2024 GMC Acadia REVIEW

The big Kahuna!

A revamped take on GMC’s popular three-row SUV, the Acadia for 2024 is bursting with character. Larger than the outgoing model and with a whole new look, the Acadia has more presence than ever before! Plenty of cargo space and more truckish in its look and feel, see what this sporty model has in store!

Here’s more…

What we know!

Under hood, the Acadia sports a new 2.5-liter turbo four, which feels like a good fit, producing 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. It shifts via an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the engine employing the same “e-Phaser” to adjust the camshaft on the fly to advance and delay the spark according to power and efficiency needs. Speaking of efficiency, the front-wheel-drive Acadia gets 20 miles per gallon city, 27 mph highway and 23 mph combined, or 19/24/21 mpg with all-wheel drive.

Aside from the AT4, which is all-wheel drive only, buyers get the choice of FWD or AWD. The Acadia jumps from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Power comes when it is needed, with the Acadia giving drivers the choices of seven different drive modes to allow for customization, resulting in an overall pleasant drive focused on confidence and comfort.

The Acadia’s trim levels give a wide array of options, including from the base Elevation trim, starting at $43,995 (including destination with AWD adding another $2,000) and the most luxurious Denali trim at $55,695 for FWD and $57,695 for AWD. There is also the AT4 trim at $51,395 with AWD standard.

The Denali elevates the Acadia’s interior, highlighted by the tech interface, a portrait-oriented 15-inch infotainment screen which runs Google Built-In, as well as an 11-inch driver display. A head-up display is also standard.

Also inviting within the Denali are leather seats with attractive stitching, as well as the open–pore wood trim which features the Denali name etched within. Character abounds in the cabin, complete with a large center console, and large and sturdy HVAC toggles which are integrated at the bottom of the infotainment screen.

Standard is a seven-passenger layout with second-row captain’s chairs, quite roomy, and with seats able to adjust backward or forward. A third row is also fairly large and accommodating.

Drivers and passengers alike will enjoy a good amount of cargo space, with the volume behind the third row coming in at a segment-leading 23.0 cubic feet, with a large under-floor bin an added bonus. The Acadia can also tow up to 5,000 pounds for those who run out of space inside.

The Denali also comes equipped with standard 20-inch wheels.

In the AT4, drivers enjoy the feel of all-terrain tires mounted on 18-inch wheels, with this trim level gaining about 1.2 inches in ride height over the Elevation. The AT4 also uses a version of the optional performance suspension from the Denali. The vehicle’s interior is suitable for its purpose, providing comfort thanks to a combination of fabric and synthetic seats.

The rest of the interior design is attractive, complete with wood trim, although fewer luxury trimmings. Nonetheless, it still feels very special to drive! To that end, it is very much at home traversing down gravel roads, with the suspension known to perform superbly over ruts and bumps. It is just as comfortable as the Denali on pavement as well.

Optional across all of the Acadia lineup is GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance program, a great system that instills driver confidence in so many ways. Also, GM has added more mileage to its map of compatible roads, allowing for its usage on even some smaller highways.

Stylishly bold, the Acadia has design features that are truly eye-catching. For example, the grille takes up almost the entire front fascia, but with different designs depending on the trim. For example, the Elevation is presented with four horizontal bars, and the AT4 has three hollow bars. The Denali’s grille has segmented blocks across five bars. Bold J-shaped signature daytime running lights surround the LED headlights, and LED fog lights are found just above the lower bumper.

The Elevation and Denali ride on 20-inch alloy wheels, while the AT4 gets 18-inchers as well as red tow hooks and integrated skid plates.

Inside, the Acadia has the ability to accommodate up to eight passengers, with the first two rows boasting great head and leg room as standard. Power adjustable front seats add to that comfort level. Not only does this vehicle have more passenger room, but its cargo space is enhanced as well. In place of cloth, GMC has instead used CoreTec synthetic leatherette as standard, which is paired with a hardier vinyl inside the AT4.

In the Elevation, interior colors include the sleek After Dark and Gideon Gray, with the AT4 presented in Forest Storm with Mahogany accents. Real leather adorns the seats in the Denali, with After Dark as well as Sheer/Very Dark Atmosphere.

Standard features abound within including tri-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charger, an 11-inch digital gauge cluster and an enormous 15-inch touchscreen display.

In the area of infotainment, drivers and passengers alike enjoy Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, Wi-Fi capability, and a set of 12 Bose speakers. In the Denali, enjoy 16 speakers instead, with a panoramic sunroof available for any model. The top trim also boasts ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a head-up display.

When it comes to safety, the Acadia features a wide array of standard offerings, including six airbags, AB and stability and traction control. A more comprehensive driver-assistance suite is also offered, including forward collision warning, enhanced automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cycling detection, a following distance indicator, blind-spot steering assist, an HD surround-view camera, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist and a safety alert seat. Optional features include driver-attention assist, enhanced automatic parking assist and hitch view with guidance.

Thanks to its unique styling, excellent safety suite and ample passenger and cargo space, the GMC Acadia definitely is a stand-out. A Big Kahuna in every sense of the word, it’s your next best choice in a mid-size SUV. Take a test drive, and reserve yours today!