The amount of oil you need for a 2020 GMC Acadia will vary depending on which of the three available engines you have, as well as whether you have FWD or AWD.

The GMC Acadia’s available engines for the 2020 model were a 2.5-liter inline-4, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, or a more muscular 3.6-liter V6. The base 2.5-liter engine was standard on the

and

SLE

models. The

SLT

and

Denali

trims were equipped with the turbo engine. And finally, the V6 was the standard engine for the

AT4

, but it was an available engine for every other model—other than the SL base trim.

On most models, you also have a choice between a FWD or AWD drivetrain—AWD was available for all models other than the base SL.

Jerry

, the

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comparison shopping

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, always recommends checking your owner’s manual for information regarding the maintenance of your vehicle, but we’re happily here to give you all the info you need! So come with us as we get you started on your journey of changing your 2020 GMC Acadia’s oil!

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2020 GMC Acadia engine oil capacity

Here are the amounts of engine oil you need depending on your Acadia’s drivetrain configuration:

2.5-liter inline-4 w/FWD: 5 quarts

2.5-liter inline-4 w/AWD: 6 quarts

2.0-liter turbo I-4: 5.3 quarts

3.6-liter: 6 quarts

You’ll notice that the “-liter” designations used to name these engines does not refer to that engine’s oil capacity. A 3.6-liter engine is an engine with a displacement—a fancy term we use to talk about engine size—of 3.6-liters. We measure displacement in liters and cubic centimeters, but we usually measure oil capacity in quarts in the U.S.

What kind of oil does a 2020 GMC Acadia need?

Now that we know how much we need, let’s look at what kind of oil is best for your particular 2020 GMC Acadia engine.

2.5-liter inline-4: 0W-20

2.0 turbo I-4: 0W-20

3.6-liter V6: 5W-30 (0W-30 for below -20 degrees fahrenheit)

As you can see, you’ll need a different kind of oil for the V6 than for the available I-4 engines. It’s important to put the right kind of oil in your SUV.

Just what do these names refer to? The number system used to name oil types is based on measurements of the oil’s viscosity. The first number (followed by “W” for “Winter”) is the viscosity at 0 degrees fahrenheit, while the second number represents its viscosity at 212 degrees fahrenheit—the normal operating temperature of an engine.

The less viscous your engine oil is, the less wear and tear it’ll cause to your engine. On the other hand, thicker oil does a better job of filling larger clearances between engine components, as well as maintaining a more robust lubricant between moving parts.

The genuine article: Owner’s manual recommends Mobil 1 - Advanced Fuel Economy Full Synthetic Motor Oil

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change the oil on a 2020 GMC Acadia

Great! Now you can fill your Acadia with some fresh oil by

performing an oil change

. You only need to change your 2020 Acadia’s oil every 7,500 miles, but it is important that you check your oil with your dipstick at least once per month.

Here are some signs that your engine oil’s life is coming close to an end:

The oil looks dark brown/black rather than a transparent yellowish/amber color

Oil is gritty

or coarse/dirty to the touch

Unfamiliar or loud engine noises

Engine is producing unfamiliar smells

Engine isn’t performing as well as it should

MORE:

How to build a custom Ford F150

How to change your oil and oil filter

If you are ready for an oil change, here are the supplies you’ll need to do it yourself:

Socket wrench

Drain pan

Filter wrench

Replacement oil filter

The correct amount of the correct type of oil

A rag or two for the mess

Once you have these things on hand, start the oil change process by running the engine for a few minutes (turn it off before changing the oil). This warms up the oil, making it more viscous and allowing for faster draining. Next, open the hood of your car and follow these steps:

Remove the oil fill cap.

Get underneath your engine with your drain pan, and set it up below the oil drain to catch the draining oil.

Now comes the messy part: once you’re ready with your oil pan, remove the oil drain bolt and washer to start the engine draining. It might come out quick, so be prepared to get out of the way and adjust the oil pan’s position.

As draining slows, remove the old oil filter.

Install the new filter, following any instructions on the packaging.

Put the oil drain bolt back on using a new washer, and tighten it to 18 lb-ft.

Now, just fill ‘er up!

After changing your oil, it’s a good idea to turn on your car and let your engine run for about 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will give you a more accurate measurement, and you’ll be able to top it off if necessary.

Make sure to always check your oil after filling, and don’t forget to clean up! Store your old oil in sealed containers and take them in to be recycled—never pour motor oil onto the ground, as it’s terrible for the environment.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

And you’re done! Hopefully it was worth the extra effort for the money saved!

If you’re looking to save even more money on car expenses, one of the best ways to do it is by lowering your

car insurance

costs. And Jerry’s top-rated app is specially-designed to find you the lowest prices on the best coverage for your 2020 GMC Acadia!

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