GMC Acadia 2024: A Blend of Luxury and Off-Road Capability

alwepo, The Detroit Auto Show is in full swing, and GMC has pulled the covers off the 2024 Acadia. We’ve had an early look at this crossover last month, and here, we’ll share our initial impressions.

The 2024 Acadia undergoes a significant redesign, redefining what an Acadia should be. The changes are evident immediately as the crossover is now 10.6 inches (269 mm) longer with an additional 8.4 inches (213 mm) added between the wheels.

Though it’s now roughly the same size as the Chevrolet Traverse once again, the two look entirely distinct. This is a smart move because the Acadia maintains a strong identity as a GMC product, featuring a bold grille flanked by C-shaped headlights.

Moving towards the rear, you’ll notice elegant bodywork with gentle curves and fluid lines. Designers have expanded the vehicle’s greenhouse, created pronounced hips, and added a robust D-pillar.

The rear end sees more evolutionary changes, with the adoption of slim taillights and black accents that visually expand the rear window. An eye-catching four-tailpipe exhaust system takes inspiration from the Corvette.

Upgraded Interior with a 15-Inch Display

While the exterior design remains relatively conservative, the interior adopts a new design language featuring horizontal lines and an elegant aesthetic.

The premium feel is amplified by an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch infotainment system with a portrait orientation. Apart from providing easy access to Google Assistant and Google Maps, the infotainment system is highly customizable, allowing you to display three separate screens simultaneously. The lower third of the display is dedicated to climate controls, ensuring they’re always accessible.

Aside from the screens, the Acadia interior feels spacious and open, thanks in part to a lowered dashboard. The complex shifter has been replaced by a more conventional stalk on the steering column. Other highlights include higher-quality materials, a minimalist design, and a floating center console with a sliding cover.

The front seats are not only comfortable but also offer ample room and good bolstering. The positive attributes extend to the second row, providing plenty of headroom and legroom for adults.

Third-Row Considerations

The third-row seating, however, is less impressive in terms of legroom for adults, unless those in the second row are willing to adjust their seats forward. Passengers in the rear also have to contend with limited outside visibility due to the thick C-pillar. Furthermore, entry and exit can be a bit awkward, particularly for older individuals.

Despite these downsides, there’s a surprising amount of headroom in the third row, even accommodating taller passengers. Additionally, there are cup holders and USB charging ports to keep passengers hydrated and entertained.

More details will emerge closer to launch, but GMC has stated that the 2024 Acadia offers “nearly 80 percent more cargo space behind the third row” and “more than 36 percent more behind the second row.” Officials have also mentioned that the model will come with a rear cargo shelf allowing for split-level storage.

Rugged Acadia AT4 with a 1-Inch Lift and Unique AWD System

For those seeking off-road adventures, GMC offers the AT4 trim, billed as the most capable Acadia ever. The AT4 boasts front-end clearance maximization with a real skid plate and red tow hooks. The model also sports a distinctive grille, gloss black accents, and extended fender flares with integrated marker lights.

Inside, drivers will find an exclusive Forest Storm interior with Mahogany stitching. This is complemented by additional brightwork, special door sill plates, and AT4 embroidery on the headrests.

But the AT4 isn’t just about looks. It features an off-road-focused suspension with an extra inch (25 mm) of ground clearance, a wider track, and 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. The AT4 also comes with Hill Descent Control, a Terrain mode, and an exclusive twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system promising optimal traction and control in demanding scenarios.

Acadia Denali: Blurring the Line Between Premium and Mainstream

Denali has become synonymous with GMC, and designers have once again outdone themselves. While the exterior design remains relatively understated, the range-topping Denali model features a distinctive grille and additional body-color components. These are complemented by choreographed lighting animations and gloss black paint on the lower body. The crossover rides on 20-inch wheels, though customers can opt for optional 22-inch wheels, the largest ever offered on an Acadia.

What’s most notable, however, is the Acadia Denali’s interior. The two-tone perforated leather seats immediately grab your attention, offering both heating and ventilation, quilted backrests, and embroidered headrests. These seats are accompanied by laser-etched wood trim and substantial-looking metal accents.

The Denali is equipped with power-folding second and third rows, active noise-canceling technology, and a Bose premium audio system. The model can also be fitted with a panoramic glass roof and heated second-row seats.

Turbocharged Four-Cylinder with 328 HP

Powering the 2024 Acadia is an all-new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, related to the 2.7-liter engine used in the Canyon. This powerplant delivers 328 hp (245 kW / 333 PS) and 326 lb-ft (442 Nm) of torque, matching the output in the Traverse as GM has revised their initial performance estimates upwards.

This is a significant improvement over the previous turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produced 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque. It also surpasses the outgoing 3.6-liter V6, which churned out 310 hp (231 kW / 314 PS) and 271 lb-ft (367 Nm) of torque.

Of particular note is the increase in torque, and GMC officials have hinted at better fuel economy as well. While it’s too early for specific numbers, the engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which can be coupled with available all-wheel drive.

Lastly, the 2024 Acadia can tow up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg), a significant increase of 1,000 lbs (454 kg) over its predecessor, making it capable of hauling popular boats and campers.

Super Cruise Technology Comes to the Acadia

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of Super Cruise technology, which enables hands-free driving on more than 400,000 miles (643,738 km) of roads in the United States and Canada. This system makes long-distance travel considerably less stressful and supports towing as well as automatic lane changes. Importantly, GMC isn’t limiting Super Cruise to the range-topping Denali; it will also be available on the AT4 and Elevation Premium models.

In terms of technology, the Acadia comes with an array of standard driver assistance systems, including Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian and Bicycle Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, Reverse Auto Braking, and Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking. Additionally, it features Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Enhanced Lane Keep Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition. Other highlights include IntelliBeam High Beam Assist, Rear Park Assist, Side Bicyclist Alert, and a Rear Seat Reminder.

Arriving Early Next Year

The 2024 GMC Acadia will be manufactured in Michigan and is expected to reach dealerships early next year. Pricing details will be disclosed closer to the launch date, but considering the comprehensive premium makeover, it’s safe to assume that the new Acadia will come at a slightly higher price point compared to the current starting price of $38,195.