2022 GMC Acadia Complete Fluid Specifications

As an ASE-certified master technician, I constantly get questions about fluid specifications from owners and DIYers who want to ensure their vehicles stay on the road for the long haul. General Motors has highly specific fluid requirements for their modern platforms, and the 2022 GMC Acadia is no exception. Whether your Acadia is equipped with the 2.0L Turbo or the robust 3.6L V6, using the correct fluids is critical to preventing catastrophic failure and maintaining warranty compliance.

Below is the complete, factory-spec fluid guide for the 2022 GMC Acadia. Always remember that modern tolerances are tight—"close enough" is never good enough when it comes to chemistry.

Quick reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil (2.0L Turbo)	0W-20 API SP, GM dexos1 Gen 3	5.0 qts (4.7 L) with filter
Engine Oil (3.6L V6)	5W-30 API SP, GM dexos1 Gen 3	6.0 qts (5.7 L) with filter
Engine Coolant	DEX-COOL 50/50 Premix (Orange)	9.0–10.4 qts (verify by engine)
Transmission Fluid	DEXRON-ULV Automatic Transmission Fluid	~5.0 qts (Drain & Fill)
Transfer Case (PTU - AWD)	75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Spec)	~0.85 qts (0.8 L)
Rear Differential (RDM - AWD)	GM Dexron LS Gear Oil 75W-90	~0.65 qts (0.6 L)
Brake Fluid	DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid	Fill to MAX line
Power Steering Fluid	N/A (Electric Power Steering)	N/A
Windshield Washer Fluid	Standard washer solvent (freeze-resistant)	1 Gallon
DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid)	N/A (No diesel option for 2022 Acadia)	N/A

Note: Capacities are approximate. Always fill to the proper dipstick, check hole, or reservoir level.

Engine Oil

For the 2022 model year, GMC streamlined the Acadia's powertrain options to the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (LSY) and the 3.6L V6 (LGX).

Specification: Both engines require oil that meets the GM dexos1 Gen 3 specification (which supersedes Gen 2) and API SP standards. The dexos1 Gen 3 specification is specifically formulated to combat Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) in turbocharged engines and improve timing chain wear protection.

• 2.0L Turbo: Requires 0W-20 viscosity.
• 3.6L V6: Requires 5W-30 viscosity.

Pitfalls & Intervals: Never use standard conventional oil in these engines. The variable valve timing (VVT) actuators and timing chains are highly sensitive to oil sludge and viscosity breakdown. While the Oil Life Monitor (OLM) might stretch intervals up to 7,500 miles under ideal conditions, I strongly recommend a 5,000-mile interval for maximum timing chain longevity, especially on the 3.6L V6.

Engine Coolant

Specification: The 2022 Acadia requires DEX-COOL (GM specification). This is an Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant, easily identified by its distinctive orange color.

Pitfalls & Intervals: Never mix DEX-COOL with green, yellow, or blue conventional coolants (IAT or HOAT). Mixing coolant types can cause the corrosion inhibitors to precipitate out, forming a thick gel that will clog the heater core and engine block passages, leading to severe overheating. Coolant should be replaced every 5 years or 150,000 miles, but I recommend a drain and fill every 100,000 miles to keep the system pristine. Always use a 50/50 pre-mix or mix concentrated coolant with distilled water—never tap water.

Transmission Fluid

Specification: The 9-speed automatic transmission (9T65) in the 2022 Acadia uses DEXRON-ULV (Ultra Low Viscosity) automatic transmission fluid.

Pitfalls & Intervals: DEXRON-ULV is specifically formulated for GM and Ford's multi-gear transmissions to reduce parasitic drag and improve fuel economy. Do not use DEXRON-VI or any "universal" ATF. Using standard ATF will result in harsh shifting, clutch pack degradation, and overheating. Transmission fluid service on these 9-speeds should be done every 45,000 to 50,000 miles if subjected to severe duty (towing, heavy city traffic), or 90,000 miles under normal driving. A simple drain and fill is preferred over high-pressure flushing.

Transfer Case (Power Transfer Unit) & Rear Differential

If your Acadia is equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), you have a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) mounted near the transaxle and a Rear Drive Module (RDM) in the back.

Specification:

• PTU (Front/Transfer Case): 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant.
• Rear Differential (RDM): GM Dexron LS Gear Oil 75W-90 (contains necessary limited-slip friction modifiers for the twin-clutch AWD system).

Pitfalls & Intervals: The rear differential in the Acadia's AWD system relies on internal clutches to vector torque. If you use standard gear oil without the LS (Limited Slip) additive, the clutches will chatter and bind during tight turns, eventually destroying the unit. Both the PTU and RDM hold very small amounts of fluid (less than a quart each). Because of this low capacity, they run hot and the fluid degrades rapidly. I recommend servicing the AWD fluids every 30,000 to 45,000 miles.

Brake Fluid

Specification: GM specifies DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid for the 2022 Acadia.

Pitfalls & Intervals: DOT 4 has a higher boiling point than older DOT 3 fluids, making it better suited for heavier SUVs. However, DOT 4 is highly hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere faster. This moisture lowers the boiling point and rusts internal ABS module components. Flush your brake fluid every 3 years or 45,000 miles, regardless of mileage, using fluid from a sealed, brand-new bottle. Never substitute DOT 5 (silicone-based) fluid, as it will ruin the seals in your braking system.

Power Steering, Washer Fluid, and DEF

• Power Steering: The 2022 Acadia uses Electric Power Steering (EPS). There is no hydraulic power steering pump, hoses, or fluid to check or leak.
• Washer Fluid: Use a standard, commercial windshield washer solvent. In cold climates, ensure it is rated for sub-freezing temperatures to prevent the reservoir and lines from cracking. Do not use plain water.
• DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid): Not applicable. There is no diesel engine option for the 2022 GMC Acadia.

Always verify fluid capacities and specifications in your owner's manual or OEM service info, as variations can occur based on mid-year production changes or specific trim packages.

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