2026 GMC Acadia Denali

The GMC Acadia Denali is an example of the GMC brand straddling the fence between baller and big box runner. But can it be all things to all people? We at Napleton News had a week to find out. Here’s our impression of GMC’s latest.

What is the GMC Acadia Denali?

It’s one of the latest in the midsize three-row SUV segment. It’s one of the new generation of Sport Utes that include fuel efficiency with the ability to carry a ton of people, thanks to an extremely well-thought out interior. Well, this is one of those next-gen vehicles and it does almost everything right.

We say almost but we’ll get to that soon.

The GMC Acadia Denali is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It’s a proven mill with plenty of horsepower and torque on demand. The fact that it delivers 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque is one that should cause pause. That’s more horsepower than the 1981 C3 Corvette and its 190 horsepower V8 engine. The engine is linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission. That sends the torque to all-four wheels. The engine is tough enough to tug up to 5,000 pounds, at will. Our tester was equipped with GM’s Super Cruise, which provides hands-free drivability on more than 750,000 miles of U.S. highways.

How does the Acadia Denali look?

Looking every bit like a luxury SUV, the new Acadia features tons of bling on its leading edge (grille) that tapers off to an elegant finish at the rear. Following the traditional two-box design ethos, it includes a panoramic power sunroof with power sunshade, outside heated mirrors, and brushed aluminum roof rails. Finish it off with 22-inch “After Midnight” machined aluminum alloy wheels for a refined and luxurious visage that is visible from all corners.

What about inside?

GMC vehicles lucky enough to wear the Denali badge are known for their luxury cred. The Acadia Denali is no exception. Open pore wood trim starts the look, as seen throughout the cabin. Follow that with diamond stitched leather upholstery that extends from the front bucket seats, which are heated and ventilated, to the “way back” seats in the third row.

A 15-inch display screen holds sway over the center console and is complete with the Google suite of apps including Google Maps and others onboard. Still, we were thankful to see that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still here.

Since it was a Denali, our Acadia was equipped with second row captain’s chairs. The way back seating arrangement was for a bench seat that could fit two adults easily. Getting there was relatively easy, too. Besides the seating, there are air conditioning vents and USB-C ports throughout the cabin and including two in the back row.

The General didn’t scrimp in the cargo area either. There are 23 cubic feet of storage space in back. Fold down the third row seats and that space climbs to 57.3 cubic feet. Finally, fold down the second row seats and that entire space climbs to 97.5 cubic feet.

Behind the wheel of the Acadia Denali

At first glance, the GMC Acadia Denali reeks of competence and luxury. Fit and finish is well done, inside. Thankfully it does not harken back to the smelly plastics that were present until a short while ago. It is well thought out, and offers comfortable seating throughout.

A new feature: (At least new to us) GM has rigged the gear selector lever so that it won’t shift into drive or reverse unless you are buckled into your seat, regardless of position. Meaning that if I’m driving and my spousal unit is adjusting herself before buckling up, I can’t throw the transmission into drive until she is buckled up.

Once that’s happened is when the fun starts.

Drive time.

We cranked up the four-cylinder turbo engine by pushing a button, pulled the gearshift selector to us and then down to drive and then we were off. The interior is quietly impressive for around driving. So too, the mileage and even the acceleration. With 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, it is stout enough to get off the line quickly.

We gave GM’s Super Cruise a go on the Interstate and the Turnpike. It’s an impressive way to somehow relax while behind the wheel but there is a stress level at play, too. You are so hyper-aware of your surroundings that there is literally no way you can relax while underway.

There is little lean in rounding a curve. Our one issue with the GMC Acadia Denali AWD is the intrusive engine noise working its way into the cabin. This is a Denali, dammit! That’s the pinnacle of the GMC fleet and as such deserves a full-blown load of firewall insulation to help keep the protesting four-banger at bay.

C’mon GM, you can do it!

GMC Acadia Specifications:

Engine Type	2.5-liter turbocharged I-4 engine
Horsepower	328 hp @5,500 rpm
Torque	326 lb-ft @3,500 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic transmission
EPA Fuel Economy Equivalent (Combined/City/Hwy)	21/19/24 MPG
Suspension F/R	MacPherson Strut / Multilink
Turning Circle	39.0 ft.
Also Available	Trim levels, 2-wheel drive
Specs
Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	Not Rated
Max Seating Capacity	7 passengers
Wheelbase	120.93 inches
Overall Length	203.96 inches
Width	79.56 inches
Height	71.44 inches
Headroom, Front	42.6 inches
Headroom, 2nd	40.03 inches
Headroom, 3rd	38.23 inches
Legroom, 1st	44.28 inches
Legroom, 2nd	41.45 inches
Legroom, 3rd	32.14 inches
Shoulder room, 1st row	62.0 inches
Shoulder room, 2nd row	62.0 inches
Shoulder room, 3rd row	57.94 inches