GMC Acadia Ground Clearance: What To Know
Image by F. Muhammad from Pixabay
While only in its second generation, the GMC Acadia offers a mid-size SUV alternative that slots in between mainstream brands like Ford and Toyota and upscale luxury offerings that include Lexus and Audi.
The Acadia offers three rows of people hauling and good cargo capacity as well. Of course, shoppers also consider Acadia ground clearance as well. Let’s explore what clearance means for GMC’s mid-size SUV and its competitors.
Ground Clearance Pros and Cons
What is ground clearance? It’s an important consideration if you’re looking at an SUV that sits higher up on the ground. Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest part of a car (not including wheels and tires) and the surface below. Ground clearance has its advantages and disadvantages, so let’s look at these factors.
Ground Clearance Pros: Many car owners appreciate the higher ride height and better outward visibility offered by the increased ground clearance of SUVs. It’s a strong selling point for these types of vehicles along with the squared-off rugged appearance that is built into the design of most SUVs. Extra ground clearance also reduces the risk of rocks and debris striking a vehicle’s undercarriage when driving offroad.
Ground Clearance Cons: With bigger SUVs, extra ground clearance may mean extra work for shorter people entering the cabin. This could involve adding a running board to the underside of the vehicle which provides an extra stepping point for entry and exit. Because SUV’s sit higher up, higher ground clearance also means they are more likely to roll-over during aggressive cornering or in accident.
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GMC Acadia Ground Clearance By Generation
● First Generation: Launched in 2007, the Acadia was positioned as a slightly upscale alternative to another General Motors SUV, the Chevrolet Traverse and as a replacement to the GMC EnvoyXL SUV. For its first iteration, Acadia ground clearance ranged from 7.4 to 7.6 inches depending on model year and equipment.
● Second Generation: For the 2017 model year, GMC launched an all-new Acadia that shared its platform with the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave. Acadia ground clearance for the second generation is 7.2 inches.
However, keep in mind that this is based on models with 17-inch wheels. Some Acadia models have upgraded 18-inch or 20-inch wheels which will increase Acadia ground clearance accordingly.
Ground Clearances of Other Mid-Size SUVs
With all the information about GMC Acadia ground clearance in mind, this is a good opportunity to review the ground clearance measurements of similar vehicles. As the Acadia is a mid-tier model, we’ve skipped pure luxury brands.
At the same time, the mid-size SUV field is among the most crowded in the automotive industry, so there’s a lot to look at. Let’s dive in.
Buick Enclave Ground Clearance
The Acadia’s corporate cousin, the Buick Enclave, uses the same platform as the GMC but is arguably more upscale thanks to nicer interior materials and better front legroom. For ground clearance, the Enclave best’s the Acadia’s measurement by half an inch.
Chevrolet Traverse Ground Clearance
The Acadia faces more competition from another General Motors relative, the Chevrolet Traverse. As the Traverse is a longer vehicle, there’s more passenger and cargo room than the Acadia. In front-wheel-drive setup, the Traverse matches the Acadia’s 7.2-inch ground clearance.
However, in all-wheel-drive configuration, the Traverse bests Acadia’s ground clearance by just 0.31 inches.
Dodge Durango Ground Clearance
Shoppers looking for a non-GM SUV by an American brand may consider the Dodge Durango. At 8.1 inches, the Durango beats the Acadia’s ground clearance capability. The Durango has towing capability up to a hefty 8,700 pounds,
Ford Explorer Ground Clearance
With various models and engine options, the Ford Explorer is the best-selling mid-size SUV in the U.S. First hitting the market in 1990, the Explorer is arguably one of the key vehicles that helped fuel the country’s craze for SUVs.
The current model Explorer has an 8.2-inch ground clearance and represents another competitive vehicle that beats the Acadia in this measurement.
Honda Pilot Ground Clearance
Honda’s entry in the mid-size SUV segment, the Pilot, has been on the market for almost two decades and continues to be a popular choice. Despite its large size, the Pilot’s ground clearance is only a tenth of an inch taller than the Acadia’s.
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Hyundai Palisade Ground Clearance
Replacing previous lackluster Hyundai three-row SUVs, the Palisades is a smart combination of space, features, and quality. The Palisade is a highly competitive offering that stacks up well against the Acadia and others in the category. Ground clearance for this Hyundai is 7.9 inches.
Kia Telluride Ground Clearance
Another set of corporate cousins, the Kia Telluride is a platform mate to Hyundai Palisade. Like its Hyundai kin, the Telluride is built around the same value-packed formula. Ground clearance for this Kia is 8 inches.
Mazda CX-9 Ground Clearance
Mazda’s reputation for build quality and near luxury level interiors carries forward with its entry in the mid-size SUV segment. While the third row is a bit tighter than its competitors, the CX-9 offers a comfortable experience in the first two rows. Interestingly, this Mazda has the tallest ground clearance in its class at 8.8 inches.
Nissan Pathfinder Ground Clearance
Completely redesigned for 2022, the Nissan Pathfinder presents another credible option in the mid-size SUV category. The more refined Pathfinder has an interesting distinction, the lowest ground clearance among its peers at only 7 inches.
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Subaru Ascent Ground Clearance
Subaru’s newest model, the seven-passenger Ascent continues the automaker’s tradition of straightforward transportation only available with all-wheel drive. And, like its Outback and Forester brand mates, the Ascent offers one of the tallest ground clearances in its respective class at 8.7 inches..
Toyota Highlander Ground Clearance
For more than two decades, the Toyota Highlander has offered reliable family transportation that has grown larger with each successive generation. Today, the Highlander is a spacious three-row SUV that is always challenging the Ford Explorer for sales champion. At 8 inches, this Toyota easily beats the ground clearance of the Acadia.
Volkswagen Atlas Ground Clearance
The Atlas is Volkswagen’s biggest SUV offering and features one of the most spacious interiors in the mid-size SUV segment. With an 8-inch ground clearance, the Atlas fits right into the middle of the pack with this measurement.
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