The GMC Acadia’s limited third-row seating space makes it hard for it to keep up with competitors, but still has an edge thanks to top-of-the-line tech.

Written by Meaghan Branham

Reviewed by Jessica Barrett

Updated on Jan 31, 2024

Table of Contents

What is the GMC Acadia’s 3rd row like?
How to find affordable car insurance for your GMC Acadia

Offering 29.7 inches of third-row legroom, the

GMC Acadia

leaves passengers in the back feeling a bit cramped. Still, those looking for state-of-the-art technology and a sportier ride in a family midsize SUV might want to opt for the Acadia, especially when you consider its reasonable price point.

Many three-row SUVs struggle to avoid the stigma of the minivan. Finding the right balance of style, sportiness, and space is a tall order for many manufacturers, and the Acadia is one among many in its class hoping to strike it. But how does the GMC Acadia stack up to its competitors, and can it give big families what they need from a ride?

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, the super

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for finding

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, has the stats on three-row SUV offerings from the biggest names in the game.

Let's take a closer look at the Acadia, from the exact measurements for legroom and cargo space to the other features—or lack thereof—that might make or break its ranking.

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What is the GMC Acadia’s 3rd row like?

All of the

GMC

Acadia trims can seat up to seven passengers, but you can also opt for the available second-row captain’s chairs, dropping the number to six. While the first two rows offer a roomier ride, the third row leaves a bit to be desired at just 29.7 inches of legroom.

Space and comfort

Just because an SUV can seat 7 people, doesn’t always mean it should. If the third-row passengers are going to be cramped and uncomfortable, it’s probably not a good fit for every family.

That’s why it's important to know exactly the amount of room you’re getting in your Acadia. From legroom to headroom to passenger volume, here’s what you get from the model:

Third row: 29.7 inches of legroom, 37.2 inches of headroom

Second row: 39.7 inches of legroom, 39.6 inches of headroom

First row: 41 inches of legroom, 40 inches of headroom

Total passenger volume: 143.8 cubic feet

While the first and second-row passengers are treated to more than 3 feet of legroom, those in the third row may have to fight to fit. If your family includes small children who are fine with less space, the Acadia may be the right choice. However, if you’re planning on sticking the taller members of your clan back there, you may want to pause before you take the plunge.

If space is what you’re looking for, the

Chevrolet Traverse

Kia Telluride

offer a more comfortable ride at a comparable price. Here are some of the measurements for the Acadia's top competitors.

Model	Starting price	Third-row legroom	Third-row headroom	Total passenger volume
Kia Telluride	$34,685	31.4 inches	38.1 inches	157.1 cubic feet
Nissan Pathfinder	$34,640	28.0 inches	37.8 inches	148 cubic feet
Ford Explorer	$35,240	32.2 inches	38.9 inches	152.7 cubic feet
Jeep Grand Cherokee L	$43,520	30.3 inches	37.3 inches	151.9 cubic feet
Toyota Highlander	$37,070	27.7 inches	36.1 inches	141.3 cubic feet
Mazda CX-9	$37,070	29.7 inches	39.4 inches	135.8 cubic feet
Chevrolet Traverse	$34,895	33.48 inches	38.21 inches	157.3 cubic feet
Dodge Durango	$38,590	33.5 inches	37.8 inches	141 cubic feet

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MORE:

Why You Should Consider an SUV Over a Sedan

Is the GMC Acadia good for big families and long trips?

The GMC Acadia offers pretty average legroom in its third row—that is, not very much. When you’re considering which mid-size SUV will be right for you, your family, and your adventures, the decision will probably come down to what else the Acadia can offer that sets it apart from its competition.

Ranked by Car and Driver as 25th in its class, there isn’t as much to recommend the Acadia as there is for its competitors, and you’re likely to find equal or more legroom, more cargo space, and more horsepower for the same price. Still, the Acadia does have plenty to offer, with features that include:

Impressive driver assistance: These include automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Top-of-the-line infotainment: With a Wi-Fi hotspot, plenty of USB ports, and an intuitive touchscreen, passengers and drivers can stay connected even on a long road trip.

Stylish appearance: The Acadia wraps its family-friendly features in a rugged truck-like package.

Whether these positives outweigh the limited space will depend on your family's priorities.

MORE:

Minivan vs SUV: Which One Should I Choose?

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How to find affordable car insurance for your GMC Acadia

While the Acadia might ask you to sacrifice some space, it does sit at a reasonable starting price of $36,145—perfect if you’re looking to save a bit of money. And when it’s time to purchase car insurance for your SUV,

Jerry

can help you keep those savings going.

As a licensed broker, the Jerry app compiles quotes from dozens of the nation's top providers, allowing you to choose the best policy for your needs and budget. Jerry can even help you cancel your old policy—saving you time, stress, and money so you hit the road in your family-friendly ride with peace of mind.

“I had a great experience using
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for the first time. Once my boyfriend buys his new car, we’ll use Jerry together to make sure he doesn’t end up overpaying on new insurance!” —Stephanie S.