Some may not find it interesting, but I believe that the trim level you select when purchasing a vehicle is nearly as important as the vehicle itself. Why is this? Not all vehicles are made equal, and trim levels offer us all a couple of things that help nourish the shopping experience as a whole. Firstly, there’s the possibility that you may not want all of the fancy bells and whistles, and this is perfectly fine as you’ll save more money than the driver who is seeking performance, leather seating, and the like. In the case of this year’s Acadia, there are four trim levels to consider when you visit your local GMC Acadia dealer, and I’ve put together a guide that will demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages that each trim brings to the table. By the end, you’ll have a far easier time selecting one that is a perfect fit for your budget, interests, and of course, your needs.
SLE
The SLE is the new base trim for this year, replacing the SL trim from last year. There’s a repercussion to this, but an even larger advantage. Although the base model starts at a higher MSRP than last year’s with a new price of $34,800, it results in a far more fleshed-out experience as a whole. More features are present on the base model for the 2022 Acadia than the 2021 variant, and it ultimately puts the new Acadia in a league above its predecessor. Of course, one of the primary advantages of opting for a base model trim is that you’ll be saving money, but what’s perhaps more beneficial is that you’ll still get the main experience. For example, just because it’s a base level trim, that doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to fit upwards of seven people in your cabin or that you’ll be missing out on an extraordinary amount of power.
Along with the SLE being the new base level trim, the powertrain that came standard in the 2021 Acadia has also been entirely dismissed. This places the formerly optional turbocharged 2.0L I-4 as the standard offering and allows the Acadia to be an SUV that will never offer less than 200 hp, unlike last year’s model. The turbocharged 2.0L I-4 produces 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and will use the same 9-speed automatic transmission as last year. With a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs, the base engine isn’t too far off from the more powerful option that I’ll discuss shortly. A benefit of this engine is that the base trim level Acadia is the most fuel-efficient, as you’ll see EPA-estimated ratings of 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
SLT
When you look at the official Acadia website, you’ll notice that the SLE and SLT are categorized together. Ultimately, the SLT shares numerous features with the SLE, including standard safety tech and its infotainment center design, along with functions that include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are a few areas where the SLT differs from the SLE, however, including available leather seating that replaces the standard cloth. This isn’t an option for the base model, nor is the more powerful engine that’s also available. That’s right, instead of being restricted to the aforementioned turbocharged 2.0L I-4 from the SLE, you’ll have the choice to swap this out for a 3.6L V6.
Swapping the turbocharged engine with a V6 has a couple of advantages, followed by one slight drawback. Opting for the V6 gives your Acadia 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, a 36% upgrade in power output. With this trim level and the available engine upgrade, the maximum towing capacity is also increased to 4,000 lbs. For reference, this is 14% more than the standard engine. Additionally, the 18-inch wheels that appeared on the SLE can be swapped out for a 20-inch set instead.
AT4
The AT4 is designed for a specific type of driver. It’s for those who want an SUV that doubles as an off-roading machine. Powering the AT4 is the same 3.6L V6 engine that I mentioned prior; however, it’ll come standard on this trim. Also gone are the 18 and 20-inch wheels from the previous two trims, and in its stead are 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. For off-roading, this is essential, but it also will give you numerous benefits even when you’re not on the trail. For example, if it’s a snowy month, or even if the roads are slippery from rain, those with all-terrain tires will be far better off than those without. On the trail, however, these tires will greatly assist with traction and stability when driving off of the beaten path.
Another important part of what makes an off-roading vehicle sustainable against its peers is a capable AWD system, which the AT4 includes too. The Acadia AT4 goes a step beyond the standard AWD option for the Acadia, with an Active Torque Control system that is built into this trim. This is in addition to the Traction Select drive modes, which include FWD, AWD, Sport, Offroad, and Trailer/Tow. Simply turn the knob depending on the situation at hand, and your vehicle will automatically adapt.
The AT4 comes standard with a couple of other notable features. Firstly, Hill Start Assist is included, and this will eliminate the slight rollback that will occur when switching pedals while climbing on a hill, such as while stopped at a stop sign, for example. Helpful in the suburbs, but immensely necessary for off-roading trails. Next, Hill Descent Control will give the driver a moment of ease when traveling down a steep hill by alleviating the driver of braking and acceleration for a short period so that the driver can focus on steering.
Denali
Every vehicle needs a top-end model. In the case of the Acadia, it’s the Denali. Purchasing the most expensive model will grant you some amenities as you’d expect. You again have the choice between the 2.0L turbo and the 3.6L V6, allowing you to tailor your SUV to your needs. Within the cabin, the materials that you’ll find are far more premium-feeling than any of the other trims. The Denali is also treated to an exclusive array of design changes made to its exterior to give it a sleeker and more premium look.
The infotainment center inside of the Denali is the same 8-inches as the one inside of the other three trims, except Denali’s version includes built-in navigation. Additionally, a 6-inch HUD is projected onto the windshield when you’re driving, which is an excellent amenity to have. Lastly, High Definition Surround Vision is standard on this trim, which isn’t the case with the others. Combined with the infotainment center, there are a large number of cameras that surround the vehicle, and the term “Surround Vision” is derived from these cameras’ ability to display numerous viewpoints directly to your infotainment center. All of the additions made to this trim level helps to create a generally luxurious experience that you won’t necessarily get on the other trims. Although, I’m still pleased to say that each trim level ultimately impresses.
