The first thing you notice when you see a 2023 GMC Acadia on the road or a lot in Yellowknife is a stylish midsize crossover SUV with more than a touch of premium flair. However, the Acadia’s beauty is much more than skin deep when you take the time for a closer look. The Acadia seats up to six or seven people in some comfort, and the flexible cabin allows numerous configurations to accommodate different combinations of people and cargo.
The exterior styling of the 2023 GMC Acadia is conservative but still distinct to the brand. It appears premium and classy without being too flashy, and each trim level has its own individual style. Every Acadia does a great job of projecting its considerable personality on the outside, especially the off-road-ready AT4 model and luxurious Denali trim levels. GMC is a brand that produces premium yet rugged vehicles, and the Acadia is no exception.
The GMC brand ethos strikes an appealing balance between mainstream and luxury, especially inside its vehicles. The Acadia is more premium than the most mainstream competition, but it doesn’t go as far as full-blown luxury brands, and nor does the price. Interiors begin encroaching on the genuinely luxurious as you go up the trim levels, especially with the range-topping Denali.
The 2023 GMC Acadia has a relatively straightforward lineup with four trim levels available. The lineup starts with an impressive base model in the shape of the Acadia SLE, which certainly doesn’t look like a base model despite its attractive starting MSRP. The second model in the family is the SLE, and the off-road-ready AT4 and the opulent Denali at the top of the lineup complete the range.
Powertrains and drivetrains for the 2023 Acadia are as straightforward as the trim levels. Every model gets AWD as part of its standard specification, so there’s no need to consider whether to upgrade from a standard two-wheel-drive format. You do have a choice of engines, however. The standard unit with the SLE and SLT versions of the Acadia is a 2.0-litre turbo-four with 228 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. The AT4 and Denali get a more powerful 3.6-litre V-6 with 310 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of torque, although you can configure the Denali with the turbo-four if you prefer.
No version of the Acadia lacks any essential standard features, and many potential owners would be more than happy with the entry-level SLE, especially for the price. The standard features of the SLE include 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, automatic emergency braking, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a hands-free power programmable liftgate.
Move up a grade to the SLE, and you’ll get standard navigation, a premium Bose eight-speaker audio system, and perforated leather-appointed seat trim. Apart from the standard V-6 engine, the AT4 that’s next in the lineup has similar specifications to the SLT, but it does add some desirable off-road styling cues that make it the standout Acadia for exterior styling. Of course, the Denali lives up to its range-topping status with an 8.0-inch multi-colour reconfigurable driver information screen, heated and ventilated driver front seats, a head-up display, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and plenty more besides.
No SUV can satisfy or suit every shopper. However, the 2023 GMC Acadia is a model with broad appeal for its flexible interior, impressive standard specifications, rugged but premium exterior styling, and overall value for money. Please don’t take our word for it, though. See for yourself with a test drive from Yellowknife Motors at 360 Old Airport Rd, Yellowknife, NWT, or call us at (867)-766-5000 for more details about pricing and availability and book an appointment for a time that fits your schedule.
