All-New 2024 GMC Acadia Seats Up to Eight, Settles for Four Cylinders

The GMC Acadia is far from the first name that comes to mind when shopping for a midsize SUV—be it with two or three rows of seats. The current generation dates back to 2017 and was updated for 2020. Four years later, an all-new Acadia is ready to take over. GMC hosted the global debut today at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

The 2024 Acadia is larger in all dimensions compared to its predecessor. Notably, it gains 10.6 inches (27 cm) of wheelbase, enabling enhanced passenger room and an expanded seating configuration of seven or eight passengers depending on the trim. This makes it closer to the Chevrolet Traverse, which is also brand new for 2024.

“For this next generation, our mission was to reimagine the design and the proportions of the Acadia to create a bolder, more commanding presence, firmly in the vein of the evolving GMC portfolio,” said the Acadia’s chief designer Ben Zavala. “With its assertive, powerful stance, the 2024 Acadia evokes a truck-inspired persona, infused with the brand’s signature premium feel.”

Return of AT4 and Denali

Customers looking for a rugged SUV with superior off-road capability will once again turn to the Acadia AT4. This model boasts a 1-inch taller ride height and a wider track, coupled with 18-inch wheels on all-terrain tires and an off-road-tuned suspension with hydraulic rebound control. It also stands out with signature AT4 red tow hooks and integrated skid plates, plus a Forest Storm interior with Mahogany stitching and additional chrome trim. Look for a Terrain drive mode, too.

At the top of the range, the Acadia Denali keeps raising the bar for luxury. New for 2024 are 22-inch machined aluminum wheels—the largest ever on the Acadia. Inside, one-touch folding second-row seats and a power-folding third-row bench come standard. The pillar-to-pillar panoramic sunroof is impossible to miss, just like the authentic laser-etched wood décor with Galvano chrome accents. Front occupants will enjoy the perforated leather-appointed heated and ventilated buckets in the first row. Oh, and the 16-speaker Bose sound system, as well.

More Family-Friendly and Technologically Advanced

The increased size of the 2024 GMC Acadia benefits versatility, including nearly 80 percent more cargo space behind the third row and 36 percent more space behind the second row, compared to the current generation. Now that’s fantastic news whether you’re visiting Costco, dropping kids at football practice or going camping.

In front of the steering wheel is a new 11-inch digital instrument centre, but the focal point of the dashboard is for sure the equally new, portrait-style, 15-inch touchscreen included as standard. It is fully configurable and features Google built-in compatibility with available apps including navigation.

Visibility is enhanced with up to nine available camera views, accessible through the centre display. This includes a practical hitch view. And you won’t believe the list of standard safety and driver assistance features offered on the new Acadia. Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Reverse Auto Braking, Enhanced Lane Keep Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition are just a handful we wanted to highlight.

No More V6

Similar to the Chevrolet Traverse, the 2024 GMC Acadia is getting rid of the 3.6-litre V6 and relying solely on a new turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. You won’t feel shortchanged at all with 328 horsepower (+18) and 326 lb-ft. of torque (+55).

An eight-speed automatic transmission replaces the nine-speed unit, and all Canadian models get all-wheel drive as standard. The Acadia AT4 adds Active Torque Control with twin-clutch rear differentials for optimal traction and control in demanding scenarios.

A couple more things before we wrap this up. Maximum towing capacity is now rated at 5,000 lbs, at par for the segment, and the latest generation of Super Cruise is available on Elevation Premium, AT4 and Denali models.

The 2024 GMC Acadia will be built at GM’s Lansing Delta Assembly in Michigan and is expected to go on sale early next year. The company said that additional details, including pricing, will be announced closer to the start of production.