Does GMC Acadia Have a Timing Belt or Chain? Essential Information If You Want One!

Understanding what drives your GMC Acadia is key: our article answers the popular question, “Does GMC Acadia Have a Timing Belt or Chain?” Delve into the specifics of Acadia’s engine mechanics for informed maintenance and long-term care.

Knowing whether your GMC Acadia has a timing belt or chain is essential. Maintenance is different for both and this information can help you keep your vehicle running for longer.

All GMC vehicle models are known for their stylish design, class, and superior comfort. The GMC lineup of vehicles comes packed with high-tech performance features and state-of-the-art technologies that set them apart from their peers of the same class. 

On this lineup of family-centric SUVs is the GMC Acadia. One of the key differences that sets this vehicle apart is that it has a timing chain.

The Acadia is comfortable and doubles up as an adventure-ready family vehicle while still achieving the job of a capable towing workhorse. 

The handsome exterior styling and the roomy three-row interior seating sets Acadia apart from its rivals while offering a high-end fun-to-drive experience.

The powertrain and drivetrain combination of the GMC Acadia gives it an upper hand. Have you ever wondered whether the GMC Acadia has a timing belt or chain? Let’s find out.

Does GMC Acadia Have a Timing Belt or Chain? 

The GMC Acadia has a timing chain. The chain lasts longer compared to the timing belt and requires less frequent replacement compared to the timing belt.

All the recent model years of GMC Acadia come standard with the timing chain, which is more affordable in the long run compared to the timing belt. 

The GMC Acadia is an aggressive and stunning-looking square-jawed SUV packed with an intuitive infotainment system and a spacious interior. 

Under the hood, the GMC Acadia is powered by a powerful engine that gives it a stellar off-road capability.

The Acadia is an impressive cargo and people hauler, thanks to its ample space and legroom inside the cabin and in the trunk. 

The GMC Acadia is offered in six trim levels; SL, SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1, SLT-2, and Denali. These trim levels come with an optional AWD save for the base SL trim level. 

Also, buyers have a variety of engine options to choose from. All the recent generation engines come fitted with a timing chain. 

Engine options available include the basic four-cylinder engine, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, or a lively V6 engine, which offers high-performance and fuel efficiency. 

Inside, the GMC Acadia features spacious second-row seating with high-tech infotainment systems and connectivity features. 

Inside, the GMC Acadia is lined with premium material that gives it the prestigious touch of luxury. It also has enough extra cargo space inside the cabin. 

Performance and Practicability

The all-new GMC Acadia comes standard with a 193-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, but buyers can also go for an even more potent 310-hp V-6 engine option. 

Both engines are mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with an all-wheel-drive available. 

Acadia’s 2.5-liter engine is a good choice for those seeking fuel efficiency, but will only tow 1000 pounds compared to the V-6 engine that offers a whopping 4,000-pound towing capacity. 

Only the SLT and Denali models get the 230-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. These are the trim levels that Road & Track recommends you buy.  

This combination of drivetrain and powertrain offers an easy handling and smooth ride.

It is easy to steer the Acadia at high speeds, thanks to its engine configuration and power options. 

The adaptive suspension, which comes standard on the Denali, is optional on SLT-2 all-wheel-drive trims. 

This system offers a smooth and pleasurable ride when driving on a bumpy road. 

Does GMC Acadia HAve A Timing Belt Or Chain? Why It Matters!

The timing belt and timing chain are the two types of timing systems that any vehicle can have. 

Both require different levels of maintenance. It is difficult to tell the difference between these two systems because they do the same job in your GMC Acadia’s engine. 

It is important to understand the structural and functionality difference between these two timing systems. 

The purpose of the timing system is to synchronize the fuel injectors, air intake, and pistons. 

When the piston goes downward, the mixture of fuel and air is allowed into the combustion chamber, a spark plug will ignite the fuel, and the piston is blasted back to the ground immediately. 

The piston then returns to its original position, forcing the engine’s remaining gas to the exhaust pipe. 

It all happens in the blink of an eye, and it must all work together flawlessly. 

The fuel injectors must deliver fuel to the cylinder as the crankshaft lower the piston. 

