Our Opinion - 2026 GMC Acadia Review For your next family road trip, there are a lot of good three-row mid-size SUVs to choose from. The 2026 GMC Acadia is one of the roomiest. The only good thing about the Acadia is that its cabin is pretty big. The remainder of the package leaves room for improvement. It’s even harder to suggest when you learn that the Chevy Traverse, which is mechanically the same, costs a little less. The sole engine option is a 328-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, which offers strong output but delivers less-than-expected acceleration. The Acadia’s cabin is quiet and rides well at highway speeds, but it doesn’t handle very well. The Acadia’s second brother is the Buick Enclave, which is fancier. What's New? Following a complete makeover in 2024, the Acadia doesn’t get any major updates for 2026. The lineup now features two additional colors—Riverstone Metallic and Glacier White Tricoat—and all models come equipped with a passive entry key card. It’s no longer possible to get the Denali Reserve deal with the top-level Acadia. Pros and Cons Pros Cabin with lots of space. Strong engine. High-end and useful design. Cons The turning doesn’t join up. The Chevrolet version is just as great. It might be better to use a hybrid plan. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The Acadia is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While front-wheel drive is standard on most trims, all-wheel drive is available as an upgrade. The previous Acadia model was built on the same platform as the Cadillac XT5, Buick Envision, and Chevrolet Blazer. In contrast, the current Chevy Traverse shares many components with the latest Acadia. During our test of the 2017 Acadia, it handled well for a vehicle of its size, though the turbocharged four-cylinder didn’t feel as quick as the numbers might suggest. The AT4 trim is tailored for off-road performance, offering increased ground clearance, specialized suspension, protective skid plates, and GMC’s Active Torque Control all-wheel-drive system. It also includes terrain mode and hill descent control. Every trim level now features Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driving technology, which is especially useful for long-distance highway travel. Safety The Acadia comes equipped with several standard driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beam headlights, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. For those seeking advanced technology, GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system is also available—widely regarded as one of the top options in the industry. Key safety features include: Most automatic emergency braking systems are capable of distinguishing between a pedestrian and a cyclist. Standard lane exit warning and help staying in your lane. It comes with adaptive speed control. Internal and External Cargo Capacity The GMC Acadia features advanced technology and premium interior materials. Its spacious cabin allows passengers to move comfortably, and the large center console offers ample storage through various compartments. The standard configuration includes seating for eight, with bench seats in both the second and third rows. However, the AT4 and Denali trims come with seven seats, featuring second-row captain’s chairs. In the Denali, the third-row seats have a 60/40 split-folding design. Even when all seats are occupied, the Acadia offers 23 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing that of many other midsize three-row SUVs. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG The EPA has not yet released information on how fuel-efficient the 2026 Acadia will be. However, the 2025 model got up to 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg total. We’ll update this information once we have actual results from our 75-mph highway fuel economy test. Infotainment and Connectivity GMC equips each Acadia with a large 15.0-inch vertical touchscreen for its entertainment system, complemented by an 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment screen features integrated Google software that can be controlled via voice commands and customized to suit user preferences. Most devices support wireless charging. While an optional theater-style sound system with 16 speakers is available, the standard audio setup includes a Bose system with 12 speakers. Range, Charging, and Battery Life The Acadia accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 6.5 to 6.7 seconds. Towing and Payload Capacity Every GMC Acadia has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, putting it on level footing with rivals such as the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Grand Highlander. Price and How to Choose With different grades and choices, the 2026 GMC Acadia could cost anywhere from $45,000 to $60,000. Given its strong value, we would continue choosing the base Elevation model. A surround-view camera system, widely favored for entertainment and driver-assistance, is included. Included as standard are 18-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats, a hands-free power rear liftgate, a heated steering wheel, and heated front seats. Optional upgrades for the Elevation include a head-up display, heated rear seats, and additional amenities.
