2024 GMC Acadia: Bigger Body, Same Engine

The 2024 GMC Acadia has grown up, literally. This midsize crossover picked up a noticeably bigger body, more cargo room, and a redesigned interior, while the engine lineup got simpler rather than more complicated. Here's what actually changed, and what it means if you're cross-shopping the new Acadia.

2024 GMC Acadia Goes Bigger and Bolder

Size is the headline change. The new Acadia grew 10.6 inches in length and 3.2 inches in height over the outgoing model. That's enough of a jump to push it out of the compact crossover class and into CUV territory, putting it alongside stablemates like the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse.

Bigger dimensions mean more than just extra room. The sculpted body lines and larger grille give the Acadia a bolder road presence, one that's hard to miss whether it's parked at the curb or coming up in your rearview mirror.

Expanded Cargo Capacity in the Acadia

That extra size translates directly to cargo room. GM lists a 23% bump in maximum cargo capacity for the 2024 Acadia, and with the second and third rows folded flat, you're looking at 98 cubic feet of space. That's enough for a family road trip's worth of luggage or a Saturday hardware store run.

The cargo area itself is easier to use, too. A wide, flat load floor and built-in storage compartments make packing straightforward, and the available hands-free power liftgate opens with a simple foot kick when your hands are full.

Under the Hood: Turbocharged Power

While the body grew, the powertrain lineup actually shrank. GM dropped both the 2.0-liter turbo four and the 3.6-liter V6, replacing them with a single turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four rated at 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. Despite being a smaller displacement engine, it outmuscles the old V6 on both power and torque.

That new engine strikes a decent balance between output and efficiency. Throttle response is quick and torque delivery is smooth, which makes the Acadia feel composed in everyday driving situations. Merging onto a highway or passing a slower vehicle doesn't require flooring it, the turbo four has the low-end pull to handle it confidently.

Towing Capacity Gets a Boost in the 2024 GMC Acadia

Towing capacity went up along with everything else. Properly equipped, the 2024 Acadia can tow up to 5,000 pounds, a 1,000-pound jump over the outgoing model. That extra margin matters if you're regularly hauling something heavier than a light utility trailer.

The bump in towing capacity opens up more options for weekend trips. A boat to the lake, a camper for a family getaway, ATVs headed to the trailhead, the Acadia now has the muscle to handle jobs that used to require stepping up to a larger SUV.

Fuel Efficiency: A Mixed Bag for the 2024 GMC Acadia

Fuel economy is where the new Acadia gives a little back. The turbo four is rated at an estimated 24 mpg highway, a step down from the old V6's 26 mpg, though city and combined fuel economy hold steady at 19 and 21 mpg. The extra size and weight likely account for the highway dip.

Even with that tradeoff, the Acadia still lands in a reasonable spot for its class. Getting more power and torque out of a smaller engine while barely moving city mpg is a solid piece of engineering. And the fuel tank is sized generously enough that longer trips don't mean constant stops for gas.

Interior Upgrades

Step inside and the changes are just as noticeable. The top-of-the-line Denali trim gets real wood trim, leather seating, and metal accents throughout the cabin. Every trim level, even the base, comes standard with a 15-inch touchscreen that handles most of the vehicle's controls and connectivity.

Passenger space got the same attention as cargo room. All three rows offer real legroom for adults, not just kids, and the seats are supportive enough for long highway stretches. Available tri-zone climate control keeps everyone comfortable regardless of outside temperature, and features like wireless smartphone integration and an available Bose audio system round out the tech list.

Advanced Safety Features

Safety tech is a standout on the new Acadia. GMC's Super Cruise system, rated for hands-free driving on over 400,000 miles of mapped roads, is available on this model. The technology handles speed control and lane changes, and it can bring the vehicle to a stop if needed.

Beyond Super Cruise, the Acadia carries a full suite of driver assistance features: automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It's the kind of layered safety net that lets you focus on the road instead of constantly checking mirrors.

Off-Road Capability with the 2024 GMC Acadia AT4

For buyers who want to leave the pavement behind, the AT4 trim is the one to look at. It comes with a twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system that improves traction and power distribution, plus a Terrain mode offering low-speed, one-pedal control for tricky off-road sections.

That all-wheel-drive system constantly reads driving conditions and adjusts power delivery on the fly to keep grip and stability in check across different surfaces. Add in extra ground clearance, skid plates, and all-terrain tires, and the AT4 is built to handle real trails, not just gravel driveways.

Pricing and Availability

The 2024 Acadia is on sale now at dealers nationwide. Prices start at $45,995 for the base Elevation trim, climb to $51,395 for the off-road-focused AT4, and top out at $57,695 for the fully loaded Denali.

At every trim level, the Acadia holds its own against a crowded field of large CUVs. The combination of space, features, and performance makes a strong case, backed by GM's long track record for build quality in this segment.

Final Thought

The 2024 GMC Acadia is worth a look whether you need room for a growing family or a capable SUV for weekend trips. Between the redesigned body, updated tech, and stronger base engine, this generation moves the Acadia forward in ways that matter for daily use, not just on a spec sheet.

It's a genuine step up for the nameplate: more space, sharper styling, and a broader range of trims to fit different budgets and driving needs. If you're shopping in this segment, it's worth a test drive before you settle on something else.