2024 GMC Acadia – gmc.com | Shop 2024 GMC Acadia on Carsforsale.com
The real question is what’s not new. For 2024, the Acadia enters the market with new and improved with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and 328 horsepower. It’s available in three different trims and all come packed with technology. An 11-inch digital gauge cluster is only outdone by a standard 15-inch infotainment system. Read our full review for more.
More power than previously
Better fuel economy too
A tech-heavy SUV
Lots of cheap plastic
Underwhelming seating
A master of none
Better but still not the best
Under the hood of every all-new Acadia, you’ll find a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It makes 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, which is up on both the 2.0-liter engine and the V6 from last year. It sends that power to the front wheels or all four depending on trim and options. An eight-speed gearbox is the only choice when it comes to transmission. Notably, the AT4 trim gets AWD as a standard feature along with a unique dual-clutch rear differential.
Another benefit of moving to a singular turbocharged platform is that the entire range gets similar fuel economy. In addition, it’s better overall than in either of the outgoing engine choices. The Acadia now gets up to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway when paired with front-wheel drive. AWD variants see those figures drop to 19 and 24 respectively.
On top of increased power and better fuel economy, the new Acadia also provides more towing capacity at the limit. Last year it could tow up to 4,000 pounds, which is already good in this segment. Now, it can haul up to 5,000 pounds. That matches the Ford Explorer but still falls short of the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
There’s no question that the Acadia still aims for a middle-aged demographic with bright chrome-colored trim and simple design language. The dash and center console feature squared-off surfaces with soft-touch materials on the door cards and center console. Even in the Denali we wouldn’t call the experience luxurious though. There’s simply too much cheap plastic and too many parts-bin cheap switchgear. The seats are wide and flat with very minimal lateral support. That applies to all three rows.
The second row is available with captain’s chairs or with a bench (depending on trim) meaning that you can get seven or eight seats in the Acadia depending on your personal preference. The second-row occupants get standard access to a third climate control zone along with heated seats and a household-style power outlet.
The third row is easy to access thanks to a tilt-and-slide feature on the second row. Once in the back, occupants will find that legroom isn’t exactly plentiful. The amenities aren’t much to write home about either. GMC does offer a USB-C outlet on each side of the cabin in the third row, but the armrests are cheap hard plastic and the seat cushioning is thin. On the plus side, the Acadia does offer more cargo space than before. It’s up to 23 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97.5 with the rear rows folded down.
Where GMC really impressed us is in the technology department. New for 2024 are a pair of screens that lay the foundation for a great tech experience. The gauge cluster now comes standard as an 11-inch fully digital component. In addition, a portrait-oriented 15-inch infotainment system with an integrated volume knob sits prominently in the center of the dash.
Both screens react quickly to input and provide crisp clear easy-to-read graphics. We especially like the way GMC has divided the real estate in the infotainment system as it’s logical and keeps important functions available at all times. Physical climate control buttons sit directly beneath the screen and provide quick access as well. A wireless device charger is also standard as is a 12-speaker sound system from Bose.
Buyers interested in the safety side of things will be happy to know that GMC has finally prioritized it to the point that most driver-aids are standard. That includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. As of this writing, neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS have released safety scores and data about the Acadia.
The base Acadia comes with front-wheel drive, 20-inch wheels, heated mirrors, rear privacy glass, roof rails, faux leather upholstery, a 15-inch infotainment system with Google Built-In, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, power-adjustable heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an 11-inch digital gauge cluster, a wireless charging space, four USB ports, tri-zone climate control, a household-style power outlet, and 10 cup holders.
The AT4 gets AWD as standard along with a skid plate, a slight suspension lift, all-terrain tires, 18-inch wheels, two red-painted recovery hooks, a trailing package, and hill descent control.
The luxury-focused Denali gets a heads-up display, a one-touch flat-folding second row, heated second-row seats, heated mirrors, and ventilated front seats.
The Acadia doesn’t represent an exceptional value in the segment but it’s certainly more tech-forward than some rivals. To that end, we’d go for the Elevation trim and add optional features rather than splurge for the AT4 or the Denali. In our eyes, those who want an off-road three row SUV need to look elsewhere. At the same time, those who want a luxury three-row SUV can find a better value with other brands.
General Motors still doesn’t come close to matching others when it comes to warranty coverage. It provides three years or 36,000 miles of limited coverage and five years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. On top of that it offers a single complimentary maintenance visit. Kia, Toyota, Jeep, and Hyundai all put that to shame in one way or another. Notably, GMC is already offering interesting incentives on the Acadia so it’s worthy of some consideration.
2024 GMC Acadia – gmc.com | Shop 2024 GMC Acadia on Carsforsale.com
The Acadia is all-new and certainly improved in basically every aspect of its design. It makes more power, can tow more, gets better fuel economy, and has better technology. Despite that, it’s hard to argue that it’s still falling short of rivals from several brands. GMC would do well to improve the cabin materials for one thing.
They’re shipping to dealers in very limited quantities as of this writing in June of 2024.
5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Yes. The GMC Acadia offers 3rd-row seating.