Acadia Brings More Room to Mid-Size SUV

YARMOUTH PORT, Mass. – The refreshed 2024 GMC Acadia went through a post-puberty growth spurt in its 19^th year, gaining 10.6 inches of length and 3.2 inches of height, to move into the larger end of the mid-size sport-utility (SUV) segment, ending up 204 inches long, 80 wide and 71 high.

The 2025 Acadia AT4 I recently drove carries over this new version’s dimensions, meaning there is 80 percent more cargo space behind the third row of seats and 36 percent more room when the third row is folded (compared to the previous generation).

This is a big SUV, bordering on the Yukon range, GMC’s large SUV line which begins with a 210-inch model. It feels big from the driver’s seat. It drives like a big SUV. And it can swallow passengers and their stuff like a big SUV, all in modern, technological comfort.

And the AT4 model adds features geared to those who enjoy a more adventurous lifestyle and want to take their fun off road.

Turbo power across the board

The three-model Acadia family share the same basic powertrain, a 2.5-liter, aluminum block and head, four-cylinder turbocharged engine. The 16 valves, which feature variable-valve timing, are arranged in a double-overhead camshaft configuration.

The engine produces 328 horsepower and 326 pounds-feet of torque which travels through an eight-speed automatic transmission (with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters) into the off-road-capable Active Torque Control AWD (all-wheel-drive) system with twin-clutch rear differentials unique to the AT4 model.

These features combine to produce 0-60 miles per hour times of under seven seconds (Car and Driver estimate), the ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds and the ability to achieve almost 22 miles of driving on each gallon of gasoline consumed. (Which is close to the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s rating of 21 mpg overall; 19 urban, 24 highway.)

Unibody design provides solid base for platform

Designed around unibody architecture provides the Acadia with a quiet, solid structure for the chassis pieces to do their work in a more car-like, crossover style. This generally means more ride comfort than a body-on-frame design and, if engineered as in the Acadia, without having to sacrifice much in terms of off-road capability.

Featuring an independent suspension system, the Acadia incorporates MacPherson-type struts at the front and a multi-link setup in the rear. In AT4 models like the review unit, the suspension pieces are tuned for off-road activities, including incorporating hydraulic rebound control.

The ride height at 7.7 inches is an inch higher than the base Elevation model, an Acadia AT4 feature, as are 265/65R18 AT (all terrain) tires mounted to 18-inch dark-machined aluminum wheels. The AT tires are designed to enhance stability, handling and control when driving off road, which I was unable to confirm during my week (on road, they performed well in dry and wet conditions).

The four-wheel disc brake system features 12.6×1.2-inch rotors up front, 12.4×0.9-inch ones in the rear.

Technology makes driving the large Acadia a snap

GMC filled the Acadia range with a long list of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) which made maneuvering the large SUV much easier than I would have imagined. The list included Forward Collision Alert; Following Distance Indicator; Front Pedestrian and Bicycle Braking; IntelliBeam High Beam Assist; HD Rear Vision Camera; Rear Park Assist; Safety Alert Seat; Rear Cross Traffic Braking; Blind Zone Steering Assist; Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking; Rear Pedestrian Detection; Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking; Adaptive Cruise Control; Speed Limit Assist; Side Bicyclist Alert; Enhanced Lane Keep Assist; Reverse Auto Braking, and Traffic Sign Recognition.

We had some sketchy spring weather during my Acadia week – heavy mist, heavy rain, wind and cold – but I never felt unsure or concerned while driving the GMC machine. There is definitely a sense of security within the large SUV, one ready to take on the elements, whether in the suburban sprawl or on a mountain path.

The Acadia’s size and weight (4,696 pounds) says it may not be the most ideal vehicle to make a quick run down a twisting mountain road, but its capabilities seemed to belie its physical attributes.

Inside, technology and comfort reign

The 15-inch tablet-oriented color LCD touchscreen is both the heart of the infotainment system and the heart of the Acadia’s interior. The Google-based infotainment system brings standard navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a Bose Premium 12-speaker audio system.

The front seats are heated, ventilated and power adjusted. The second-row captains’ chairs are also heated as is the steering wheel which can be adjusted for tilt and reach.

A tri-zone climate-control system takes care of the interior’s weather with an optional ($1,500) panoramic sunroof ready to help.

Speaking of options, the Luxury Package ($1,150) added an excellent head-up display (worked even when I wore sunglasses;, acoustic, laminated windshield glass, and the heated second-row seats.

The standard rear-camera mirror (digital mirror) was the first one I have experienced which worked just as well in clear weather as in rain and mist thanks to the rear-camera-mirror washer.

There is a lot of room inside the 2025 GMC Acadia AT4 which has a passenger volume of 133.1 cubic feet. Cargo space is 23 cubic feet behind the third row and 57.3 behind the second. With second and third rows folded, the volume is 97.5 cubic feet.

Range factors

Three models constitute the Acadia range for 2025. The Elevation leads off the line at $44,495 for a front-wheel-drive version and tops out at $57,595 for the Denali. The off-road-centric AT4 carries a base price of $51,200.

The review unit included the Super Cruise Package ($3,490) which added the rear-camera mirror, enhanced-automatic-parking assist, driver-attention assist and Super Cruise, General Motors hands-free self-driving system (operational on more than 400,000 miles of roads in the U.S. and Canada). Unfortunately, I did not have an opportunity to try Super Cruise.

The price for the 2025 GMC Acadia I drove was $59,230 including the options mentioned, Ebony Twilight Metallic paint ($495) and the destination charge ($1,395).

The 2025 GMC Acadia AT4 provides a lot more SUV than its predecessor. A lot more room for its seven passengers and their stuff to enjoy the great outdoors. It is a worthy alternative to large SUVs for those who need just a bit more room than the average mid-size offers.