The 2019 GMC Acadia AWD with the 3.6L V6 gets 20 MPG combined. It’s not a Prius, and it doesn’t try to be. The Acadia fills a specific need: families who want three rows of seats and all-wheel drive, but aren’t ready for a full-size SUV and its higher gas costs. They accept this fuel economy because the Acadia provides practicality and capability in a reasonably sized package.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 GMC Acadia AWD 3.6L gets 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city number shows what happens in stop-and-go traffic, where the Acadia’s weight and relatively simple six-speed automatic transmission affect efficiency. The highway number is better, showing the engine’s ability to cruise efficiently once it reaches speed. However, these numbers are achieved under ideal testing conditions.

Loading the Acadia with people and cargo, or driving into headwinds, will lower these numbers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 GMC Acadia AWD 3.6L at $2,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your driving habits and local fuel costs will change this number. If you drive mostly in the city or accelerate quickly, expect to spend more. If you drive mostly on the highway and drive efficiently, you might do better than the EPA’s estimate. This $2,200 is a reasonable starting point for budgeting your annual fuel expenses.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a useful starting point, but real-world fuel economy for the 2019 Acadia AWD 3.6L is often a little lower. Expect combined mileage in the high teens, perhaps 18 or 19 MPG. Factors like driving style, terrain, tire pressure, and even using air conditioning can lower fuel efficiency. People who often tow or carry heavy loads will see an even bigger drop.

Despite this, many Acadia owners find the trade-off between fuel economy and the vehicle’s utility acceptable.

How it compares

The 20 MPG combined rating makes the 2019 GMC Acadia AWD 3.6L competitive in its class, but comparisons are important. The Honda Pilot AWD gets a slightly better 22 MPG combined with its V6 engine. The Ford Explorer with its base 2.3L EcoBoost engine gets 21 MPG combined with AWD, but some find its third row smaller than the Acadia’s. The smaller Mazda CX-9, known for its sporty handling, gets 23 MPG combined. For those considering more luxurious choices, the Acura MDX SH-AWD gets the same 20 MPG as the Acadia. The Acadia’s fuel economy isn’t a selling point but isn’t a disadvantage either; it’s part of the cost for a mid-size, three-row SUV. Consider ACADIA MPG across all years to see how this model does in the long run.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid accelerating quickly. The 3.6L V6 responds well, but pressing the gas pedal often will use a lot of fuel. Try to anticipate traffic and maintain a smooth, steady speed. Gentle acceleration and braking will improve your fuel economy, especially in city driving.

Keep tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the pressure on the sticker on the driver’s side door. This simple step can make a difference in your MPG.

Don’t idle too long. Idling burns fuel without moving the vehicle. If you expect to wait for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly and efficiently, a simple way to save fuel. This is important at school drop-off or in long drive-thru lines.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps keep a constant speed, preventing unintentional speed changes when driving. This can improve fuel economy, especially on long highway trips. Watch traffic and turn off cruise control when needed to keep a safe following distance.

Carry less weight. Extra weight in your Acadia reduces fuel economy. Remove anything you don’t need from the cargo area or roof rack. Even small weight reductions can add up, resulting in fuel savings. Explore all Gmc fuel economy data to find which of their vehicles is most efficient.