The Detroit Auto Show continues as GMC has unveiled the 2024 Acadia. However, this isn’t our first brush with the crossover as we were given a hands-on preview last month and we’ll be sprinkling in our initial impressions throughout this article.
That being said, the model benefits from a complete redesign and a rethink of what the Acadia should be. The changes are immediately apparent as the crossover is 10.6 inches (269 mm) longer and has an extra 8.4 inches (213 mm) between the wheels.
While the model is now, once again, similar in size to the Chevrolet Traverse, they look completely different. That’s a wise move as the Acadia is easily identifiable as a GMC product as it features a prominent grille that is flanked by C-shaped headlights.
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Moving further back, there’s elegant bodywork with soft curves and flowing surfaces. Designers also gave the model an expanded greenhouse, pronounced hips, and a thick D-pillar.
The rear end is more evolutionary, but the model adopts slender taillights and black accents that help to visually expand the rear window. Onlookers will also find a four-tailpipe exhaust system that draws inspiration from the Corvette.
An Upscale Interior With A 15-Inch Display
While the exterior is conservative, the cabin embraces a new design language with horizontal lines and an elegant aesthetic.
The premium feel is amplified by an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch infotainment system with a portrait orientation. Besides providing easy access to Google Assistant and Google Maps, the infotainment system is customizable and can display three separate screens at the same time. The bottom third of the display is dedicated to climate controls and they’re always visible.
Putting screens aside, the Acadia has an open and airy feel thanks in part to a lowered dash. The convoluted shifter has also been replaced by a more conventional stalk on the steering column. Other highlights include higher quality materials, a minimalist design, and a floating center console with a sliding cover.
The front seats are perfectly comfortable and offer tons of room as well as nice bolstering. The good news extends to the second-row as there’s plenty of head- and legroom for adults.
Things are less impressive in the third-row as legroom is tight for adults, unless second-row occupants are willing to slide their seat forward. Back seaters will also have to suffer the consequences of the thick C-pillar, which limits their view outside. On top of that, entry and egress can be a bit clumsy for those with more than a few gray hairs.
It’s not all bad news as there is a surprising amount of third-row headroom and this 6’ 2” scribe found space to spare. There are also cup holders and USB charging ports to keep your kids hydrated and entertained.
We’ll learn more details closer to launch, but GMC said the 2024 Acadia has “nearly 80 percent more cargo space behind the third-row” and “more than 36 percent more behind the second-row.” Officials also told us the model will be offered with a rear cargo shelf that allows for split-level storage.
Rugged Acadia AT4 Has 1-Inch Lift And A Unique AWD System
Pictures: Michael Gauthier / CarScoops
Customers looking to venture off the beaten path can opt for the AT4, which is being billed as the most capable Acadia ever. It features a clearance maximizing front end with a ‘real’ skid plate and red tow hooks. The model also has a unique grille, gloss black accents, and extended fender flares with integrated marker lights.
The upgrades continue in the cabin as drivers will find an exclusive Forest Storm interior with Mahogany stitching. They’re joined by extra brightwork, special door sill plates, and AT4 embroidery on the headrests.
However, this isn’t just a styling package as the Acadia AT4 has an off-road focused suspension with an extra inch (25 mm) of ground clearance. The model also has a wider track and 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. They’re joined by Hill Descent Control, a Terrain mode, and an exclusive twin-clutch all-wheel drive system that promises “optimal traction and control in demanding scenarios.”
Acadia Denali Blurs The Line Between Premium And Mainstream
Pictures: Michael Gauthier / CarScoops
Denali is nearly synonymous with GMC and designers have hit it out of the park this time around. While the exterior is relatively subdued, the range-topping model has a unique grille and additional body-color components. They’re joined by choreographed lighting animations and gloss black paint on the lower body. The crossover rides on 20-inch wheels, but customers can get optional 22-inch wheels which are the largest ever offered on an Acadia.
More notably, the Acadia Denali has one of the nicest interiors in its class. The two-tone perforated leather seats immediately draw attention and they have heating and ventilation as well as quilted backrests and embroidered headrests.
They’re joined by laser-etched wood trim as well as metal accents that look and feel substantial. The Denali also comes equipped with power folding second- and third-rows, active noise canceling technology, and a Bose premium audio system. The model can also be outfitted with a panoramic glass roof and heated second-row seats.
A Turbocharged Four-Cylinder With 328 HP
Power comes from an all-new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which is related to the 2.7-liter engine used in the Canyon. It produces 328 hp (245 kW / 333 PS) and 326 lb-ft (442 Nm) of torque, just like in the Traverse as GM has raised their initial performance estimates.
That’s a significant improvement over the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produced 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque. It also bests the old 3.6-liter V6, which churned out 310 hp (231 kW / 314 PS) and 271 lb-ft (367 Nm).
The increase in torque is particularly noteworthy and GMC officials said we can expect better fuel economy to boot. It’s too early to talk numbers, but the engine is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission that can be backed up by available all-wheel drive.
Last but not least, the 2024 Acadia can tow up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg). That’s 1,000 lbs (454 kg) more than its predecessor and is enough to haul popular boats and campers.
Super Cruise Comes To The Acadia
One of the biggest changes is the addition of Super Cruise, which allows for hands-free operation on more than 400,000 miles (643,738 km) of roads in the United States and Canada. The system makes long-distance travel far less stressful and it supports towing as well as automatic lane changes. Thankfully, GMC isn’t limiting Super Cruise to the range-topping Denali as the system will also be available on the AT4 and Elevation Premium.
On the topic of tech, the Acadia comes with a host of standard driver assistance systems including Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian and Bicycle Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, Reverse Auto Braking, and Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking. There’s also Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Enhanced Lane Keep Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition. Other highlights include IntelliBeam High Beam Assist, Rear Park Assist, Side Bicyclist Alert, and a Rear Seat Reminder.
Arrives Early Next Year
The 2024 GMC Acadia will be built in Michigan and is expected to arrive at dealerships early next year. Pricing will be announced closer to launch, but the current model starts at $38,195 and the new crossover will likely be more expensive given its premium makeover.