The final GM midsize three-row crossover, the GMC Acadia, is also heavily revised for 2025. A few years ago, there would’ve only been a slightly updated front end and a new badge attached. This time, each vehicle has a very different look and feel inside — a value-added departure from the past.
The GMC Acadia has the most tough-and-rough SUV styling compared with the Chevy and Buick we already reviewed. The GMC Acadia Denali I drove came with a large chrome grill that’s unique to the Denali trim level and looks like the larger Yukon or Sierra pickup. It really gives tough SUV vibes with more squared-off styling and bold 22-inch wheels that fill out its flared fender nicely. The LED lighting even gives a little show each time you unlock the Acadia.
The interior is also totally revamped — fitted with a modern and more rugged makeover than the GM crossovers. It shows off a new dash that houses a large 15-inch diagonal screen that’s easy to use. Below the screen are a series of switches for some HVAC controls, a very truckline feature that helps convey that ruggedness. Less rugged are the materials used in the cabin especially in this pricey Denali trim level. The higher-quality look and feel is along the lines of what a premium cabin should be. The cabin is large and it’s hard to believe this is a midsize SUV when you hop in. The three-row Acadia has comfy space for seven or even eight in some versions. Another nice feature: You can lay the second and third row flat for a huge cargo hold that most midsize crossovers or SUVs can’t match.
The new Acadia Denali has moved to the four-cylinder power plant and it provides plenty of pep and enough power and torque to tow 5,000 lbs. The GMC Acadia Denali was also fitted with a performance suspension that provides comfort on rougher roads and makes for a more confident ride on back roads with a more planted feel than I remember from past Acadia models. While it is easier to maneuver than a large truckline SUV, the Acadia is still large and long and takes a few miles to get used to the size if you’re coming from a small ride.
Cost: $55,800; as tested $63,915
MPG: 19 MPG City; 24 MPG Highway. I managed 21.8 in 293 miles of mixed driving.
Options: $3,490 super cruise package; $3,130 Denali reserve package.
Safety: Rear park assist; auto park assist with brake; adaptive cruise control; head-up display; rear camera mirror with washer; automatic emergency braking; front pedestrian braking; lane keep assist with lane departure warning; forward collision alert; following distance indicator; IntelliBeam headlamp control; side blind zone alert & lane change alert; rear cross traffic alert; tire fill alert; child presence detector.
Things to know: The new GMC Acadia is better than before with more space and a better interior. You can even have a model that seats eight and it’s the least expensive of the Acadia models.
Pros:
- The Acadia has a tough SUV look.
- Big improvements inside boast a high-quality interior with space.
- Gets good fuel economy from a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Cons:
- Large size may be too much for some buyers.
- Pricey when you choose the Denali trim level.
- Hear some engine noise at higher RPM range.
