2024 GMC Acadia's updated tech makes it a real challenger | Reviews

Article content

As far as corporate hyperbole goes, at least as it relates to the launching of a new vehicle, GMC’s release regarding the arrival of its third-generation Acadia is remarkably low-key. GM’s Professional Grade brand states the sport-ute will “redefine what a premium mid-size SUV can be,” further noting it’s a blueprint of what’s to come for the GMC SUV portfolio. Other than declaring the nearly 5.2-metre-long three-row SUV as “mid-sized,” there’s little to argue, the lack of Second Coming-like pronouncements that often accompany new vehicle debuts rather refreshing.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

2024 GMC Acadia's updated tech makes it a real challenger | Reviews Back to video

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Play Video

Then again, the Acadia, which first made its debut back in 2007, has never been flashy or dramatic, the rig going about its business in a very workman-like manner. Nor has it ever been a sales leader, at least in the U.S., with its best years between 2015 and 2019.

The 2024 model is longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor; it has a fancier cabin (“premium-appointed” in GMC-speak); and there’s “elevated” exterior design, more tech, and a more extensive list of standard safety features. Oh, yes, a brand-new powertrain, as well, but nothing electric or hybrid — yet.

Toggle full screen modePrevious Gallery Image

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

Next Gallery ImageToggle gallery captions

View All 7 Photos

1 of 7

All 7 Photos for Gallery

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
6. 
7. 

Function Not Available

Full Screen is not supported on this browser version.

You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen.

OK

What competes with the GMC Acadia?

All of which is necessary; the three-row full-size (or largish mid-sized) segment is chockablock with competitors, the big sellers in the States being the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Hyundai Palisade/Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander, Grand Highlander and 4Runner. There’s also the Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Mazda CX-90, Subaru Ascent, VW Atlas, and near-twin Chevy Traverse, which is built on the same GM Epsilon platform as the Acadia. Basically, buyers shopping the segment are not lacking for choice.

For those who prefer their family-oriented SUVs to look truck-ish and broad-shouldered, the new Acadia is primed to impress. “With its assertive, powerful stance, the 2024 Acadia evokes a truck-inspired persona,” said Ben Zavala, design lead. This is truer of the off-road-capable AT4 trim level, with its one-inch-taller ride height and wider track, coupled with blockier Goodyear Wrangler 18-inch AT tires.

Dimensionally, the new Acadia is larger compared to the second-generation model. It’s 260.9 mm (10.6 inches) longer and 81 mm (3.2 in) taller, increasing passenger roominess and offering seven- or eight-seat configurations depending on the trim. The SUV’s larger size also means more storage space and versatility, including nearly 80% more cargo space behind the third row; 36% more behind the second row; and 23% behind the first row when compared with the second generation.

Specifically, there’s 2,761 litres (97.5 cu-ft) behind the first row; 1,622 litres (57.3 cu-ft) behind the second row; and 651 litres (23 cu-ft) behind the third row. Speaking of which, the SUV’s window glass area has been extended rearward so that the third-row passengers actually have outward visibility, with no C-pillar in the way.

What powers the 2024 GMC Acadia?

No more naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 for the Acadia. All three trim levels — Elevation, AT4, and Denali — are, like the Chevy Traverse, powered by a new 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 328 hp at 5,000 rpm; and 326 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm, an increase of 18 hp and 55 lb-ft over the V6, although it’s a substantially noisier engine under load. With the new engine, the Acadia remains one of the more powerful family-oriented SUVs in its class, at least when sized up against the competition’s base engines.

No more nine-speed automatic, either. The turbo-four is now mated to an eight-speed automatic and, for the Canadian market, features standard all-wheel-drive across the board, with a button that will allow the Acadia to run in front-wheel-drive mode as a fuel-economy measure. The AT4 adds exclusive Active Torque Control AWD, which helps when it comes to trailering. When properly equipped, the sport-ute has a maximum trailer rating of 5,000 pounds.

Fuel economy for the 2,130-kilogram SUV is listed as 12.4 L/100 km city, 9.9 L/100 km highway, and 11.3 L/100 km combined. This is slightly worse fuel economy than last generation’s V6-powered model (11.0 L/100 km combined).

Available Super Cruise driver assistance technology

In addition, the 2024 Acadia becomes the fifth nameplate within the GMC portfolio to offer Super Cruise — the hands-free driver assistance system that works on some 640,000 kilometres of roads in the U.S. and Canada. Super Cruise will be available across Acadia’s three trims. This latest version of GM’s Super Cruise technology includes trailering assist and automatic lane-change capability.

The 2024 GMC Acadia trims

GMC predicts the take rate for the Acadia will shake out like this — 50% Elevation, 20% AT4, and 30% Denali. At the brand’s media event, the AT4 and Denali trims were available to drive.

Acadia AT4

GMC has imbued greater off-road capability for the all-new AT4. Off-road driving technologies and features are matched with a few different design cues and interior appointments.

