My name is Matt, and I’m here in the picturesque town of Bufort, South Carolina. I’ve had the pleasure of spending a few days with the new GMC Acadia, and there’s a lot to love about this new model. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the best features and the areas where the Acadia falls short.
Cons of 2024 GMC Acadia
Under the Hood
Let’s kick things off with what’s under the hood—or rather, what’s missing. The new Acadia debuts with a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. While it’s exciting to see this new generation, the absence of a hybrid or plug-in hybrid option is notable.
Perhaps these options will be introduced later, but for now, the turbo four-cylinder is the sole powertrain available. This engine provides 23 MPG combined for front-wheel drive and 21 MPG combined for all-wheel drive.
These figures are reasonable and align well within the segment, but a hybrid option could make the Acadia even more attractive to eco-conscious buyers.
Second Row Insights
Moving to the interior, let’s examine the second row. It’s a generally good space with ample room, but there are a few expected features that are conspicuously missing.
For instance, you won’t find rear window shades or cooled rear seats, though heated seats are available. Additionally, the Acadia only offers Captain’s chairs—there is no bench option. This might be a dealbreaker for some families who prefer a bench for added seating flexibility.
Pricing Overview
When it comes to pricing, the Acadia starts at $44,000 for the front-wheel drive Elevation trim. If you opt for all-wheel drive, you’ll need to add an extra $2,000. For those interested in the top-tier Denali trim with all-wheel drive, the starting price is approximately $57,700, with additional options and packages potentially increasing the cost.
This pricing positions the Acadia as one of the more expensive options in its segment, but it’s important to note that it’s also the only professional-grade option available.
The Best Features 2024 GMC Acadia
Size and Space
One of the most impressive aspects of the new Acadia is its size. Last year, the Acadia was among the smallest in its segment; this year, it’s one of the largest. The vehicle has been stretched by 10.5 inches in length and is 3.2 inches taller, making it comparable to the Chevrolet Traverse. This increase in size provides significantly more third-row and trunk space, enhancing overall utility.
The trunk is particularly noteworthy. With the third row up, you get 23 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding down the third row electronically expands this to 57.3 cubic feet, and with both the second and third rows down, you achieve a class-leading 98 cubic feet. Additionally, there’s a large storage cubby under the floor, which adds even more versatility to the cargo area.
Third Row Comfort
The third row also benefits from the increased length. As a 6’1″ individual, I found ample room back there, with 2 inches of knee space and plenty of headroom. The third row includes convenient features such as cup holders, USB-C ports, air vents, and strategically placed windows that enhance visibility and light, making the cabin feel less confined.
Styling and Design
Styling is another strong suit for the Acadia. The design incorporates truck-like, geometric elements, especially noticeable in the AT4 trim with its blacked-out accents.
The new grille, highlighted by c-shaped running lights, gives the front a sharp, modern look. The rear design is clean and geometric, with a distinctive black middle mustache between the taillights, a feature becoming increasingly popular on luxury vehicles like the Mercedes GLC.
One of my favorite design elements is the squared-off quad exhaust, reminiscent of the Corvette, adding a fun and sporty touch.
Performance
The new 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine produces 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. It feels torquey at lower speeds and is responsive, especially in sport mode.
While it may not sound the best, it delivers a smooth and consistent performance, thanks in part to the new 8-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous 9-speed. Fuel economy remains at 23 MPG for front-wheel drive and 21 MPG combined for all-wheel drive, making it a solid performer in its class.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The interior of the Acadia is designed for comfort and luxury. Features include sliding and reclining Captain’s chairs for maximum comfort, a panoramic roof that floods the cabin with natural light, and high-quality materials throughout.
While cooled rear seats are absent, the heated rear seats and third climate zone add to passenger comfort. A particularly convenient feature is the seat design that allows the second-row seats to slide forward without removing a car seat, providing easy access to the third row.
The professional-grade interior in the AT4 trim includes a black interior, while the Denali trim offers an impressive white interior. The cabin features heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and two-person memory settings for the driver’s seat.
Wood trimming, ambient lighting with multiple color options, and a high-quality Bose audio system enhance the luxurious feel. The large center screen combines physical climate control buttons with a modern digital interface, striking a balance between tactile and digital controls.
Towing and Tech Features
The Acadia’s towing capacity has increased to 5,000 lbs, putting it on par with competitors like Hyundai and Kia. The vehicle is packed with tech features, including an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch vertically oriented center screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Other notable features include a head-up display, Google built-in, a digital rear-view mirror, and 360-degree cameras with nine different views. One of the standout features is Super Cruise, available on every trim, enhancing the driving experience with semi-autonomous driving capabilities.
AT4 Trim Specifics
The AT4 trim offers unique features such as Vader Chrome accents, red recovery hooks, skid plates, plastic arch cladding with amber lights, Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires, and exclusive 18-inch wheels.
The AT4 also features an exclusive active torque control system with a twin-clutch rear differential, enhancing off-road capability. The interior includes a unique color called Forest Storm, adding to the trim’s distinctive appeal.
Driving Experience
Driving the Acadia has been a mixed experience. While the engine sound can be a bit coarse, the ride quality is excellent. The steering is light and somewhat numb, which is expected in this segment.
Super Cruise performs well, even with the larger tires of the AT4 trim. The car handles smoothly with minimal wind noise, and the adaptive damper set in the AT4 helps with off-road rebound.
However, there are moments when more torque or a V6 engine would be appreciated. The fuel economy is decent, and future models like the Palisade and Telluride might also move towards turbo four-cylinder engines and hybrids, signaling a shift away from V6 engines.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the 2024 GMC Acadia is a pleasant, solid, and comfortable vehicle. If you’re considering one, I highly recommend opting for Super Cruise for an enhanced driving experience. I’d like to thank GMC for the opportunity to explore the new Acadia and Brian for the company.
