2021 GMC Acadia Oil Type & Capacity
The 2021 GMC Acadia oil type depends on the engine: the 2.0L takes 0W-20 (5.28 quarts qt with filter); the 2.5L takes 0W-20 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 3.6L takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the AT4 takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the SL takes 0W-20 (5.0 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 2.0L: 0W-20, 5.28 quarts with filter
- 2.0L: 0W-20, 5.28 quarts with filter
- 2.0L: 0W-20, 5.28 quarts with filter
- 2.0L: 0W-20, 5.28 quarts with filter
- 2.0L: 0W-20, 5.28 quarts with filter
- 2.5L: 0W-20, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 3.6L: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- 3.6L: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- 3.6L: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- 3.6L: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- 3.6L: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- 3.6L: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- AT4: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- SL: 0W-20, 5.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L — Denali, 2.0L Eng VIN 4, 4WD, 2.0L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 5.28 QTS. | — | DEXOS1 Gen2 Full synthetic engine oil. |
| 2.0L — Denali, 2.0L Eng VIN 4, FWD, 2.0L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 5.28 QTS. | — | DEXOS1 Gen2 Full synthetic engine oil. |
| 2.0L — SLT, 2.0L Eng VIN 4, 4WD, 2.0L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 5.28 QTS. | — | DEXOS1 Gen2 Full synthetic engine oil. |
| 2.0L — SLT, 2.0L Eng VIN 4, FWD, 2.0L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 5.28 QTS. | — | DEXOS1 Gen2 Full synthetic engine oil. |
| 2.0L — SLE, 2.0L Eng VIN 4, 2.0L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 5.28 QTS. | — | DEXOS1 Gen2 Full synthetic engine oil. |
| 2.5L — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 5.00 QTS. | — | DEXOS1 Gen2 Full synthetic engine oil. |
| 3.6L — SLT, 3.6L Eng VIN S, 4WD, 3.6L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | DEXOS1 Gen2 Full synthetic engine oil. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 3.6L — SLT, 3.6L Eng VIN S, FWD, 3.6L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | DEXOS1 Gen2 Full synthetic engine oil. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 3.6L — SLE, 3.6L Eng VIN S, FWD, 3.6L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | DEXOS1 Gen2 Full synthetic engine oil. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 3.6L — SLE, 3.6L Eng VIN S, 4WD, 3.6L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | DEXOS1 Gen2 Full synthetic engine oil. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 3.6L — Denali, 3.6L Eng VIN S, FWD, 3.6L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | DEXOS1 Gen2 Full synthetic engine oil. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 3.6L — Denali, 3.6L Eng VIN S, 4WD, 3.6L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | DEXOS1 Gen2 Full synthetic engine oil. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| AT4 — 3.6L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | DEXOS1 Gen2 Full synthetic engine oil. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| SL — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 5.00 QTS. | — | DEXOS1 Gen2 Full synthetic engine oil. |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Acadia
🛞 2021 GMC Acadia Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2021 GMC Acadia Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2021 GMC Acadia Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2021 GMC Acadia Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
11.0 quarts (10.4 L) — 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL and clean, drinkable water. All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level. Recheck the fluid level after filling.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2021 GMC Acadia take?
It depends on the engine: 2.0L uses 0W-20; 2.5L uses 0W-20; 3.6L uses 5W-30; AT4 uses 5W-30; SL uses 0W-20.
What is the oil capacity of a 2021 GMC Acadia?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: 2.0L holds 5.28 quarts with filter; 2.5L holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 3.6L holds 6.0 quarts with filter; AT4 holds 6.0 quarts with filter; SL holds 5.0 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2021 GMC Acadia?
Most 2021 GMC Acadia owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — GMC recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2021 GMC Acadia?
Yes. 0W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2021 GMC Acadia. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.