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2026 GMC Acadia: NHTSA & IIHS Safety Ratings, Price

— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal

In its segment, the 2026 GMC Acadia scores well for safety, with NHTSA's 5-star rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick designation. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file, fewer than the 1.7 average for SUVs.

Starting MSRP
$43,700 - $64,900
EPA Combined MPG
21-22 MPG
NHTSA Safety Rating
5-Star (Highest)
IIHS Award
Top Safety Pick
Est. Annual Fuel Cost
$2,700 - $2,850 per year
EPA GHG Score
4 / 10
Recalls on File
1 recall on file
EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
$2,250 more over 5 yrs
Owner Complaints
3 on file
Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
$1,357 per month
Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
$0.84
Brand Origin
United States
5★ + TSPSafetyHighest NHTSA rating + IIHS TSP
CFuel CostAverage fuel cost among gas SUVs
3.5/5ReliabilityRepairPal rating
1Recalls1 recall since 2026

How we collect and verify data

The 2026 GMC Acadia is a SUV priced from $43,700 to $64,900 with 7 trims. For a vehicle your family depends on, the safety, recall, and long-term cost data below is where the decision starts.

Data Summary

2026 GMC Acadia at a Glance

Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 GMC Acadia are high published crash-test results. The main caution is that estimated five-year cost runs high.

Auto-generated from published safety, fuel-cost, reliability, recall, and cost data. It is informational only and not personal advice or a recommendation. How this works

Key signals
  • safety

Strengths in the data

Cautions in the data

  • Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $4,780 above the similar-vehicle average.
  • Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.5/5.
  • AAA estimates $13,584 per year in non-fuel costs for the Medium SUV class: insurance $1,873, maintenance $1,817, depreciation $5,074. These are class averages, not specific to this model.

Similar vehicles to compare

How Safe Is the 2026 GMC Acadia?

The 2026 GMC Acadia is one of 82% of SUVs to earn NHTSA's top 5-star rating. It also received TSP from IIHS, which tests different crash configurations. Source: NHTSA.

★★★★★5/5

Overall Safety

82% of SUVs share this top rating

CategoryRating
Frontal Crash★★★★★5/5
Side Crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★☆4/5
Detailed crash test ratings
TestRating
Frontal Crash - Driver★★★★★5/5
Frontal Crash - Passenger★★★★☆4/5
Side Crash - Driver★★★★★5/5
Side Crash - Passenger★★★★★5/5
Side Pole Crash★★★★★5/5

Rollover Risk: 18.5%

A strong NHTSA score is a good starting point. IIHS testing adds scenarios NHTSA does not cover, including the small-overlap crash that accounts for a significant share of real-world fatalities.

How Did the 2026 GMC Acadia Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?

IIHS recognized the 2026 GMC Acadia with a TSP award. This designation reflects strong performance across frontal, side, and roof strength evaluations, plus crash avoidance capabilities. Source: IIHS.

Top Safety Pick
TestRating
Small Overlap FrontG Good
Moderate Overlap FrontA Acceptable
SideG Good
HeadlightsG Good
Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle)G Good
Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian)A Acceptable
Seat Belt RemindersG Good

IIHS vehicle class: Midsize SUVs

Lab testing and real-world performance do not always match. The recall section below covers any defects NHTSA or GMC have identified since the 2026 Acadia went on sale.

Does the 2026 GMC Acadia Have Any Recalls?

NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file for the 2026 GMC Acadia, affecting EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. This is fewer than the 1.7 average for SUVs. Recalls address safety-related defects identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. Repairs for recalled vehicles are free at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.

1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA.

Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Most recent: February 2026

What Do 2026 GMC Acadia Owners Report to NHTSA?

NHTSA has 3 owner complaints on file for the 2026 GMC Acadia. This is below the average of 9 complaints for 2026 SUVs. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.

3 in the last 90 days · most recent filed 2026-04-13

Most-reported problem areas

  1. Electrical2
  2. ADAS / Safety Tech1

Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.

For a vehicle your family depends on daily, fuel cost adds up fast. The EPA data below shows how the 2026 GMC Acadia's efficiency compares to other SUVs in its price range.

What Is the 2026 GMC Acadia Fuel Economy?

The 2026 GMC Acadia achieves up to 22 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700. That is $592 more per year than the $2,108 average for mid-range SUVs. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).

Ranges from 21 to 22 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.

TrimCombinedCityHighwayAnnual Fuel Cost
Elevation FWD GAS22 MPG2026$2,700 per year
Elevation AWD GAS21 MPG2023$2,850 per year
AT4 AWD GAS21 MPG2023$2,850 per year
Denali FWD GAS22 MPG2026$2,700 per year
Denali AWD GAS21 MPG2023$2,850 per year
Denali Ultimate FWD GAS22 MPG2026$2,700 per year
Denali Ultimate AWD GAS21 MPG2023$2,850 per year

Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $13,500 to $14,250 depending on trim.

Fuel is the cost you plan for. Insurance, maintenance, and depreciation are the costs that surprise you three years in. For a vehicle your family depends on daily, the full ownership picture matters.

What Does the 2026 GMC Acadia Cost to Own?

Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 GMC Acadia ranges from $97,520 to $143,320 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.

Maintenance$1,817 per year
Insurance$1,873 per year
Depreciation$5,074 per year
Registration & Taxes$862 per year
Financing$1,815 per year
Total (excluding fuel)$13,584 per year
Cost per mile$0.84 per mile

For a family vehicle, the trim choice comes down to which safety features, space, and cost level fit your household. The comparison below shows all 7 options side by side.

How Do the 2026 GMC Acadia Trims Compare?

