GMC Acadia Denali AWD: GMC made waves when it introduced the third-generation Acadia, thanks to its richer cabin, improved driving manners, and a size that finally hits the sweet spot for families. We recently spent time with the 2025 GMC Acadia Denali AWD, and while GMC hasn’t gone wild with updates, this is still one of the strongest and most polished midsize SUVs you can buy today.
Turbo Strong, Smooth Performance
The 2.5-liter turbocharge four-cylinder engine that debut last year is still use in the 2025 Acadia. With a new 8-speed automatic transmission in place of the previous 9-speed it generate a robust 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque.
This turbo-four feels energetic and polite despite missing the prior V6. Throughout the rev range, power is steady and comes on hard. Early shifts can make it sound a little whiny, but active noise cancellation and cabin insulation make sure the noise doesn’t ruin the trip. It’s a powerful, smooth engine with superior efficiency that can easily compete with V6 competitors.
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More Space Than Ever
GMC clearly listened to feedback. After shrinking the previous Acadia too much, the brand corrected course. The new model rides on a larger platform that shares its wheelbase with the Yukon giving the Acadia:
- A roomier third row
- An 80% increase in cargo space over the outgoing model
- Best-in-segment practicality
Compared with the Toyota Grand Highlander, Ford Explorer, and Honda Pilot, the Acadia now offers some of the most usable space in the midsize class making it a legitimately strong family hauler.
Denali Worthy Interior
Step inside the Denali trim, and the difference is immediate. The cabin feels upscale, thoughtfully laid out, and genuinely premium. Our test model featured:
- White leather upholstery with contrast stitch
- Quilted seating surface
- Chocolate-brown accents
- Open-pore wood trim
- Chrome detailing
Second-row captain’s chairs come heated and power adjustable, sliding easily for third-row access. The third row itself is better than most in the segment with a 60/40 split and power-folding functionality.
Convenience feature are plentiful: hands-free tailgate operation, rear HVAC controls, multiple USB ports, smartly placed cupholders, and thoughtful touches meant to protect the interior from kids’ shoes and bags. Everything feels well designed and very Denali-appropriate.
Tech-Centric and User-Friendly
Front and center sit a 15.0 inch vertical touchscreen flanked by real physical climate keys (thankfully!) and a volume knob. The infotainment setup includes:
- Google Built-In
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Android Auto
- Premium Bose audio
- Reliable wireless charging pad
The layout is clean and easy to use and the system responds quickly one of the better setups in the class.
Unfriendly Ergonomics
Not everything is perfect. The biggest oddity is GM’s unique gear selector. Instead of a simple push or pull, the stalk requires a forward push before selecting drive or reverse—a double action for something that should be intuitive.
The wiper controls are tucked behind small toggle switches, which feels unnecessarily complicated. You get used to it, but the learning curve isn’t ideal.
On-The-Road Testing: Capable and Composed
Despite weighing up to just-the-right-4,890 pounds the Acadia feels surprisingly agile. It turned in a time of 27.5 second with an average of 0.63 g on our figure-eight handling course to match the Telluride and outshine the Honda Pilot. Its body roll is managed well the steering is precise and braking behavior is commendable so it feel like a smaller SUV during handling.
The Acceleration test results were 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds and the quarter mile in 15.9 seconds at 90.6 mph. Respectable enough compared with many V-6 competitors such as the Grand Cherokee L and Kia Telluride though not class-leading.
Stopping distance from 60 mph was just 113 feet short figure compared to many competitors felt busy, with apparent ABS intervention and a bit of steering wheel shimmy.
Super Cruise and Safety Tech
For 2025, Super Cruise is standard on all trims—something you rarely see in this segment. It performed flawlessly in our testing enabling hands-free driving on compatible highways.
Other safety features include:
- Enhanced automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Traffic-sign recognition
- 360° camera system
- Rear-seat vibration alerts
One downside: the AWD system must be manually activated. In 2025, with rivals offering automatic systems, this feels outdated.
Some safety alerts, like seat vibration or sudden brake intervention in tight spaces, can feel overly aggressive, especially in parking lots.
Conclusion
The 2025 GMC Acadia Denali AWD is an anomaly in the already obscure midsize SUV segment, marrying, so to speak, space, class, and performance. A power plant, high-tech gizmos, and frankly practical family hauler in GMC-modish, it does not hold back on style and courage.
Specs: 2025 GMC Acadia Denali AWD.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Price | $57,495 |
| As Tested | $64,610 |
| Engine | 2.5L Turbo I 4 |
| Transmission | 8 Speed Automatic |
| Curb Weight | 4,902 lbs |
| 0–60 mph | 7.8 second |
| Braking (60–0 mph) | 113 feet |
| Figure Eight | 27.5 sec 0.63g |
| Seating | 7 passenger (8-passenger optional) |
FAQs
Q1. Does the GMC Acadia have a larger size compared with the old version?
A: Certainly The 2025 GMC Acadia has a much bigger size with an increase of 80% in the trunk area and a lot more space for people especially in the back seat.
Q2. Is there a V6 engine on the Acadia Denali?
A: Not at all GMC has taken out the V6 and put in a more robust 2.5-liter turbo four that gives 328hp when compare with the older V6.
Q3. Is Super Cruise a feature of the Acadia Denali?
A: Yes it is For the year 2025 Super Cruise will be a standard feature on all trim giving the SUV a place among the most technologically advance ones in its class.
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