The Acadia was one of the first crossover SUVs offered by GMC, a brand best known for its full-size pickup trucks. This three-row SUV has come a long way since its introduction in 2007, and the Acadia enters its third generation with a complete redesign for the 2024 model year. Residing in the GMC lineup between the compact Terrain and full-size Yukon, the 2024 Acadia boasts impressive interior space for passengers and cargo in a modern, high-tech cabin, along with a powerful engine and bold new styling.
Photo: Perry Stern
For the 2024 model year, the GMC Acadia's fresh new exterior design features a large grille with stylish LED headlights and running lights, giving the SUV a bold look. The 2024 Acadia is larger than its predecessor in every dimension, translating to a roomier interior with more space for passengers and cargo.
An all-new Google-based infotainment system displayed on a large vertical touchscreen is an interior highlight, and the Acadia also gets a range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including GM's innovative Super Cruise hands-free driving system. Finally, the updated Acadia gets a new, more powerful turbocharged engine.
GMC offers the 2024 Acadia in three trim levels: Elevation, AT4, and Denali. The off-road-ready AT4 comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), while the Elevation and Denali get front-wheel drive (FWD) standard with the option of adding AWD. Base prices range from around $44,000 for the entry-level Elevation to around $58,000 for the luxurious Denali.
For this review of the 2024 Acadia, GMC provided a test vehicle equipped with Elevation trim and the following options:
The test vehicle's price was $54,690, including the $1,395 destination charge to ship the SUV from the GMC assembly plant in Lansing, Michigan, to your local dealership.
Photo: Perry Stern
If you've ever experienced the previous version of the Acadia, climbing into the new 2024 model will be a pleasant surprise. The updated model is roomier inside, and even the base-level Elevation feels like a more premium offering than before. High-quality materials and an overall clean design make the new Acadia quite appealing.
The most noticeable upgrade is the expansive 15-inch vertical display that integrates nicely into the dashboard's center, complementing the 11-inch digital gauge cluster. At first blush, it appears all physical controls are gone, but there is a large volume knob built into the screen’s lower section, and a line of stylish switches act as a border at the bottom and provide easy access to climate control functions.
With all controls removed from the center console (the gear selector is now on the steering column), there's space for a conveniently located wireless phone charger, cupholders, and storage cubbies, all within easy reach of the driver. Larger items will easily fit in the open space below the center console, and there's a good-sized bin beneath the center armrest.
The premium look continues with the front seats trimmed in CoreTec—GMC's synthetic leather material that looks and feels like the real thing—while the seats, doors, and center console feature contrasting stitching. With multiple power adjustments and heaters, the front seats are quite comfortable, even after a long drive.
The increase in interior space is most evident from the second row, where the standard captain's chairs boast 41.45 inches of legroom—almost 2.5 inches more than the Ford Explorer. With room to stretch out, rear-seat passengers will enjoy the heated seats and rear automatic climate control functions.
Access to the third row is easy with quick-folding second-row seats, leaving a wide space to climb in. GMC also improved legroom and headroom here, but the third row is still a tight fit, especially with all three seats in use.
Photo: Perry Stern
The 2024 GMC Acadia gets a new infotainment display screen, and the system itself is now Google-based. Features include:
I love the new infotainment screen in the Acadia. Its large size and clear icons make it easy to read and navigate. The Home screen is configurable, and with plenty of real estate, it can show multiple items. I set it up to show navigation, trip computer data, and tire pressure.
With the new Google-based infotainment system, consumers get the popular Google Maps as the default native navigation system. Logging into your personal Google account will load recent destinations and other favorites. However, connecting Android Auto or Apple CarPlay provides the same result. Both phone systems conveniently connect wirelessly.
The system also features Google Assistant—one of the best natural-language voice interfaces. I wanted an afternoon pick-me-up, so I asked the system to find the closest coffee shop. It provided options and ultimately gave me directions to get my coffee fix. Google Assistant just as easily handles requests to play music, make phone calls, or adjust the cabin temperature.
As part of the Google-based system, customers can access the Google Play Store and download various apps that integrate into the Acadia's infotainment system. Available apps include music-streaming services, gas station locators, and more.
While the infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, some functions should have kept physical controls for access. Headlight operation requires a selection on the display that brings up a sub-menu. The same applies to other oft-used features like seat heater operation and the trip computer reset. I appreciate the resulting clean design, but I'd rather have buttons and knobs for quicker access to these features.
Photo: Perry Stern
All 2024 GMC Acadia trims get a new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing a healthy 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque—considerably more power than the outgoing V6. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates combined fuel economy for the 2024 GMC Acadia at 23 mpg for the FWD version, while AWD efficiency is slightly less at 21 mpg. During my drive in the AWD Acadia, the trip computer indicated 19.2 mpg—closer to the EPA city rating of 19 mpg.