7 trims are available for the 2026 GMC Acadia, spanning $43,700 to $64,900. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.

TrimBase MSRPCombined MPGEst. Annual Fuel CostDrive TypeEst. 5-Year Cost
Elevation FWD GAS$43,70022 MPG$2,700 per yearFWD$97,520
Elevation AWD GAS$45,70021 MPG$2,850 per yearAWD$124,120
AT4 AWD GAS$52,30021 MPG$2,850 per yearAWD$130,720
Denali FWD GAS$55,70022 MPG$2,700 per yearFWD$109,520
Denali AWD GAS$57,70021 MPG$2,850 per yearAWD$136,120
Denali Ultimate FWD GAS$62,90022 MPG$2,700 per yearFWD$116,720
Denali Ultimate AWD GAS$64,90021 MPG$2,850 per yearAWD$143,320

The GMC Acadia lineup has expanded from 5 trims in 2024 to 7 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $1,100 since 2024.

New trims since 2024

added 2026

  • Denali Ultimate (FWD, AWD)

Price changes since 2024

  • AT4 AWD GAS $50,000 (2024) → $52,300 (2026) +$2,300
  • Denali FWD GAS $54,300 (2024) → $55,700 (2026) +$1,400
  • Denali AWD GAS $56,300 (2024) → $57,700 (2026) +$1,400
  • Elevation FWD GAS $42,600 (2024) → $43,700 (2026) +$1,100
  • Elevation AWD GAS $44,600 (2024) → $45,700 (2026) +$1,100
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
Trim202420252026
Elevation FWD GAS$42,600
23 MPG
$42,900
23 MPG
$43,700
22 MPG
Elevation AWD GAS$44,600
21 MPG
$44,900
21 MPG
$45,700
21 MPG
AT4 AWD GAS$50,000
21 MPG
$51,200
21 MPG
$52,300
21 MPG
Denali FWD GAS$54,300
23 MPG
$53,900
23 MPG
$55,700
22 MPG
Denali AWD GAS$56,300
21 MPG
$55,900
21 MPG
$57,700
21 MPG
Denali Ultimate FWD GAS$62,900
22 MPG
Denali Ultimate AWD GAS$64,900
21 MPG

Compare Trim Costs

Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.

vs
Your driving & financing

The trim comparison above covers what you pay at purchase. The reliability data below covers what you pay to maintain it over time.

How Reliable Is the 2026 GMC Acadia?

RepairPal rates the 2026 GMC Acadia at 3.5 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is about average for mid-range SUVs. RepairPal ratings reflect repair frequency and cost data from a network of certified repair shops. Source: RepairPal.

3.5/5.0RepairPal Rating

GMC backs the 2026 Acadia with the warranty terms shown below. Coverage begins from the original purchase date and varies by component.

What Warranty Does the 2026 GMC Acadia Come With?

GMC provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 Acadia. Coverage periods start from the original purchase date and vary by component. Source: manufacturer-published warranty terms.

Basic Warranty3yr/36k
Powertrain Warranty5yr/60k
Corrosion Warranty6yr/100k
Roadside Assistance5yr/60k
Complimentary Maintenance1yr/1visit

What Are the 2026 GMC Acadia Specs?

Core specifications for the 2026 GMC Acadia as reported by the manufacturer. Figures may vary by trim, option packages, and production date. Source: manufacturer data.

EPA vehicle class: Full-size crossover SUV

Engine2.5L I4
Horsepower328 hp
Price per HP$133 - $198
Torque326 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Typeregular unleaded
Length204.0 in
Width79.6 - 80.0 in
Height71.0 - 72.0 in
Wheelbase120.9 in

What Changed for the 2026 GMC Acadia?

  • Number of available trims changed
  • Pricing changed across one or more trims
  • EPA fuel economy ratings changed

That is the complete data picture for the 2026 GMC Acadia. For a family vehicle, the safety ratings, recall history, and long-term cost data above are the sections that matter most. Data is refreshed periodically.

Source links

Verify this data

2026 GMC Acadia FAQ

Answers generated from published EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, and RepairPal data. Not personal advice.

Which 2026 GMC Acadia trim has the lowest ownership cost?

Among 7 available trims, the Elevation FWD GAS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $97,520, starting at $43,700 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $143,320. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.

What vehicles compete with the 2026 GMC Acadia?

In the suv segment, the closest alternatives to the 2026 GMC Acadia are 2026 BMW X1 (starting at $43,200, 4-star NHTSA, 27 MPG); and 2026 Cadillac XT5 (starting at $44,300, 5-star NHTSA, 21 MPG); and 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV (starting at $44,600, 5-star NHTSA, 312 mi range). Each page on this site covers the same data sources so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 SUVs.

What changed on the 2026 GMC Acadia from last year?

Compared to the previous model year, 2 new trims were added and the entry price increased by $1,100 for the GMC Acadia lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.

How much does a 2026 GMC Acadia cost per month to own?

Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 GMC Acadia include about $1,132 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $225 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,357 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.

Where is GMC based?

GMC's headquarters are in United States. Assembly location varies by model and sometimes by trim. The "Brand Origin" label on this site refers to corporate headquarters, not the factory where your specific vehicle was built. See our United States-brand cars 2026 list.

What other GMC models are available for 2026?

GMC offers multiple models for 2026. Our GMC models page lists every available GMC vehicle with safety ratings, fuel costs, and ownership data.

What is the 2026 GMC Acadia safety rating?

The 2026 GMC Acadia earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and has 1 recall campaign on file. See the safety and recall sections above for the full breakdown, including IIHS results and specific recall details.