Let’s begin at the end, or, at least, at the back of the 2024 GMC Acadia. That’s where a lot of the big, and I do mean BIG, changes come in. The 2024 model is 10 inches longer than the 2023 model, which translates into an 80-percent increase in cargo volume behind the third row, and a third row that can now fit adults.
2024 GMC Acadia
Furthermore, there is underfloor storage behind the third row that adds additional stowage capacity, and a nice little hidey hole for smaller item. Overall cargo capacity now rings in at 97.5 cubic feet.
Overview
All of this is important because the target customer for the new Acadia is looking for seating and cargo capacity. While they are more likely to opt for a “just-in-case” third row, they want it to be functional when they do use it.
Second-row captain’s chairs are standard on the new Acadia, and there is no bench seat option. One of the really nice features for the captain’s chairs: If you need to put a car seat in them, you can still tilt and slide the seats to provide access to the third row–without removing the car seat.
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Room and Comfort
We only had access to AT4 and Denali trim levels for the 2024 GMC Acadia at this preview event, and both were nicely equipped with second- and third-row amenities. I was particularly pleased to see air vents in the headliner of the third row positioned directly above your face.
One of my favorite changes of note, however, has to be seat comfort. General Motors is well known for having some of the most uncomfortable seats in the industry. They usually range from overly firm in the front to cardboardlike in the caboose. But I was pleasantly surprised to find all the seats were relatively cushy–even that third row.
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One more note about the third row before we leave the back of the bus: It has seating for three. I hate it when automakers do this because that means you’re typically squishing three people back there like sardines. But the 2024 GMC Acadia does a decent job with hip and shoulder room–at least for someone who’s my size. That means you’ll be able to fit three children no problem–but probably only two adults comfortably.
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Moving to the driver’s seat, in addition to a nicely padded, non-cardboard seat, you’re treated to a 15-inch infotainment screen, well-styled digital gauge cluster. and (wait for it) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You may have heard the hullabaloo about GM removing CarPlay and Auto from its EVs, but it’s still alive and well in the gas vehicles–and it looks really smart on the large squarish screen.
Engines and Transmissions
The 2023 Acadia was offered with a 228-horsepower turbocharged four, and a 310-horsepower V6. The 2024 Acadia comes only with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four, mated to an 8-speed automatic. The all-new drivetrain delivers a stout 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet torque, which is certainly enough power for highway merges and passing maneuvers, but I have to admit, it didn’t feel as smooth or as quiet as the outgoing V6.
I also thought the new Acadia was a bit heavy and had more of a trucklike ride and handling demanor than that of an SUV–not that there’s anything wrong with that. With just a couple hours behind the wheel, however, I never quite got used to the size or heft.
As a next-generation vehicle, the 2024 GMC Acadia gets a significant redesign, and the overall effect–inside and out–is handsome. The nose takes a cue from brand’s Canyon pickup, and the upright stance, with more angles and lines, looks more aggressive.
GMC likes to call its brand “premium” instead of luxury, and the cabin is punctuated by high-quality materials and trimmings. From the real-wood accents and quilted patterns on the Denali to the colored stitching on the AT4, there is a high attention to detail inside the cabin.
I like the new 15-inch infotainment screen, and how the app page, Google map, and Apple CarPlay fill out the screen. And, yes, there is CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s been a lot of confusion about General Motors’ phone mirroring strategy, but in the simplest terms new EVs don’t get it, but gas vehicles, like the Acadia, still do. Older EVs produced in 2023 do have it, which is the cause of confusion. So, you’ll have some Chevy Blazer EVs and Silverado EVs that have CarPlay and some that do not–all based on build date.
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The GMC Acadia has an interesting existence. It isn’t quite luxury, but it’s not totally mainstream either. A lot of people will cross-shop it with the new mechanically similar Chevrolet Traverse, which, depending on trim level, costs about $5000 less. The folks at GMC declined to name Acadia’s competitive set, but I’d probably put it up against the Jeep Grand Cherokee L because it’s similarly sized and priced. Plus, both SUVs have some premium (not luxury) amenities as well as some off-road chops when properly equipped.
Trim Levels
Pricing for the 2024 GMC Acadia, including the $1,395 destination fee is as follows:
- GMC Acadia Elevation: $43,995 (FWD) $45,995 (AWD)
- GMC Acadia AT4: $51,395 (AWD)
- GMC Acadia Denali: $55,695 (FWD) $57,695 (AWD)
Summary
My first impressions of the 2024 GMC Acadia are generally favorable. While I’m not a fan of the cup holders, or the fact that the wireless charger was inconsistent at charging, there’s a lot of good stuff here. I like the design and amenities, and I am pleasantly surprised by the cushy seat comfort. The third row is well done, and I appreciated the clever rear cargo area. Combine that with the Acadia’s handsome good looks, and it appears GMC has a winner on its hands.
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2024 GMC Acadia Pictures
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