2024 GMC Acadia Up Close: Bigger and Better
The 2024 GMC Acadia makes its debut at the 2023 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, growing significantly in both size and style with this redesign. Many of its updates are likely familiar to those who know what fellow GM automaker Chevrolet did to its Traverse three-row SUV, with similar improvements to both room and in-cabin technology. The new Acadia also feels more upscale than the Traverse, which fits with GMC’s positioning within the GM family hierarchy.
Related: More 2023 Detroit Auto Show Coverage
Bigger by a Lot
Whereas the Traverse was already a big three-row SUV, the previous Acadia was a bit small. It grows considerably with this new redesign, and the benefits to occupants are considerable. The front- and second-row seats have ample legroom, and the third-row seats are usable (though maybe not by taller adults). The second row with captain’s chairs (the only option I had to sit in, though a bench seat is available on base models) is nice and airy with the addition of the panoramic moonroof. Unlike the Traverse, the Acadia’s third row has a larger window that should make passengers feel a little less claustrophobic. And GMC, like Chevrolet, also took advantage of the new column gear selector design by adding ample front-row storage.
Upscale for Everybody
While every Acadia I experienced was a preproduction model, the materials, finishes and interior design look more upscale than the Traverse’s (and will likely command a higher price). The Acadia is also slightly more powerful than the Traverse while using the same powertrain, so buyers should get a bit more bang for their buck, too. The 2024 Acadia’s turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine makes 328 horsepower and 326 pounds-feet of torque, which should also be significant improvements over its predecessor’s available V-6 with 310 hp and 271 pounds-feet. Towing also improves slightly, with properly equipped Acadias now rated to tow 5,000 pounds instead of the old V-6’s 4,000; the previous 228-hp, turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder could only tow up to 3,300 pounds.
Inside, the new 15-inch touchscreen display isn’t quite as large as the 17.7-inch screen in the Traverse, but it hardly looks smaller. GMC also chose to orient the screen in a portrait configuration instead of landscape, which may or may not be your cup of tea, but it still looks more high-end than the Chevy’s. GMC is also making its Super Cruise hands-free driving system available on all trim levels of the Acadia, a brand first.
Looks Nicer and More Rugged
The previous Acadia always looked a little odd to my eyes, like an Isuzu VehiCross wearing a suit. The new Acadia, however, is much more trucklike and properly proportioned, and it fits in better with the rest of GMC’s lineup; in the same way that the new Traverse looks like a baby Tahoe, the new Acadia is a baby Yukon. I waver a bit on the quad tailpipes, which are inspired by those on the C8 Chevrolet Corvette; sometimes they look sporty, sometimes they look like they’re trying too hard. Either way, it’s a minor issue.
More Capable Off-Road
The new version of the AT4 off-road trim should be more capable than the previous Acadia. Knobbier tires, a front skid plate, slight suspension lift and trim-exclusive all-wheel-drive system don’t turn the new Acadia AT4 into an off-the-lot overlander, but it’s a better start and should get owners a bit farther down the trail.
More From Cars.com:
- New Paint, Not Much Else for 2023 GMC Acadia
- 2020 GMC Acadia AT4 Review: Unremarkably Ordinary
- Which Cars Have Panoramic Moonroofs or Sunroofs?
- Which 3-Row SUVs Offer Captain’s Chairs?
- Research the GMC Acadia
Related Video:
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
