Getting a vehicle with a third row can be a real game-changer if you often travel with large groups or happen to have a bigger family. An added third row will increase rider capacity and make for a much more comfortable trip. Should you consider the GMC Acadia and wonder if this vehicle has a third row, we can help you. We researched this popular mid-sized SUV from multiple professional sources so that you will know for sure what to expect.
The GMC Acadia has been equipped with third-row seating since the 2017 production models were introduced.
Now that we know that the GMC Acadia has a third row, we'll take a closer look at the seating of this SUV. You might also be curious how many passengers the Acadia will carry or what the available cargo space is on board. For the answers to these questions and more, read ahead in this post to see what we've uncovered in our research.
The GMC Acadia seating specs
As noted earlier in this post, the GMC Acadia has a third row of seats. But how does that impact the passenger space on board this mid-sized SUV? With that many seats in a vehicle of this size, you might think it would be a bit cramped. Fortunately, that isn't the case with the Acadia.
Front row seating specs
- Front headroom of 40 inches
- Front legroom of 41 inches
- Front shoulder room of 59.4 inches
- Front hip room of 55.7 inches
Second-row seating specs
- Second-row headroom of 39.6 inches
- Second-row legroom of 39.7 inches
- Second-row shoulder room of 58.7 inches
- Second-row hip room of 53.3 inches
Ahead in this post, we'll discuss two different seating configurations for the second row of the GMC Acadia. For now, be aware that the above specs are for the standard bucket seats for this row and not the optional bench seat. While the head and legroom would remain the same for the bench seat option, going this route will reduce the amount of hip and shoulder room by a bit.
Third-row seating specs
- Third-row headroom of 37.2 inches
- Third-row legroom of 29.7 inches
- Third-row shoulder room of 54.3 inches
- Third-row hip room of 42.9 inches
As with most mid-sized SUVs with a third row, you can expect it to be a bit cramped. With seating meant for two, the rear row of the Acadia will be cramped for a fully grown adult. In this post, we discuss the available seating for this model SUV. For now, be aware that vehicles in this class with a third row generally designate this area for children, as it offers a bit less room.
What is the GMC Acadia comparable to?
The GMC Acadia is classified as a mid-sized SUV. If you use this classification as a basis for comparison, then the Acadia would be in the same company as the Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Passport, Honda CX-9, and nearly all twenty others. But there is more to comparing a vehicle than just its designated class alone, though it is a great starting point.
Narrowing down its counterparts to those equipped with a third row or have a third-row option, there are far fewer to compare the GMC Acadia to. Notably, they are the Volkswagen Atlas, Kia Telluride, Subaru Ascent, Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer.
The above model mid-sized SUVs will still have quite a range of trim levels, package options, and special features. But each will have the ability to carry a minimum of six riders, and some will safely carry up to eight.
Which is bigger: Traverse or Acadia?
You might not think that there would be much difference in the sizes between two vehicles of the same class. But as we are about to show you, there is a noticeable difference in the GMC Acadia and the Chevy Traverse sizes. Let's take a look at the exterior measurements for each one:
GMC Acadia
- Height of 66.7 inches
- Length of 193.4 inches
- Width of 75.4 inches
- Wheelbase of 112.5 inches
- Weight of 4,342 pounds
Chevy Traverse
- Height of 70.7 inches
- Length of 205.9 inches
- Width of 78.6 inches
- Wheelbase of 120.93 inches
- Weight of 4,362 pounds
As you can see, the Chevy Traverse is just over a foot longer than the GMC Acadia and several inches taller and wider. There is also more of a seating capacity, as specific configurations of the Traverse can carry eight onboard. This shows that two vehicles that are in the same class can indeed be of noticeably different sizes.
How many passengers does an Acadia hold?
The number of passengers the GMC Acadia will safely carry depends on how the middle seat is configured. It comes standard with bucket seats, which will hold two riders in that row. With two seats in the front and two in the third row, the total number of riders on board would be six.
But the Acadia offers a second-row bench seat instead of the two bucket seats. This will increase the middle row seating to three, bringing the total number of potential riders to seven. As the specs we pointed out earlier in this post will remind you, this does reduce the shoulder and hip room on this row by a bit, but it is still roomy enough for adults.
Remember that the third-row seating in mid-sized SUVs is typically cramped and perhaps not the best place for a fully grown adult to be seated. Generally, this rear row is meant for children, who will usually have no problems getting in and out of them and will be more comfortable in a noticeably smaller space than the spacious second row.
What is the cargo space of 2020 Acadia?
The amount of cargo space an SUV allows is an important consideration. Whether you are planning a trip with a lot of luggage and gear or are attempting to move a larger object from a store to your home, you will want to know exactly how much room you will have to work with. This knowledge will save a person a lot of time and effort if they have it in advance.
The cargo hold in the GMC Acadia only offers 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space if all the seats are in place. This area lags far behind other mid-sized SUVs, but keep in mind that you are comparing the Acadia to others in this class that only have two rows of seats. Should you collapse the third row of seats in the Acadia, the storage area dramatically increases to 41.7 cubic feet.
Should you require even more room, you can also fold down the middle row of seats. This increases the overall storage to 79.0 cubic feet. This is more than enough room to tote small furniture, some household appliances, and other cumbersome items.
In conclusion
The GMC Acadia has remained a popular mid-sized SUV for families who desire something smaller than its full-size counterpart but still wish to have plenty of seating. This vehicle has ample cargo room if the seats are folded down and is a great car to take on longer trips. While a bit smaller than the Chevy Traverse, it is still among the top choices for consumers. Drive safe!
If you found this post on the GMC Acadia to be informative, we believe you'll enjoy reading the following posts about this popular automaker:
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