front seats for driver and passenger and 9 more as standard equipment over the SLE-1. The SLT-2 has blind-spot alert, forward collision warning, power front seats for driver and passenger and 7 more as standard equipment over the SLE-2. The Denali has a heated steering wheel and a remote liftgate or trunk release as standard equipment over the SLT-2.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q05What engine oil does the 2018 GMC Acadia take?
Maintenance
The 2018 GMC Acadia owner's manual specifies SAE 5W-20 engine oil. Source: 2018 GMC Acadia owner's manual. The 2017 model year has the same figure.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q06What brake fluid, refrigerant and key-fob battery does the 2018 GMC Acadia use?
Maintenance
The 2018 GMC Acadia owner's manual names DOT 3 brake fluid. Source: 2018 GMC Acadia owner's manual. The 2017 model year has the same figure.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2018 GMC Acadia.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the GMC Acadia across model years.
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
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