GMC Acadia SLT vs. SLE - What's The Difference? (2024)

In today's SUV market, it can get pretty saturated with options. But when deciding between the SLT and SLE trims of the GMC Acadia, you have to ask yourself one thing. How upscale should my 2022 GMC Acadia be? We did in-depth research to guide you on the differences and help you choose the best trim for your driving needs. See what we found out!

The SLE and SLT are the two entry-level trims for the 2022 GMC Acadia. With the SLT being the slightly upgraded version of the two. Aside from the standard features, you can also upgrade the standard 2.0L engine to a 3.6L V6 engine on the SLT.

Here are the noteworthy features that come standard when you opt for the SLT trim:

• 8-inch GMC Infotainment System with Navigation (upgrade available on SLE)
• Bose Premium 8-speaker audio system (upgrade available on SLE)
• Leather-appointed seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel (not available on SLE)
• 8-way power driver seat (upgrade available on SLE)
• Heated driver and front passenger seats (upgrade available on SLE)
• Remote start (upgrade available on SLE)
• LED fog lamps (not available on SLE)

GMC Acadia's SLE and SLT offer a lot of features, even for an entry-level option. Let's take a closer look at how those features impact and improve your driving experience. Read on!

Exterior

When it comes to the looks department, the GMC Acadia doesn't let up. It comes with a sleek and modern design that fits every type of terrain you traverse but still carries that GMC visual appeal.

Heatlights & Tail-lights

Both the SLE and the SLT sport the signature GMC C-shape headlights and tail-lights. They've also included daytime running lamps as standard on the SLE and SLT. All the exterior lighting of the Acadia uses LED technology for illumination. The SLT also has LED fog lamps which are not available on the SLE trim.

Wheels & Tires

On the wheel section, both the SLE and SLT come with 18-inch aluminum wheels with an option to upgrade to either chrome or machined aluminum 20-inch wheels for both trims.

All the wheel options are paired with all-season blackwall tires. These wheel options provide you with a modern design that doesn't compromise on either city or off-road driving.

Power Liftgate

The SLT trim comes with a hands-free programmable power liftgate as a standard feature. With just a hover of your foot over the projected GMC logo, you can open the rear and make loading and unloading cargo a convenient experience.

You can also program the liftgate system to open until a preferred height. This feature is available as an upgrade for the SLE trim.

Interior

The interior of the SLE and the SLT is where you will see the most difference. While both trims feature real aluminum accents throughout the interior, the SLE comes with premium cloth seating compared to the SLT trim that comes with leather-appointed seating. The steering wheel on the SLT also comes leather-wrapped.

Infotainment + Navigation

On the center console, both trims feature an 8-inch diagonal GMC infotainment system, with the SLT trim having an additional navigational technology included. The infotainment system supports Bluetooth connectivity and both Apple Carplay and Andriod Auto so that you can safely access your favorite apps without needing to take out your phone.

Climate Control

Both SLE and SLT have advanced temperature control systems ensuring all passengers are comfortable, no matter the weather. This temperature control system utilizes tri-zone climate control by using multiple sensors located throughout the interior of the Acadia. The SLT trim also offers upgrades on a heated steering wheel and heated rear outboard seats.

Sunroof (optional)

GMC's Dual Skyscape Sunroof is also available to upgrade the SLE and SLT trims. The Dual Skyscape Sunroof consists of two panels, one over the front passengers and another over the rear passengers. The front panel can be remotely opened, as can the fixed rear panel, and both have sunshades to control brightness.

Under The Hood

Standard versions of both SLE and SLT house a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The engine is capable of producing 228 hp at 5,000 rpm and a 258 lb-ft of torque at 1,500-4,000 rpm. It supports Variable Valve Timing and Spark Ignited Direct Injection for consistent engine efficiency.

V6 Option on SLT

For SLT trim, however, GMC offers owners the option to upgrade the standard 2.0L engine into a 3.6L V6 engine. The 3.6L engine is capable of producing 310 hp at 6,600 rpm and 271 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm.

