2020 GMC Acadia Refresh: New Spy Photos Provide Best Look Yet Updated CUV

We’ve caught prototypes of the 2020 GMC Acadia refresh undergoing testing several times over the past year, but these new spy photos give us our best look yet at the upcoming update to the midsize CUV.

Gone is the heavy tarp-style camouflage covering the front end of previous prototypes; in its place is a tight-fitting checkered camo wrap that – for the first time – shows the actual shape of the facelited front end.

The shots clearly show the 2020 GMC Acadia facelift as having a more upright front fascia design with squared-off edges, as compared to the current model. In fact, the new design is reminiscent to the second-generation 2018 GMC Terrain and 2019 GMC Sierra, thereby bringing the design of the oldest crossover in the GMC lineup in line with the rest of the brand’s vehicles.

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2020 GMC Acadia prototype

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2017-2019 GMC Acadia

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2018-2020 GMC Terrain

These shots, however, don’t show the headlights as well as the prior shots we got a week ago. So, let’s revisit the topic of 2020 GMC Acadia headlights real quick. From what we can see, Big Red’s midsize CUV will feature a full-LED headlight treatment that contains two LED reflectors and GMC’s signature C-shaped LED light pipe within each headlight cluster.

It would appear that changes to the rear end seem to be less extensive than those to the front, being limited to a new bumper cover design as well as new taillights. Though there’s a good deal of checkered camo covering the rear end, we can still make out GMC’s C-shaped LED signatures at the rear.

Other changes expected for the 2020 GMC Acadia refresh include the addition of the new GM 9-speed automatic transmission to replace the current 6-speed auto in the current models. We’ve also heard that there could be a change in the crossover’s equipment group/trim level structure, though we have yet to come across material that would substantiate this rumor.

We expect to see the updated 2020 GMC Acadia make its debut within the next few months, potentially at the 2018 Los Angeles International Auto Show in November or at next January at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in January. Equally likely is a debut at a private event separate from either auto venue.

2017 GMC Acadia

About GMC Acadia

The GMC Acadia is a mid-size crossover utility vehicle (CUV). It is the largest GMC crossover currently offered, slotting above the compact GMC Terrain.

The current model was introduced for the 2017 model year and represents the second generation of the Acadia nameplate. It rides on the GM C1 platform shared with the Cadillac XT5. It is expected that the upcoming, future Chevrolet Blazer will ride on the same platform. Meanwhile, the second-generation Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave use a longer-wheelbase variant of the same architecture.

Compared to its first-generation predecessor, the second-gen Acadia is an all-new vehicle that is one size segment smaller, while also being sleeker, more modern, more tech-laden and much lighter. Despite its smaller size, the second-gen Acadia manages to retain three rows of seating and generous cargo space.

For the 2018 model year, the Acadia got a new color, automatic heated steering wheel in place of the manual heated steering wheel, Tire Fill Alert, some new wheels on the SLT-1 All Terrain model, as well as broader availability of the 3.6L V-6 engine and All-Terrain package.

For the 2019 model year, the Acadia receives several new colors, Express Up and Down window controls for the driver's-side controls as standard on the SLE-2 and SLT-1 trims, the expanded availability of the Ebony interior color with the All-Terrain package on the SLT trim level and the introduction of the Acadia Black Edition.