Holden Acadia Range Review

With over fifty manufacturers all producing multiple products, consumers are spoilt for choice. But choosing can be tricky, and sometimes confusing.

Once you’ve narrowed down which type of car is right for you, then you need to decide on which model variant best meets your needs… and budget.

Our range reviews explore the commonalities between variants and the all-important differences that can see an entry-level and top-spec model divided by tens of thousands of dollars in some cases. You also benefit from the collective experience of the carsales team on these reviews as we take a group approach to pulling them apart… so you don’t have to.

Where better to focus than on an SUV? A large, seven-seat SUV? Even better.

The Holden Acadia is just one of Holden’s five strong SUV line-up and it’s offered in three model variants – LT, LTZ and LTZ-V – priced from $43,490 - $67,490 (plus ORCs). With over $20,000 dividing the pack, let’s take a closer look, where the 2019 Holden Acadia is concerned, at what your get for your money.

The 2019 Holden Acadia range is offered with a single 3.6-litre V6 paired to a nine-speed auto, with all variants available in either two or as an all-wheel drive cost option. That V6 engine delivers 231kW at 6600rpm and 367Nm at 5000rpm and runs regular unleaded delivering an average fuel consumption of 8.9L/100km in two-wheel-drive format and 9.3L/100km in AWD.

This engine/transmission combination feels like a very good fit for the hefty Acadia that stretches to 4979mm long, 1916mm wide and weighs up to 2038kg in top-spec AWD guise.

The Acadia has a 2000kg braked-towing capacity, clever hitch guidance and tow haul mode that alters the engine calibration for towing duties, too.

With only one engine available, it’s the equipment that separates the Acadia range.

The Holden Acadia LT is your entry-level model and comes decently equipped as standard, with improved kit and more extensive safety equipment being added as you climb the ranks.

You’ll find the following as standard across the Acadia range: keyless entry and push button ignition, satellite navigation, tri-zone climate control, LED daytime running lights, rear park assist (only) and a rear-view camera.

Base model however does not mean base-like safety for the Acadia. As standard, you’ll get blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, low speed autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition and forward collision alert with head-up warning.

A unique feature of the Acadia’s rear cross traffic alert is that it uses a vibration through the driver’s seat to warn you of an approaching hazard. In this day and age, it’s a nice alternative to yet another audible warning (if a tad alarming when you first experience it).

Infotainment is thoroughly sorted thanks to an eight-inch colour touch screen that is home to digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, among other things.

Other features unique to the entry-level LT are 18-inch alloys and cloth trim upholstery.

Stepping up to the mid-spec Acadia LTZ and leather trim, 10-way electric-adjust heated seat is an obvious point of difference and a daily reminder of your mid-spec choice. Your passenger scores eight-way adjust and heat, too. Interior tech lifts a little with an auto dimming rear-view mirror and wireless phone charging.

Outside, there are chrome door handles, front fog lights and rain-sensing wipers. However, we think it’s the hands-free power tailgate, front park sensors and advanced park assist that brings the most practical differences to this large SUV line-up in its mid-spec form.

The Acadia LTZ feels like a well-equipped SUV and it’s only when you jump into the LTZ-V that you understand how Holden has chosen to differentiate its top-spec model.

In addition to the features found on the LTZ, the LTZ-V adds 10-way adjustability to its front passenger seat, two-position memory for the driver’s seat, front seat ventilation and a dual-panel sunroof.

Where safety is concerned, your low-speed autonomous emergency braking broadens to all-speed AEB. You also gain a 360-degree camera (which is incredibly useful in a vehicle of this size), adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, Holden’s adaptive suspension and bi-function HID head lights.

The LTZ-V’s sound system is an eight-speaker BOSE premium system with an amplifier and subwoofer. Front and centre, you’ll notice the eight-inch colour driver instrumentation panel that makes this Acadia feel a lot more modern than its lower-spec siblings.

A finishing touch is the LTZ-V’s 20-inch alloys that give this vehicle greater aesthetic balance and a little more character in an otherwise generic-looking SUV line-up.

Is the Holden Acadia a good fit for Aussie families?

There’s an abundance of space in the Holden Acadia’s second row. Add to this good comfort, climate control, cup holders and dual charge points and kids will be more than happy – quiet, even.

The real worth of any seven-seater is in its third-row accommodation – and the Acadia does not disappoint.

Getting in? The largest portion of the split-fold seating favours the kerbside, which does make it a little heavier to move but the payoff is that you get a large access pathway to the third row.

You’ll find dedicated lighting, drink bottle holders, roof-mounted ventilation and a USB charge point. The seats are large and comfortable (with adjustable head rests) and visibility is good.

The Acadia’s boot capacity starts at 292 litres with all seven seats in play, growing to 1042 and 2102 litres as you split and fold the seats flat.

As we’ve pointed out, there’s a Holden Acadia to suit most large SUV buyers: You want more, you pay more.

All-wheel drive, available at all model levels, adds a solid $4000 to the purchase price and, if you want to add to the equipment already fitted to Acadia LT, LTZ or LTZ-V variants, there’s a suite of optional Holden accessories to suit individual needs.

Acadia options include things like a roof-rack system, a towing package, side steps, a reversible carpet/rubber boot liner, cargo tray, all-weather floor mats, a bonnet protector, tailored covers for all seven seats and a choice of alloy wheels and locking wheel nuts, to name a few.

Holden’s warranty today stretches to five years with unlimited kilometres, whichever comes first. Holden dealers will also let you have an Acadia for 24 hours pre-purchase to give it a full family workout to see if it suits your SUV needs.

And, for vehicles purchased from January 1, 2018, there’s capped-price servicing for the first seven scheduled services (up to a maximum 10 years) which is followed, at customer discretion, by a further 10 years of “Premium” quoted-price servicing. Holden also offers a paid rental deal that keeps customers mobile while their Acadia is in the workshop.

Importantly, there’s also a roadside-assist programme covering the first five years of ownership – with the rider that it applies only if you’ve serviced the car at a Holden dealership.

The Acadia’s 3.6-litre V6 is a good unit – likewise the nine-speed transmission. A locally-tuned suspension delivers a fit-for-purpose ride and safety is good, even at entry-level LT. But where cabin ambience and kit is concerned, we’re after a little more.

The jump from entry-level LT to mid-spec LTZ is a noticeable one – as is the approximately $10k price differential - but it feels like the sensible place to invest. We’d also suggest all-wheel-drive for a more versatile and confident drive, around town and beyond.

We can’t deny the value of the additional safety equipment in the LTZ-V, but the value equation relative to the competition isn’t as compelling at this price point.
The all-wheel-drive LTZ is where we’d put our money.

What does the Holden Acadia LTZ cost?
Price: $53,490 2WD, $57,490 AWD (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.6-litre petrol V6
Output: 231kW/367Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.9L/100km 2WD 9.3L/100km AWD (ADR Combined)
CO2: 209/219g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP (2018)

What does the Holden Acadia LTZ-V cost?
Price: $63,490 2WD, $67,490 AWD (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.6-litre petrol V6
Output: 231kW/367Nm
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.9L/100km 2WD 9.3L/100km AWD (ADR Combined)
CO2: 209/219g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP (2018)