The 2026 GMC Acadia returns with major changes, even as a carryover model. From an all-new Denali Ultimate to exterior restyling and new standard features across the lineup, mid-size SUV drivers gain even more value in this model year.

Learn everything you need to know about the new GMC Acadia and why it's worth considering as your next mid-size SUV.

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2026 GMC Acadia Release Date

The 2026 GMC Acadia release date is scheduled for Q3 2025, and the Denali Ultimate set for late 2025, with pre-orders opened on May 15th, 2025. The start of production (SORP) began on July 24th, 2025, at the GMC Lansing Delta Township facility in Michigan.

2026 GMC Acadia Changes - What's New?

Although the 2026 Acadia isn't a redesign, it received several new, valuable changes from the 2025 models:

• New Denali Ultimate trim (unavailable in 2025, replacing the Denali Reserve package)
• Restyled exterior
  
• Two new paint colors
• New standard passive entry key card

2026 GMC Acadia Price, Trims, & Configurations

The 2026 Acadia has four trim levels with pricing starting at:

• Elevation: $43,700 MSRP
• AT4: $52,300 MSRP
• Denali: $55,700 MSRP
• Denali Ultimate: $62,900 MSRP

All trims have standard FWD and available AWD, except for the AT4, with a standard AWD configuration as the only option.

2026 GMC Acadia Elevation

The 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation is the entry-level trim, with pricing starting at $43,700 MSRP.

Its key features include:

• 18" Grazen Metallic painted aluminum wheels and 18" all-season blackwall tires
• 12-speaker Bose premium audio system
• 15" infotainment system and 11" driver information center
• Up to eight passenger seating

There are also two featured editions for the Elevation:



The Elevation Premium includes seven-passenger seating, 20" aluminum wheels, front LED fog lamps, a six-way power passenger front seat with power lumbar, a universal garage door opener, and an auto-dimming inside rearview mirror.



The Elevation Black Edition includes a blacked-out grille, mirror caps, badging, exterior accents, roof rails, and 22" aluminum wheels.

Additionally, several features are available to the Elevation trim level, including Gideon Gray Core Tec seating, a seven-passenger seating configuration, and two-way power lumbar front passenger seat controls.

2026 GMC Acadia AT4

The 2026 GMC Acadia AT4 is the off-road trim, with pricing starting at $52,300 MSRP.

Its key features include:

• 18" dark machined aluminum wheels with 18" all-terrain blackwall tires
• Active torque control AWD system and steel underbody skid plates
• Lifted ride height, off-road tuned suspension, and Gloss Black roof rails
• Exclusive driver-selectable Terrain Mode on the Traction Select System

Several features are also available to the AT4, including a panoramic sunroof, Forest Storm with Mahogany accents cloth/CoreTec seating, and Super Cruise hands-free driving.

2026 GMC Acadia Denali

The 2026 GMC Acadia Denali is the lower-level luxury trim, with pricing starting at $55,700 MSRP.
Its key features include:

• 20" machined aluminum wheels with Pearl Nickel finish and 20" all-season blackwall tires
• 8" configurable head-up display and heated/ventilated front seats
• Premium interior with leather-appointed first and second-row seats
• Third-row power-folding seats and second-row one-touch folding seats

Several features are also available to the Denali, including a panoramic sunroof, After Dark perforated leather-appointed seats, and Super Cruise hands-free driving.

2026 GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate

The 2026 GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate returns as the top-level luxury trim, with pricing starting at $62,900 MSRP.

Its key features include:

• 20" machined aluminum wheels with Pearl Nickel finish and 20" all-season blackwall tires
• 16-speaker Bose premium audio system and Autosense power liftgate
• Heated/ventilated full-leather massaging front seats with unique plaited contrast stitching and Paldao wood with topographical map etching
• Panoramic sunroof and performance suspension

Several features are also available to the Denali Ultimate, including an 8" head-up display, eight years of OnStar Basics, and an AWD configuration.

The 2026 Acadia is a mid-size crossover SUV with four doors, aluminum wheels, and a sport-like body. The exterior design received several updates for this model year.

The front end was refreshed with restyled body lines that look more sculpted, a new grille, and slimmer C-shaped LED headlights. The rear end also has improved tails, dual exhaust outlets, and a larger spoiler, similar to the Canyon and Sierra 1500 models.

An Autosense power liftgate is also available (Denali Ultimate standard), allowing you to open it hands-free as you approach the rear with the key fob in your pocket or bag.

It comes in the following paint colors with select availability per trim level:

• Crystal Metallic (Elevation)
• Downpour Metallic (Denali & Denali Ultimate)
• Glacier White Tricoat (All trims) - new
• Ebony Twilight Metallic (All trims)
• Riverstone Metallic (AT4) - new
• Sterling Metallic (All trims)
• Summit White (All trims)
• Volcanic Red Tincoat (All trims)

The exterior dimensions vary slightly per trim level, with specs starting at 203.96" H x 79.56" W (without mirrors) x 70.97" H.

