The 2019 GMC Acadia lasts around 250,000 miles with some electronic steering system and transmission controller issues. At $20,625 to $30,450, it’s a decent value for a midsize SUV with some upscale features, although you trade in some reliability for the nice cabin.
Is the 2019 GMC Acadia a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2019 is a good year for the GMC Acadia since it’s more reliable than older models, giving it a decent overall score. Owner reviews praise the smooth suspension, passenger room, along with the nice stereo system.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are fairly nice for an SUV, the seats are comfortable on longer trips, although cargo space is a bit lower than average.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major mechanical problems on the 2019 GMC Acadia. Buyers should avoid models from 2017–2018 since there are transmission issues, while 2019–2022 are much more reliable.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is very good from the optional V6 engine, although the base 4-cylinder is lacking compared to other midsize SUVs.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2019 GMC Acadia is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, as well as adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 23 MPG, giving 420 miles of range from the 18.3 gallon tank. Gas costs $24 cheaper than average at $184 per month.
- Value 7/10 – Depreciation is quicker than many other midsize SUVs, giving the 2019 GMC Acadia a lower value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the GMC Acadia?
- Consumer Reports says the 2019 GMC Acadia is a pleasant midsize SUV with enough room for a family, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Acadia at 3.4/5, praising the smooth suspension, but doesn’t like the limited room in the third row.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Acadia a 4.2/5, enjoying the safety and entertainment technology, but owners don’t like the relatively low gas mileage.
What Common Problems Does the 2019 GMC Acadia Have?
Common problems found on the 2019 GMC Acadia include electronic steering assist issues, failing to shift to park, as well as the A/C not working. Overall, these problems are slightly worse than other SUVs, leading to some higher repair bills as the Acadia ages.
Electronic steering assist issues are a problem mentioned by some 2019 Acadia owners at roughly 55,000 miles. There’s a warning light on the dash which will turn on letting you know the system has an issue. Usually, the problem is simply caused by a loose or corroded battery cable. Changing out the cable costs around $150. If there are other steering issues, they can range in price from $200 to over $1,000, depending on the source.
The transmission failing to shift to park is another complaint from owners at around 40,000 miles. There is a small switch which controls the parking system on the SUV, and if it fails it will not go into park properly. Replacing the switch is fairly straightforward, costing around $200.
The A/C system not working also shows up on some 2019 Acadia models at around 30,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a damaged A/C compressor. Replacing the compressor is a fairly labor-intensive process, costing nearly $1,000, depending on local labor rates.
There are 2 recalls on the 2019 GMC Acadia, which is similar to other SUVs from the same year. The first recall covers missing bolts on the start/stop accumulator, which GM will replace for free. The second recall is on the tires which may lose air due to a break in the sidewall. GMC will install new tires on affected models for free as well.
How Long Will the 2019 GMC Acadia Last?
A well-maintained 2019 GMC Acadia can last around 250,000 miles, which is about 100,000 miles less than the top-rated Toyota 4Runner. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than some other midsize SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $570 per year.
As a used 2019 GMC Acadia reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the ABS control module for $1,100, air bag clock spring costing $375, as well as the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor which costs $250.
Our GMC Acadia is very reliable. We have not had any problems with our vehicle. We have only taken it for routine maintenance.
I do not have any problems with the arcadia so far. It drive it every day and have not experienced any issues.
I have not had any issues with mine thus far and I have had it almost a year. I also haven't seen any reviews of issues either.
None. As I answered in the last question the vehicle is very reliable with no issues in the last nineteen months. Except for the service intervals I have not been back to the dealership.
The 2019 GMC Acadia is very reliable. I have had no problems so far with this vehicle. I recently had it serviced and everything is great.
It is a very reliable car definitely the 2019 'mom' car of the year! Me and most of my friends have one!
My GMC Acadia Denali has been reliable so far. I have not had any problems since leasing the vehicle.
Yes it’s very reliable. I don't have to worry about being stranded. It also has many safety features and great for kids
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great with a standard 7-inch touchscreen which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen, as well as more powerful stereo systems.
Safety technology is very good, offering a standard rearview camera, traction control, as well as GM’s teen driver mode, which allows you to set speed and volume limits.
Optional advanced safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane change assist, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, side blind zone alert, following distance indicator, front and rear parking sensors, rear park assist, adaptive cruise control, surround-view parking camera, as well as a safety alert seat.