With its new turbocharged engine, the 2024 Acadia has plenty of power on tap. Acceleration from a stop is strong, and the power comes on smoothly thanks to the quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Passing a slower vehicle on a two-lane road is no concern, and the big SUV has no problem quickly getting up to highway speed.
Exploring the back roads around Southeast Michigan, the Acadia delivered a comfortable, solid ride, even when road surfaces were less than stellar. Not a light or small SUV, the GMC's mass is noticeable when going around a corner at a higher speed. However, steering provides good feedback, and for the most part, the Acadia handles well for a three-row crossover.
Cruising at 70 mph on the freeway, the Acadia is an excellent road-trip vehicle. The ride is quiet and solid, and with the Super Cruise in operation and tunes playing on the premium Bose audio system, the Acadia is not a bad place to spend time.
It may be on the large side for a midsize crossover, but the Acadia is easy to drive around town. Visibility is good, and the multiple camera views lend confidence when maneuvering or parking in tight spaces. The Acadia has an automated parking system that will locate a parallel or perpendicular spot and operate the steering and brakes to park itself. However, the system is not very quick to react, and it can be stressful to use when other cars are waiting to get by.
Photo: Perry Stern
Every 2024 GMC Acadia comes with an extensive ADAS list. These include:
In addition to these safety systems, for the 2024 model year, GMC offers the Acadia with Super Cruise for the first time. Super Cruise is GM's innovative Level 2 driver-assistance system that allows hands-free driving on designated limited-access multi-lane highways in North America.
Heading out on I-94 outside of Detroit, Michigan, I set the Acadia's adaptive cruise control speed to 70 mph and activated Super Cruise. A green light at the top of the steering wheel indicated that it was safe to let go of the wheel. Super Cruise is one of the best hands-free systems I've experienced, keeping the vehicle centered and smoothly braking or accelerating as needed to maintain speed and distance from the vehicle ahead.
This latest version of Super Cruise includes automatic lane change, which I admit was startling the first time it activated. When the system detected a slower vehicle ahead, it alerted me with a seat vibration and pop-up screen in the driver display to let me know a lane change was happening. It then signaled and smoothly moved to the left lane, resuming the set speed to go around the slower vehicle. During my evaluation, I covered more than 30 miles on the freeway without touching the gas, brakes, or steering wheel.
Photo: Perry Stern
The 2024 GMC Acadia has 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 57.3 cubic feet with the third row folded. Folding both rows provides up to 97.5 cubic feet of space. Additionally, there is a covered bin in the cargo area's floor, providing secure storage for smaller or valuable items.
According to the (EPA), the 2024 GMC Acadia gets a combined fuel economy of 23 mpg for the FWD variants and 21 mpg for AWD. The Acadia's trip computer indicated 19.2 mpg during my drive.
As of this writing, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has rated the crashworthiness of the 2024 GMC Acadia.
The 2024 GMC Acadia Elevation FWD is the entry point to the lineup and carries a base price of $43,995 (add $2,000 for AWD). The AT4 starts at $51,395 and comes standard with AWD, while the top-level Denali is priced at $55,695 (add $2,000 for AWD). Prices do not include the $1,395 destination charge.
In the JD Power 2024 Initial Quality Study (IQS), the Chevrolet Traverse ranks highest in the Upper Midsize SUV segment. The Ford Explorer and the Kia Telluride are the next highest-ranked models.
In the JD Power 2024 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, the Kia EV9 ranks highest in the Upper Midsize SUV segment. The Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade are the next highest-ranked models.
Other 2024 Acadia competitors include the Buick Enclave, Ford Explorer, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Photo: Perry Stern
As one of the largest midsize SUVs available, the new 2024 GMC Acadia boasts a spacious interior and a range of new features wrapped in a bold new design. With seating for seven, more cargo space than many of its rivals, and an extensive ADAS roster, the Acadia is an ideal family-sized SUV.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving almost every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for JDPower.com. Recently relocated to southeast Michigan, Perry is still crazy about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
The Ford Transit is the automaker’s full-size cargo and passenger van offering, designed to serve a wide range of commercial and lifestyle applications. With 37 available configurations, the platform ...See More
Read the Full Article
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size, three-row SUV with a standard V8 engine and available diesel power. Built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup, the Tahoe benefits from its ...See More
Read the Full Article
It is the end of the line for the Ford Escape. After 25 years as a fixture of Ford’s lineup, 2026 will be the compact SUV’s last model year.
Read the Full Article
The Colorado is Chevrolet’s midsize pickup. It ranks among the segment’s most capable trucks for payload and towing, and can be configured for both work and off-road adventures. For 2026, the ...See More
Read the Full Article