2022 GMC Acadia SLT vs. Denali

The GMC Acadia is an excellent choice if you’re looking to upgrade to a three-row midsize SUV. It offers a refined ride quality, quick acceleration, and many technology features to keep you and your passengers connected and entertained. The 2022 model year also adds more safety and driver-assistance features as standard on the Acadia.

There’s an Acadia for everyone with four trim levels: SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. For those looking for more than what the base trim offers but not looking to go with an off-road-ready version, the SLT and Denali are both excellent choices. Our team at Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC would like to help you decide between the Acadia SLT and the Denali.

Exterior Features

The 2022 GMC Acadia SLT has 18-inch aluminum wheels, a roof-mounted shark fin body-color antenna, body-color door handles, brushed aluminum roof-mounted side rails, and deep-tinted glass. You also get C-shaped LED signature lighting, LED fog lights, LED headlights, intermittent wipers, a hands-free power programmable liftgate, and heated power outside mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators.

Upgrading to the 2022 GMC Acadia Denali trim gets you 20-inch ultra-bright machined aluminum wheels, body-color door handles with chrome accents, and bright roof-mounted side rails. You also get heated power auto-dimming outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and a signature Denali grille.

Power and Performance

With the Acadia SLT, you get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with an electronically controlled nine-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and gear range select for smooth, effortless shifting. This combination delivers 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and includes stop/start technology that shuts the engine off when you’re idling at a full stop. This fuel-efficient feature saves you time and money at the pump. The four-cylinder engine also comes with variable valve timing and spark ignition direct injection. Front-wheel drive is standard, and an all-wheel-drive option is available.

To compare, the 2022 Acadia Denali features a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. This engine has active fuel management, variable valve timing, spark ignition direct injection, and a variable displacement oil pump that delivers performance without sacrificing fuel economy. The stop/start feature on the V-6 engine also lets you enjoy fuel savings on the Denali. The same electronically controlled nine-speed automatic transmission is mated to the V-6.

The Denali also comes standard with front-wheel drive, which can be traded for all-wheel drive to provide more control in various weather and road conditions. With the trailering package, the Denali can tow up to 4,000 pounds, letting you bring along all the toys for a weekend of family adventures.

Both trims offer StabiliTrak electronic control system with traction control that automatically enhances control by adjusting the engine torque and brakes to keep you on your intended path. This traction control also detects slippage, especially on snowy or wet roads, and reduces engine power or applies brake pressure to help you maintain control. You also get four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, dual-outlet exhaust, and ride and handling suspension. Traction select lets you choose from Normal, Snow, Sport, and Trailer/Tow modes on the front-wheel-drive powertrain, while the all-wheel drive has 4×4, 2×4, Sport, Off-Road, and Trailer/Tow modes.

Interior Features

Slide into the 2022 GMC Acadia SLT and you’ll notice that the interior is designed for the comfort and convenience of drivers and passengers alike. As you roll down the road, you’ll enjoy the leather upholstery, heated front seats, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. You also get a household-style outlet, remote start, a navigation system, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The 8-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is connected to an eight-speaker Bose audio system with an HD radio. Tri-zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition and entry, five USB ports, a Wi-Fi hot spot, OnStar connected services, and active noise cancellation are also standard.

Moving up to the 2022 GMC Acadia Denali trim adds ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, driver’s seat memory functions, and an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat for your comfort. You’ll also find a digital instrument panel and wireless charging pad for your convenience. The Technology package on the Denali includes a digital rearview mirror that allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area. You can also add a panoramic sunroof to let the outside in on sunny days with the optional Denali Ultimate package.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Aids

GMC takes your safety very seriously and has loaded the 2022 Acadia with a plethora of standard and available safety and driver-assistance aids. Standard features include an advanced air bag system that will deploy to protect you and your passengers in the event of a collision. GM Pro Safety Plus is a comprehensive suite of features on all Acadia trims. Features include automatic emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, a lane departure warning, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

The Denali adds a head-up display to this list of features to allow you to keep your eyes on the road at all times. With the Technology package on the Denali, you can also add a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and enhanced automatic braking for a forward collision mitigation system.

The Verdict

You can’t go wrong with either trim of the 2022 GMC Acadia. The tricky part will just be choosing which features suit you and your lifestyle best. The SLT offers plenty of features at a great price point, while the Denali comes out swinging with all the bells and whistles. Whichever one you choose, you will end up in an excellent midsize three-row SUV.

To see the SLT and Denali for yourself, stop by and meet our team at Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC. You’ll find us at 13530 Jefferson Davis Highway in Woodbridge, Virginia. We’re open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Give us a call at 888-213-3987 or complete our convenient online form to get started.

GMC Grille by Donald Teel is licensed by Unsplash License

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