It supports Variable Valve Timing and Spark Ignited Direct Injection, plus added GMC's very own Active Fuel Management system to help improve fuel mileage on V6 engines.

Drivetrain Options

Regardless of the engine option, the SLE and SLT are available on either FWD or AWD; both drivetrains feature traction control. For FWD models, traction control offers Normal, Snow, Sport, and Trailer/Tow modes. And for AWD models, traction control offers FWD, AWD, Off-road, Trailer/Tow modes.

Towing Capacity

Towing capacity for the GMC Acadia varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. If you have the 2.0L engine with FWD, the maximum conventional trailering will be 3,300 lbs.

For the 2.0L engine with AWD, get a slight increase to 3,500 lbs of maximum towing capacity. And for the 3.6L engine, a maximum conventional trailering of 4,000 lbs for both the FWD and AWD models.

Safety Technology

The Acadia is a pretty modern SUV with state-of-the-art driving safety technology. GMC equipped it with a bunch of advanced safety and driver assistance features that help drivers navigate the road safely and in various weather conditions.

Both the SLE and SLT come standard with the following safety features:

• Following Distance Indicator
• Forward Collision Alert
• Front Pedestrian Braking
• Front and Rear Park Assist
• HD Rear Vision Camera
• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Passenger Sensing System
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert

If you think that GMC put a ton of safety features into one car, they're not yet done! They also offer owners additional upgrades for the added driving safety on the SLT trim.

Tech Upgrades on SLT

You can add a 6-inch diagonal color HUD that projects relevant information like speed, direction, low fuel alert, and other stuff directly onto the windshield so that your eyes are always on the road.

Another upgrade available for the SLT is the HD Surround Vision. It utilizes multiple cameras around the car to project an overhead digital image of your car and the surrounding area. It only activates at low speeds and is the perfect utility to have when parking your Acadia in a tight space.

Does The GMC Acadia Have Wireless Charging?

GMC does have wireless charging capabilities for either the SLE or the SLT trim. It does not come standard; however, owners will have to cash out $410 for this added feature.

But worry not, what does come standard, especially on the SLT trim, is the 120-volt power outlet. It has a 3-prong household outlet layout, making it convenient to charge and use your laptop and other electronic devices inside the car.

For the SLE trim, the 120-volt power outlet is available for upgrade.

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How Much Cargo Space Does The GMC Acadia Have?

GMC has always been known for spacious cargo spaces that can carry a lot of stuff in a single trip. The Acadia is no exception. When all three rows are upright, you get 12.8 cuic feet of cargo space in the back.

The cargo space increases to 41.7 cubic feet when you fold down the third-row seats. And finally, the maximum cargo space for the Acadia is a whopping 79 cubic feet, with both the second and third-row seats folded.

That is a lot of cargo space for a midsize SUV!

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Is The GMC Acadia Fuel Efficient?

According to the EPA, the 2022 GMC Acadia delivers an estimated fuel efficiency rating of 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the 2.0L AWD engine. In comparison, the 3.6L AWD engine delivers 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

That is about 4.2 gallons per 100 miles on the 2.0L engine and 4.8 gallons per 100 miles on the 3.6L engine. The maximum tank capacity for both the 2.0L and 3.6L engines is 2.7 gallons.

GMC recommends that you fill the Acadia with regular unleaded gasoline, regardless of the engine configuration. GMC clearly states on the car's manual that using fuel with an octane rating less than 87 may lower the car's fuel economy and performance. It may also damage critical components and shorten the lifespan of your vehicle.

To Wrap It Up

The 2022 GMC Acadia SLE and SLT trim both offer a lot of likable features, even if they are the two entry-level trim options. The powerful engine, decent fuel economy, advanced technology in driving safety, and that signature GMC look and feel.

While a lot of the features that come standard with the SLT are also available for upgrade on the SLE, it still boils down to one question you have to ask yourself. How upscale should my 2022 GMC Acadia be?

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