Is the 2019 GMC Acadia a Good Value?
Yes, the 2019 GMC Acadia is a decent value since it’s reliable and has a nice interior for the money. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $20,625 to $30,450, making it cheaper than a Honda Pilot or Subaru Outback. Depreciation is a bit worse than other midsize SUVs, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the GMC Acadia?
There are four main models of the GMC Acadia offered in 2019, from the base SL model all the way up to the well-equipped Denali model. The Acadia is also available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
SL is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Heated Mirrors
- Keyless Ignition and Entry
- Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Height-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Rearview Camera
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Six-Speaker Audio System
SLE is a step up, adding:
- LED Running Lights
- Satellite Radio
- 18-Inch Wheels
- Fog Lights
- Power Liftgate
- Remote Engine Start
- Eight-Way Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Heated Front Seats
- Optional Driver Alert I Package
SLT is next in the lineup with:
- Auto Dimming Mirrors
- Leather Seating
- Upgraded Driver Information Display
- Eight-Speaker Bose Audio System
- Driver Alert II Package
- Optional Rear Seat Entertainment System
Denali is the flagship model which has:
- 20-Inch Polished Wheels
- Xenon Headlights
- Unique Front Griller
- Hands-Free Liftgate
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Adaptive Cruise Control
What Engines Come In the GMC Acadia?
- The base engine is a fairly weak 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 193 horsepower at up to 23 MPG. This engine comes with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- An available upgrade is the stronger 3.6L V6 which produces 310 horsepower while getting up to 21 MPG. It also features a six-speed automatic transmission. Performance is decent for an SUV, taking only 6.5 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the GMC Acadia Come In?
How Comfortable Is the GMC Acadia?
The 2019 GMC Acadia is a comfortable SUV, with plenty of room for up to seven passengers and their belongings. It has three rows of seating, with the second and third row seat offering plenty of legroom.
The seats are supportive and comfortable, and the ride quality is smooth and composed, even on rough roads. The cabin is also relatively quiet, with minimal wind and road noise.
How Much Storage Space Does the GMC Acadia Have?
Cargo space is slightly lower than other midsize SUVs in the 2019 GMC Acadia with 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 41.7 cubic feet of space behind the second row, and 79 cubic feet of space with the second and third rows folded down.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the GMC Acadia was launched in 2017.
2015: No major changes.
2016: Standard 4G LTE WiFi hotspot capabilities added.
2017: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new exterior, interior, technology, and engines.
2018: All-terrain package now available with third row of seating.
2019: No major changes.
2020: Upgraded navigation system, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine offered, along with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
2021: Elevation Edition added with black exterior trim, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto added.
How Does the GMC Acadia Compare to the Competition?
The 2019 GMC Acadia is a decent midsize SUV, although owners should be prepared for some higher ownership costs as they age compared to some of the other options on the market.
The Chevrolet Traverse is a slightly larger SUV available in the same price range. Passenger room is better in the Chevrolet Traverse, while the GMC Acadia offers a more upscale interior. We recommend the GMC Acadia since you get more luxury for your money, while both have similar mechanical issues.
The Ford Explorer is another competitor, which is about $1,500 more. There’s more room in the third row of the Ford Explorer, while the GMC Acadia comes with more standard technology. We recommend the Ford Explorer since they have fewer problems, although both are decent choices for the 2019 model year.
Do Owners Recommend the GMC Acadia?
Yes our GMC Acadia is a good vehicle. It is comfortable and quiet. The GMC Acadia has lots of wonderful features. We enjoy the remote start and heated seats and steering wheel.
Yes it is a great SUV. I love the acceleration of the vehicle. The technology that is included in the vehicle is awesome.
I love it. Even though it is a bigger SUV the gas mileage is great. It is comfortable. It is also super safe for my son.
As testament I have not taken my vehicle in for any warranty issues since I have had the vehicle in the last 19 month.
Yes - I love it!! This is the second Acadia we have purchased. It rides smoothly and has great storage space. And, it's a sharp design.
Yes it is in perfect condition. It has leather seats ac in the back. 8 or 10 speakers. Wi-Fi and OnStar
Yes, the GMC Acadia is a good vehicle for me. I have the Denali and enjoy the many features it has to offer. Nice ride. Great room inside and we love the third row seating.
Yes, it runs great and is good on gas. It has features that I like such as Apple carplay, rear backup camera and locks the vehicle itself