Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the Acadia trails their 26.3 mpg average by 4.3 mpg, about $285 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2007, the 2L 4-cyl (2020–2023), does 24.8 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.6L 6-cyl (2007–2023), 20: $372 a year apart.
Every GMC Acadia engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 21.8 / 28.8 | 2020–2023 | $1,548 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 20.5 / 26 | 2017–2026 | $1,684 | |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 17.1 / 24.5 | 2007–2023 | $1,920 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Highlander gets 29.8 mpg, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 22.6 mpg and the Ford Explorer 22.5 mpg, next to 22 mpg for the 2026 Acadia. The Acadia costs the most of them to run: $456 a year more than the Toyota Highlander.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.145 |
| Fuel per year | $1,745 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,725 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | +$285 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,957 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 GMC Acadia gives up 6 mpg in town: 26 on the highway against 20 in the city, $443 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (30%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Acadia changed over the years
The Acadia peaked in 2023 at 23.5 mpg (20.5 city, 28 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2016 at 18 — 5.5 mpg apart, or $499 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 22. The biggest single-year change came in 2017: 18 to 22 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2025 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2024 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2023 | 20.5 / 28 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 2022 | 20.5 / 28 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 2021 | 20.5 / 28 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 2020 | 20 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 2019 | 19.5 / 25.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2018 | 19.5 / 25 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2017 | 19.5 / 25 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2016 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2015 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2014 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2013 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2012 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2011 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2010 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2009 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2008 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2007 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 27 EPA ratings of the GMC Acadia — 3 engines across 2007–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,957. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 GMC Acadia get?
22 mpg combined, 20 city and 26 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2007 the Acadia has averaged 21.3 mpg.
Is the 2026 Acadia more efficient than the 2025?
No: 22 against 23 mpg combined, about $75 a year more to run.
Which Acadia year has the best gas mileage?
The 2023, at 23.5 mpg combined (20.5 city, 28 highway).
Does the Acadia get better gas mileage than the Toyota Highlander?
No: 22 mpg for the 2026 Acadia against 29.8 for the 2026 Toyota Highlander, about $456 a year more to run.
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