22 MPG combined is a practical, though not exciting, figure for the 2022 GMC Acadia FWD with the 3.6L V6. The vehicle isn’t bought for efficiency. Instead, it’s chosen for its comfortable three-row seating, decent cargo capacity, and a slightly upscale feel that separates it from more basic options. Buyers accept this fuel economy because the Acadia meets their main needs: family transport, road trip capability, and a slightly better image versus minivans or entry-level SUVs. Explore ACADIA MPG across all years to see how this model compares.

City and highway performance

The Acadia’s 19 MPG city and 27 MPG highway figures show its real-world drive. The V6 engine, while offering enough power for merging and passing, needs more throttle in cities, which lowers fuel economy. The 9-speed automatic transmission tries to keep the engine at its best on the open road, which helps the slightly better highway number. Don’t expect hybrid-like efficiency when navigating stop-and-go traffic. The Acadia is a large car that needs power to move.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,000 for the 2022 GMC Acadia FWD 3.6L. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the EPA’s assumed national average fuel prices. Individual expenses will vary depending on driving style, local fuel costs, and the actual miles driven. This dollar amount provides a useful benchmark, but owners should monitor their own fuel consumption for a more precise picture of their running costs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA gives standardized testing data, real-world results rarely match perfectly. Acadia drivers can expect to see fuel economy numbers within a few MPG of the EPA estimates if they drive carefully. Hard acceleration, frequent hard braking, and long idling will hurt fuel efficiency. Payload also matters. Carrying many passengers and cargo will lower MPG, especially in city driving. Remember that tire pressure and car care also matter, so keeping the Acadia well-maintained helps it run most efficiently.

How it compares

The Acadia’s fuel economy is competitive for its class. A similar Honda Pilot, for example, gets about 20 MPG combined with its V6 engine, while the Toyota Highlander V6 offers an EPA-estimated 24 MPG combined. The Ford Explorer, another popular choice, varies a lot depending on the engine. The base turbo-4 EcoBoost engine gets around 24 MPG combined, but choosing the stronger V6 lowers efficiency closer to the Acadia. The Dodge Durango, with its strong V6 or V8 engines, trades practicality for power and gets around 19 MPG combined at best. This comparison shows the Acadia’s 22 MPG in context. Buyers who really want better fuel mileage might consider the Highlander Hybrid, while those who want to tow and have more power might accept the Durango’s tradeoff. But for buyers wanting a mix of space, comfort, and okay fuel costs, the Acadia is still a good choice. Explore all Gmc fuel economy data for a broader view of the brand’s lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Acadia isn’t very fuel-efficient, but good driving habits can help. Avoid quick acceleration and keep a steady speed if possible. The V6 engine reacts quickly, but it uses more fuel when pushed hard. Anticipate traffic and avoid braking too much, letting the car coast when you can.

Check and keep the right tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and using more gas. See the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the suggested tire pressure and make sure your tires are properly inflated, mostly before long trips.

Keep idling time short, mostly in cold weather. Modern engines warm up fast, and long idling is not needed and wastes fuel. If you will be stopped still for longer than a minute, it’s better to turn off the engine.

Reduce extra weight. Extra cargo inside the car adds to its weight, which hurts gas mileage. Take out anything you don’t need, mostly heavy stuff, to improve efficiency. A roof rack, while useful for extra cargo, also adds to wind resistance and lowers gas mileage when not in use, so think about taking it off when it’s not needed.