The GMC Acadia is one of the most versatile mid-size SUVs on the market, offering three-row seating, a comfortable ride, and enough cargo space for family road trips. But like any larger SUV, fuel costs can add up quickly — especially on long hauls. The good news is that with the right habits and a little preparation, you can meaningfully improve your GMC Acadia fuel economy and spend less time at the pump and more time on the road.
Before optimizing, understand what you're working with. The 2024 GMC Acadia equipped with the standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine earns an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway in front-wheel-drive configuration. Opting for all-wheel drive drops those figures slightly to 20 city and 26 highway. The available 2.5L plug-in hybrid variant can deliver up to 60 MPGe in electric-only mode, making it an excellent choice for drivers who frequently cover shorter distances between longer trips.
Knowing your baseline lets you measure whether your fuel-saving efforts are actually working. Use the Acadia's built-in Driver Information Center to track average fuel economy across a trip — it's one of the most useful tools you have on board.
Poor maintenance is one of the biggest hidden causes of reduced GMC Acadia fuel economy. Before any long trip, run through these checks:
Your right foot is the single biggest variable in your fuel economy equation. Aggressive acceleration and hard braking can reduce highway efficiency by 15–30%. Here's how to drive smarter:
Every extra pound your Acadia carries costs you fuel. For long trips, pack strategically. Remove roof racks or cargo carriers when not in use — a rooftop cargo box at highway speeds can reduce fuel economy by 6–17% depending on size and shape. Keep your luggage inside the cargo area rather than on the roof whenever possible.
Also avoid overpacking the third row with heavy items. Distributing weight lower and toward the center of the vehicle keeps the SUV's center of gravity stable and reduces the aerodynamic penalty of a heavily loaded cargo area pushing the suspension down.
Modern GMC SUVs are packed with features designed to help you save fuel — but only if you use them. The Acadia's available Active Fuel Management (AFM) system can deactivate cylinders under light loads to reduce fuel consumption. This works best at steady highway speeds, so smooth driving amplifies its benefit.
If you own a plug-in hybrid Acadia, plan your charging stops to maximize electric-only miles in city driving or slow traffic, saving gasoline for open highway stretches. The MyGMC app also lets you pre-condition the cabin temperature while plugged in, so you're not burning fuel just to cool or heat the interior when you first set off.
The Acadia's engines are designed to run on regular 87-octane fuel. Using premium gasoline will not improve your GMC Acadia fuel economy — it's simply unnecessary cost. However, choosing a Top Tier certified gasoline brand does matter. Top Tier fuels contain higher levels of detergent additives that keep fuel injectors clean over time, helping maintain peak efficiency throughout the vehicle's life.
Skip aftermarket "fuel economy" additives that promise dramatic MPG gains — the EPA has tested hundreds of these products and found no meaningful benefit from the vast majority of them.
Route planning is an underrated fuel-saving tool. Use navigation apps that factor in real-time traffic to avoid stop-and-go congestion, which is the single worst scenario for fuel economy in any vehicle. On long trips, plan fuel stops at intervals that keep your tank between one-quarter and three-quarters full — a lighter fuel load slightly reduces vehicle weight, and you avoid the anxiety-driven fuel burn of running too low.
If your trip involves mountains, be aware that climbing grades burns significantly more fuel. Time rest stops at the top of climbs rather than the bottom, and use engine braking on descents to recover speed without throttle input. With the right preparation and driving discipline, achieving close to the Acadia's best EPA highway rating is absolutely within reach on every long trip you take.
Trusted Automotive (GMC Vehicles) resources handpicked by our editorial team.
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you.
Handpicked resources from across the web that complement this site.