2023 Detroit Auto Show: 2024 GMC Acadia

By Ed Piotrowski

Photos by Jill Ciminillo

GMC introduced its next-generation Acadia at the 2023 Detroit Auto Show. Bigger in every dimension, the redesigned SUV is poised to more directly compete with “large-midsize” 3-row rivals, including those sold by other GM brands.

2024 GMC Acadia

The first-generation Acadia came online in 2007 and was among the first SUVs to use car-type unibody construction that offered three rows of usable seating. This changed for the second-generation model, which was introduced for 2017. While this Acadia still offered three rows, the rearmost seat wasn’t suitable for more than young children. Maximum cargo space also suffered. Still, there were many buyers who found the more maneuverable size to be appealing, so it was still a sales success, particularly the flagship Denali grade.

For 2024, Acadia goes back to its roots as a larger SUV. It will share its near-large platform with the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave. This translates to increases in wheelbase (distance between the front and rear axles), overall length, and height of 8.4, 10.6, and 3.2 inches, respectively. The off-road-oriented AT4 grade also benefits from an extra inch of ride height. The extra size also results in 80 percent more cargo volume behind the third row of seats and a 36 percent boost behind the second row.

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Under the hood, all models will use a new 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, this drivetrain is more powerful than the available 3.6-liter V6 from the previous-generation Acadia. Front- and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations will be available. The AT4 gets a unique setup called Active Torque Control that is designed to help it negotiate off-road terrain. Acadia will also be available with GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving tech. Maximum towing capacity will be 5,000 pounds.

The revamped interior sees the inclusion of a 15-inch diagonal infotainment screen with Google built-in services. A full complement of modern safety gear will be available as well. The top-end Acadia Denali gets power-folding third-row seatbacks, a panoramic “pillar to pillar” sunroof, wood and chrome trim, heated and ventilated front seats, Bose-brand premium audio system, and active noise cancellation.

Pricing for the 2024 GMC Acadia will be available at the start of production, which we expect will be before the end of 2023. The first retail deliveries are expected to take place early in 2024.

CG Says:

With the previous-generation Acadia, GMC probably lost a few sales from buyers who wanted something larger that could accommodate three rows of passengers along with more cargo. It makes sense that they would opt for a larger version this go-round. It also leaves a larger gap in their portfolio between Acadia and the compact-class Terrain, something they could fill with a midsize five-seat SUV that would rival the Chevrolet Blazer, Honda Passport, or Nissan Murano.

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