AT4 exclusive features include:

• A one-inch taller ride height and a wider track, coupled with 18-inch AT tires for enhanced stability and handling when getting off the tarmac and into the looser stuff;
• Off-road-tuned suspension with hydraulic rebound control;
• AT4-exclusive Active Torque Control AWD with twin-clutch rear differentials for greater traction and control;
• Front fascia accented with signature AT4 red tow hooks and integrated approach and underbody skid plates;
• Selectable drive modes including Terrain mode and Hill Descent Control; and
• Interior elements including more durable PVC material on the seats, mahogany-colour stitching, and additional chrome-metallic trim

Acadia Denali

The Acadia Denali adds touches of luxury, with more styling enhancements and design cues, plus a larger list of upscale features including:

• Standard one-touch folding second-row seats and power-folding third row;
• Distinctive exterior trim and design features, including a signature Denali grille and available 22-inch machined aluminum wheels;
• An available panoramic, pillar-to-pillar sunroof, as well as laser-etched wood décor with Galvano chrome accents, perforated leather-appointed heated and ventilated front seats, and available second-row outboard heated seats; and
• Active noise cancelling technology and a Bose premium sound system with 16 standard speakers (12 on the other trims)

What’s going on in the Acadia’s cabin?

The 2024 Acadia has seating for seven with dual second-row captain’s chairs; or eight with the second-row split-folding bench seat. The SUV features an all-new interior, the focal point being a portrait-oriented 15-inch-diagonal infotainment system display, standard across all trims. System highlights include:

• Customizable touchscreen displays
• Google built-in compatibility with available apps including navigation
• Available high-contrast display

Married to the Acadia’s infotainment system is a new 11-inch driver information centre. Additionally, parking and tight off-road trails will be easier thanks to up to nine available camera views for enhanced visibility. Accessible through the central infotainment display, camera views include front, rear, front and rear top-down, rear camera view mirror, front side view, HD surround vision, hitch view, and rear side.

As for comfort, there is a ridiculous amount of stretch-out room for the front-seat occupants (1,125 mm/44.3 in), perfect for budding NBA all-stars, at least for those under seven feet tall. However, shoving the seat back in its track will compromise the legroom of anyone full-sized occupying the second row. With a little restraint from the one riding shotgun, an adult in the middle row will be equally comfortable. Third-row seats are best left to the kids.

Those familiar with the second-generation model will notice that the shifter stalk has been moved from the centre console to the steering wheel, freeing up space.

What’s the Acadia like to drive?

There’s nothing inherently special about driving the Acadia, but consider that more of an observation, not a criticism. It is a family vehicle and that comes with the expectation of a smooth, comfortable ride, which it handily achieves. Steering feel is light, neither vague nor sporty. The cabin is quiet, the serenity of any occupants only disturbed under heavy acceleration — as noted, the SUV’s turbo-four has the juice to get up to speed; it just comes with more engine noise than the replaced V6.

And, with my co-driver handling driving duties, Super Cruise, when activated, did what it was designed to do, providing hands-off-the-steering-wheel driving capability while anticipating traffic’s differing speeds and making lane changes effortlessly. (In the interest of full disclosure, I did not use Super Cruise on this occasion; after 52 years of licensed driving, I have yet to get comfortable with the thought of artificial intelligence doing a better job.)

The AT4 brings with it a slightly different vibe. No, it’s not going to tackle the Rubicon, but with Off-Road and Terrain driving modes, it is more capable of overcoming gnarlier cottage roads and trails to the secret fishing hole — or the ski lodge. In fact, part of the day’s drive route took us on to a road consisting of a powdery sand that fairly mimicked snow, which the P265/65R18 Goodyear Wrangler rubber chewed through with no fuss.

The Acadia proved very controllable, even as we attempted to get the back end to step out. The GMC folks even carved out some holes and humps to test axle articulation, an interesting exercise that added another checkmark to the AT4’s capability, albeit one that few, if any Acadia owners would subject their vehicle to.

2024 GMC Acadia Canadian pricing

Pricing for the Acadia starts at $54,499 for the Elevation; moves up to $59,999 for the AT4; and tops out at $66,499 for the Denali.

Final thoughts

Stating the obvious, anyone shopping the segment in which the 2024 GMC Acadia competes is primarily looking for a vehicle that meets their seating and cargo room needs. And the now-larger Acadia is certainly roomy, backed up by a comfortable, upgraded, and quiet cabin not nearly as plasticky as its predecessor. Depending on your viewpoint, the availability of Super Cruise could be a welcomed bonus — or not.

The upshot is that the 2024 Acadia and its truck-inspired persona, while not jumping to the head of the class in a diverse and highly competitive field, is a more competent challenger to the better-selling three-row SUVs.

Sign up for our newsletter Blind-Spot Monitor and follow our social channels on Instagram ,Facebook and X to stay up to date on the latest automotive news, reviews, car culture, and vehicle shopping advice.