Each of these parts is linked by the timing belt to the timing chain, which controls when the valve lets air or fuel in relative to the pistons. 

It is the work of the timing belt to synchronize this movement. 

Any slight deviation will cause misfiring and even damage to the GMC Acadia’s engine block. 

If the timing belt/chain fails to sync, you will notice rough idling or the vehicle will stop completely. 

Therefore, regular maintenance is necessary to keep the engine running smoothly. 

Differences Between the Timing Belt and the Timing Chain

The major difference in functionality between the timing chain and the timing belt is that the chain is designed to last the lifetime of your GMC Acadia. 

At the same time, the belt will be cheaper to buy but will require frequent repairs since they are prone to wear and tear. 

Moreover, a timing chain is composed of a metal chain, while a timing belt is just rubber. 

The timing chain is designed to endure the entire life of the vehicle. 

A chain will not need replacement after every 100,000 miles when your Acadia is going for service. 

Unless in the situation where it has a fault or has been damaged due to misalignment or any other problem. 

However, regular engine maintenance is required to keep the timing chain in top condition. 

This includes frequent oil changes as recommended by the manufacturer. 

The engine oil lubricates the timing chain, so it will need to be replaced if the oil is not changed. 

Because of the durability and longevity of the timing chain over the timing belt, most vehicle manufacturers are switching to the timing chain. 

But this doesn’t mean that the timing belt is ineffective. 

Some automakers have maintained the timing belt on their new model years to keep the initial costs of the vehicle low. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

How long will a timing chain last on a GMC Acadia? 

The timing chain is designed to last the lifetime of your vehicle. 

Today’s vehicles are designed to last for the long haul. 

Since the GMC Acadia can last for over 200,000 miles, the timing chain is also expected to last that long. 

But that is subject to proper routine maintenance of your vehicle. 

Failure to maintain your vehicle may cause misalignment and eventual damage to the timing chain.

Is the GMC Acadia a reliable vehicle? 

Yes. The GMC Acadia has maintained an average reliability rating of 3.0/5.0 on Consumer Reports. 

This indicates that it is a dependable midsize SUV. 

Compared to other SUVs of its class and price range, the Acadia ranks among the topmost reliable GMC SUVs that keep their price for a long time. 

An Acadia will give you an excellent user experience for a long period. 

Timing Chain or Belt? Which one is better? 

Both the timing chain and timing belt will offer the value they are designed for. 

But the timing chain is more durable compared to the timing belt. 

Therefore, when shopping for your next vehicle, if you can get an engine that uses a timing chain, go for that because it will be cheaper in the long run. 

On the other hand, a timing belt is equally good and inexpensive but will require frequent replacement since they wear out easily. 

How different is the GMC Acadia Denali from the base trim? 

The engine of the GMC Acadia base trim and that of the GMC Acadia Denali trim differ significantly. 

While the base trim comes standard with a 193-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that offers 188 lbs.-ft torque, the basic engine in the Acadia Denali is a powerful 310-hp and 271 lbs.-ft of torque. 

What will happen when the timing chain of my GMC breaks? 

When the timing chain breaks, you risk damaging your entire engine block. 

If you were in motion, your vehicle would stop suddenly.

If this happens, it is important to switch off the car to avoid further damages to other parts of the engine. 

Conclusion To “Does GMC Acadia Have Timing Belt or Chain?”

The all-new GMC Acadia commands attention with its stunning exterior design and classy interior. Given its looks, many people google: “Does GMC Acadia have a timing belt or chain?” The answer is that, under the hood, the Acadia sports a powerful engine that has a timing chain. 

This ensures the longevity of the engine that also enables the vehicle to run at its optimal performance. 

This luxurious midsize SUV is crafted to satisfy your practical requirements without compromising on performance. 

This family-friendly SUV will accommodate your entire family and still have enough space for your camping or fishing gear. 

When shopping for a GMC Acadia, you should go for the one that has a timing chain since they will serve you for the long haul before needing replacement.

Older model years that came with a belt have since been replaced with a timing chain because of the usual challenges of timing belts. 

If the timing chain is installed and well-aligned to the engine, it will run for the vehicle’s lifetime without the need for replacement. 

The running cost of the Acadia using a timing chain will be higher.