2026 GMC Acadia Interior, Seating, & Cargo Space

The 2026 Acadia has three rows, seating up to eight passengers with second and third-row bench seats on the Elevation and Denali Ultimate trims. The AT4 and Denali seat up to seven passengers with second-row captain's chairs. The Denali gets 60/40 split third-row power-folding seats.

It comes in the following cabin colors with select availability per trim level:

• After Dark (Elevation & Denali)
• Gideon Gray (Elevation) 
• Forest Storm with Mahogany accents (AT4)
• Sheer/Very Dark Atmosphere (Denali)
• Woodland Mahogany (Denali Ultimate) - new

All trims get a standard Bose audio system, with a subwoofer and 12 speakers on lower-level trims and 16 speakers on the Denali trims. A 15" infotainment system with built-in Google, an 11" driver information center, tri-zone automatic climate control, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability are standard across the lineup.

The interior dimensions vary slightly per trim level, with specs starting at:

• Front Head Room: 42.60"
• Front Leg Room: 44.28"
• Front Shoulder Room: 62.00"
• Front Hip Room: 59.18"
• Second Head Room: 40.03"
• Second Leg Room: 41.45"
• Second Shoulder Room: 62.00"
• Second Hip Room: 58.40"
• Third Head Room: 38.23"
• Third Leg Room: 32.14"
• Third Shoulder Room: 57.94"
• Third Hip Room: 48.62"
• Cargo Capacity: 97.5 cu.-ft.

The new GMC Acadia offers more cargo and passenger space than most mid-size three-row SUVs on the market, up to 23 cu.-ft with all seats in use and up to 97.5 cu.-ft. with the seats folded down. A large center console provides plenty of room for small to medium-sized items with door pockets and cupholders throughout the cabin.

The Denali trims also get an exclusive one-touch flat-folding Smart Slide second-row seat for additional cargo room and easier third-row access.

2026 GMC Acadia Engine Options & Capability

The 2026 Acadia has one powertrain: a 2.5L turbo engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It produces up to 328 hp and 326 lb.-ft. of torque. Current third-party testing shows that it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds

It comes with seven drive modes on the Traction Select System, with select availability per trim level and model:

• AWD (AWD models)
• Normal
• Off-Road
• Sport
• Snow (Elevation, Denali, & Denali Ultimate)
• Terrain (AT4)
• Tow/Haul

The 2026 Acadia MPG ratings vary slightly per trim level and configuration. FWD models have EPA estimates of 20 MPG city/ 27 MPG highway/ 23 MPG combined. AWD models slightly lower these to 19 MPG city/ 24 MPG highway/ 21 MPG combined.

2026 GMC Acadia Towing Capacity & Payload Rating

The 2026 Acadia can tow up to 5,000 lbs with a 1,671 lbs max payload capacity, making it practical for hauling trailers and small boats.

A Trailering Package comes standard to assist with towing, including:

• Seven-pin wiring harness and Class III factory-installed hitch
• Heavy-duty cooling system and 220-amp alternator
• Hitch Guidance with Hitch View

Even as a mid-size SUV, the new GMC Acadia is plenty capable of hauling recreational vehicles and equipment for your outdoor adventures.

2026 GMC Acadia Safety Ratings & Technology

The 2026 GMC Acadia safety ratings haven't been released yet. However, we expect the perfect five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA to continue as a carryover model.

It comes with over 19 safety and driver assistance technologies, including:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Following distance indicator
• HD surround vision
• Lane keep assist with lane departure warning
• Rear camera mirror
• Super Cruise hands-free driving
• Traffic sign recognition

The availability of these features also varies per trim level, with most options as standard across the lineup.

2026 GMC Acadia Reviews: Should You Buy the Newest Model?

The 2026 GMC Acadia is worth considering as your next SUV because you benefit from a recent redesign with valuable new changes in this model year. From an all-new Denali Ultimate luxury trim to expanded standard features across the lineup, you won't miss out on any trim that you choose.

The 2026 GMC Acadia reviews have praised the newest model year.

Kelley Blue Book boasts its huge three-row interior, positive safety ratings, and perfectly balanced ruggedness and luxury. MotorTrend also complimented its powerful engine, premium interior, and spacious cabin, which make it versatile.

Whether you want a family-friendly vehicle with plenty of space in a mid-size SUV or want a strongly capable SUV for weekend recreational activities, the new GMC Acadia suits diverse lifestyles.

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Browse our new Acadia inventory or schedule a test drive today!

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