2024 GMC Acadia

This is the all-new 2024 GMC Acadia. Bigger and stronger for its third generation debut, so we headed down south to Hilton Head, South Carolina to give y’all a first drive.

The Acadia is available in three trims, entry level is elevation, the off-road model wears the AT4 badge, and for all the bells and whistles we have Denali. Wheelbase grows to 120.9 inches with an overall length of just under 17 feet. Cargo behind the third row is up 80% and overall cargo up 23%. It’s classified as a mid-size but it feels bigger to me.

“My first impression of the 2024 Acadia is that it’s enormous inside. The dash is lower than the hood and it gives an incredible forward visibility. Also, compared to the outgoing model it’s almost 11 inches longer and a little over 3 inches taller, and that translates into an enormous family hauling machine, even though the target demographic isn’t a family hauler it makes a great one.”

GMC says the majority of Acadia buyers are empty nesters or a household with older children.

While I’ve never studied marketing, I do have a PhD in performance and I like the new 2.5 liter four cylinder turbo. It’s stronger than the outgoing model’s 6-cylinder, churning out 328 horsepower and 326 pound feet of torque through an eight speed automatic. Power delivery is quick and smooth with precise shifts, and there’s enough grunt for the optional 5,000 pound tow package. Fuel economy is respectable for such a large ride at 20 city, 27 highway and 23 combined for front wheel drive models and 19, 24, and 21 combined for those equipped with all-wheel drive. The 2024 Acadia is on dealer lots now and pricing starts at $43,995.

There’s a lot more to cover so stay tuned to MotorWeek for a full road test coming soon.