Don’t miss the Acadia and its luxurious upper trim.
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- The 2026 GMC Acadia is a comfortable and powerful midsize SUV with engaging driving dynamics.
- The 2026 Acadia starts at $45,795 and is available in four different trims.
According to a recent sales report, GMC achieved record sales in 2025 for its Sierra full-size pickup truck, Yukon/Yukon XL SUVs, and sub-brand Denali.
Acadia midsize SUV sales increased by 12% in 2025. USA TODAY Cars got behind the wheel of the 2026 GMC Acadia to see if the brand has a chance against this segment’s heavy hitters. This midsize SUV shattered all expectations in terms of cabin quality, driving dynamics, and overall comfort.
Is the Acadia an unsung hero in its segment that deserves more attention?Here are the key driving impressions we gathered after driving the 2026 GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate for a week in harsh winter weather.
What makes the 2026 GMC Acadia stand out?
GMC’s Acadia is comfortable and powerful. It has ample cabin space and offers engaging driving dynamics, making it ideal for families. Acadia’s base model is value-oriented, but the upper trims justify the higher price with welcome upgrades.
USA TODAY Cars tested the Denali Ultimate trim, which oozes value from its spacious and sophisticated interior to its rugged performance.
How does a GMC Acadia drive?
Performance, usability and efficiency
The 2026 GMC Acadia is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces a powerful 328 horsepower. You get 20 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway.
GMC’s midsize SUV offers strong acceleration and feels capable on the road. The Acadia handles well for its size, feeling surprisingly agile when turning and reversing. Although fuel economy isn’t top of the segment, the Acadia isn’t inefficient even when fully loaded. Standard tank size is 19.3 gallons and range is over 443 miles for front-wheel drive base models.
Will it fit your lifestyle?
Cargo, space and lifestyle
The 2026 Acadia is 204 inches long, 80 inches wide, and 71 inches tall. It seats 8 people (or 7 if you use the optional second-row captain’s chairs).
There is 23.0 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third-row seats and 57.3 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded. The seats in each row are very spacious.
Is the 2026 GMC Acadia worth it?
price, value, competition
The 2026 Acadia starts at $45,795 and is available in four trims.
gmc acadia trim
- Acadia Elevation: $45,795
- Acadia Denali: $57,895
- Acadia Denali Ultimate: $65,095
- Acadia AT4: $54,495
GMC’s midsize SUV is well-equipped with relatively affordable features compared to average new car prices. Although the Denali and Denali Ultimate models are considerably more expensive, they offer a long list of luxurious comforts and a level of luxury that drivers typically don’t expect from mainstream American SUVs.
When it comes to competition, Acadia exists in a very competitive segment. The Kia Telluride, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Hyundai Palisade Hybrid all earned higher ranking positions than the GMC Acadia on Edmunds.
| starting price | horsepower | Total miles per gallon | |
| 2026 GMC Acadia | $45,795 | 328 | twenty three |
| 2027 kia telluride | $39,190 | 274 | twenty two |
| 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander | $41,660 | 265 | twenty four |
| 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid | $44,160 | 258 | 34 |
The Acadia is one of the most expensive of the options listed above, but it also produces the most horsepower as a base model. Hyundai’s three-row midsize SUV is more affordable and more fuel efficient than the Acadia. The redesigned Kia Telluride is the most affordable of the four midsize SUVs listed, and the Grand Highlander offers a good balance of price, power, and fuel economy.
Who should buy the 2026 GMC Acadia?
One of the main reasons drivers choose the 2026 Acadia over its rivals is its robust turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It’s faster and more powerful than many of its competitors, making it more fun for driving enthusiasts.
Another reason the 2026 GMC Acadia is a better value than more affordable and efficient midsize SUVs is its impressive third-row legroom and cargo space. Third-row legroom is just over 32 inches, which is excellent for the segment.
If you’re looking for the most comfortable and most powerful family SUV option, the Acadia and its upper trims are strong candidates. The Denali Ultimate trim was difficult to part with even after a week of testing.
