GMC Acadia gets bigger again for 2024

DETROIT — The GMC Acadia is getting roomier.

After shrinking for the current generation, the three-row Acadia returns for the 2024 model year to the larger footprint it once shared with the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave.

Acadia production is moving from Spring Hill, Tenn., back to Lansing, Mich., rejoining the Traverse and Enclave. The third-generation crossover is expected to go on sale early next year.

GMC unveiled the redesigned Acadia on Wednesday at the Detroit auto show, the same venue where it showed off the current version in 2016. At the time, brand leaders said taking the Acadia down in size better positioned it in the "heart" of the crossover segment, but consumers found the third row to be too tight.

"We heard it loud and clear from customers and from the dealers," Duncan Aldred, vice president of global Buick-GMC, told reporters. "It really became apparent that customers see just a lot more value in the size. So if you're offering that vehicle in this segment for a similar price but you're offering extra space, the value equation just gets so much better."

GMC didn't disclose pricing for the 2024 Acadia. The nameplate currently starts at $38,195 including shipping.

Since the Acadia's last redesign, the three-row crossover segment has become increasingly competitive with the arrival of the Kia Telluride, Volkswagen Atlas, Hyundai Palisade and Subaru Ascent.

U.S. sales of the Acadia surged 63 percent in the first half of 2023 but declined in four of the five previous years. The Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer each outsell it nearly 3-to-1.

The 2024 Acadia was conceived to be bolder and bigger, said Jeff MacDonald, the vehicle's chief engineer.

It's 10.6 inches longer and 3.2 inches taller than the outgoing model, with an 8.4-inch-longer wheelbase. Buyers can get an extra inch of ride height with the AT4 off-road trim level.

GMC said the proportions increase legroom and cargo space, allowing for nearly 80 percent more storage behind the third row. The Acadia will seat as many as eight people, up from seven today.

All trim levels — Denali, AT4, Elevation Premium and Elevation — are powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that generates 328 hp and 326 pound-feet of torque and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Those specs compare with 228 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque for the current base engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and also top those of the optional 3.6-liter V-6.

All-wheel drive is available for the Acadia, with the AT4 trim level employing an off-road-specific Active Torque Control system. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

Ben Zavala, the Acadia's lead exterior designer, said the redesigned crossover is more upright and better fits with GMC's premium truck brand image.

The styling projects "a confidence that you typically see in our truck and SUV lineup," Zavala said. "There's sort of a similarity in lineage to the Yukon and to the Sierra."

Designers added more muted and layered chrome accents on the Denali and AT4 trim levels.

"For Denali, this is something very new because historically, we've been all about bright," Zavala said. "We felt that this was a bit more progressive. When you see it, there's a bit of depth to it and it's not so loud, which really felt appropriate."

A portrait-style 15-inch infotainment touchscreen has customizable displays and Google built-in technology. It's paired with an 11-inch driver information screen. MacDonald said the cabin serves as a mobile command center that provides an intuitive experience for customers.

"We put an awful lot of effort into the elevated cabin experience," Aldred said. "As soon as you open the doors, you'll see it does feel like a very upmarket vehicle and something, again, which customers demand of GMC."

Safety features standard on the 2024 Acadia include forward collision alert, front pedestrian and bicycle braking, following distance indicator, rear park assist and blind zone steering assist.

Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driver-assist technology, is available for the Acadia. Drivers also can see their surroundings through as many as nine camera views.

Aldred said GMC expects about a third of the brand's vehicles will have Super Cruise in use through 2025.

The AT4 comes with 18-inch tires, an off-road suspension and hydraulic rebound control, specific drive modes, a unique front fascia that includes tow hooks and skid plates, and AT4-specific interior design features.

Denali buyers will find one-touch folding seats in the second row, power-folding seats in the third row and Denali-specific features including trim accents, 22-inch aluminum wheels, and leather-appointed heated and ventilated front seats.

— Laura Harris contributed to this report.