2018 GMC Acadia Oil Capacity, Specs & Filter Guide

The 2018 GMC Acadia requires 6.0 quarts of oil for the 3.6L V6 engine and 5.0 quarts for the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine (capacities include an oil filter replacement). As an ASE-certified master technician, I’ve performed countless oil changes on this generation of the GMC Acadia. Ensuring you use the correct oil weight, specification, and a quality filter is crucial to keeping this midsize SUV running smoothly for years to come.

Below, you’ll find all the fluid specifications, filter cross-references, and torque specs needed to complete a professional-grade oil change in your driveway or verify what your mechanic is using.

Quick Answer: Oil Specs & Filters

Here is the essential information for the 2018 GMC Acadia (specs vary slightly by engine, see the table below for full details):

• Oil Capacity: 6.0 quarts (5.7 L) for the 3.6L V6; 5.0 quarts (4.7 L) for the 2.5L I4.
• Recommended Weight: 5W-30 for the 3.6L V6; 0W-20 for the 2.5L I4.
• Oil Specification: General Motors highly recommends using oil that meets the dexos1™ Gen 3 (formerly Gen 2) or API SP specification. Full synthetic is required to meet this standard.
• Oil Filter (3.6L V6): OEM ACDelco PF63
  • Aftermarket alternatives: Fram PH10575 (or XG10575), Wix 57045, Mobil 1 M1-113A
• Oil Filter (2.5L I4): OEM ACDelco PF64
  • Aftermarket alternatives: Fram PH11462 (or XG11462), Wix 50130, Mobil 1 M1-113A (consult catalog for exact crossover)

Capacity by Engine Option

The 2018 Acadia was offered with two different engine options. Make sure you check your vehicle's emissions sticker under the hood or the 8th digit of your VIN to confirm which engine you have.

Oil Change Interval

GMC equips the 2018 Acadia with an Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system that calculates oil degradation based on driving conditions. However, here are the physical mileage guidelines:

• Normal Driving Duty: Follow the Oil-Life Monitor, which typically recommends a change every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
• Severe Driving Duty: If you frequently tow, drive in heavy stop-and-go traffic, idle extensively, or drive in extreme heat/cold, you should change the oil every 5,000 miles or 6 months.

Never exceed 10,000 miles or one year between oil changes, regardless of what the monitor says.

Drain Plug Torque

• Torque Spec: The oil drain plug on both the 2.5L and 3.6L engines should be torqued to 18 lb-ft (25 Nm).
• Crush Washer: The drain plug features a rubber-molded sealing gasket built into the flange. While it is reusable, inspect the rubber seal closely. If it is torn, flattened, or leaking, replace the entire drain plug.

How to Change the Oil

1. Warm up the engine: Run the vehicle for 3-5 minutes to warm the oil, which helps it drain faster and suspend contaminants.
2. Lift and secure: Raise the front of the vehicle safely using a jack and jack stands, or drive onto heavy-duty ramps.
3. Drain the oil: Locate the 15mm drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan. Place your catch pan underneath, remove the plug, and let it drain completely.
4. Replace the filter: Locate the oil filter. Use an oil filter wrench to loosen and remove it. Lubricate the rubber gasket on the new filter with a dab of fresh oil, then thread it on by hand until it makes contact, plus 3/4 to 1 full turn. Do not over-tighten!
5. Reinstall drain plug: Wipe the drain plug sealing surface clean, install the plug, and torque it to 18 lb-ft.
6. Refill: Remove the oil filler cap under the hood and add the correct amount of oil (5.0 qts for 2.5L, 6.0 qts for 3.6L).
7. Test and check: Start the engine, let it run for 30 seconds to fill the filter, and check underneath for leaks. Turn off the engine, wait 3 minutes, and verify the oil level on the dipstick.
8. Reset Oil-Life Monitor: Use the steering wheel controls to navigate to the "Remaining Oil Life" screen on the dash. Press and hold the checkmark (select) button until it resets to 100%.

Common Issues & Tips

• Direct Injection Carbon Buildup: Both engines are direct-injected. Using a high-quality full synthetic dexos1 Gen 3 oil is highly recommended to help prevent premature intake valve carbon buildup and protect against Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI).
• Filter Access: On the 3.6L V6, the oil filter is located near the front of the engine block and is relatively easy to reach from underneath. Keep a rag handy, as oil will run down the side of the block when the filter is loosened.
• Checking Oil Level Properly: Always check the oil level on level ground after the engine has been turned off for a few minutes to allow oil to return to the pan.

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