Zac Quinn 
The second-generation of the GMC Acadia first debuted in 2016 as a 2017 model. With this generational change the Acadia became smaller, lighter and more pedestrian. As we understand it, this is because GMC was planning a larger body-on-frame SUV that would have shared a platform with the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado pickup trucks, while at the same time slotting below the bigger and more premium GMC Yukon full-size SUV. But in 2018, that program was cancelled, as MC&T exclusively reported, and GMC has been left with a hole in the lineup ever since. This product gap has yielded market share to vehicles such as the Ford Explorer, Kia Telluride, and the more recent Jeep Grand Cherokee L. All of these vehicles feature three-rows of seats, just like the first-generation Acadia.
The next-generation GMC Acadia seeks to right the course.
Next-Gen GMC Acadia: Details
For the the next-generation GMC Acadia, the SUV will be returning to a larger format, with ambitions to lock horns with the aforementioned vehicles above. This will especially be the case with the next-gen Denali and AT4 trim levels. The new Acadia is expected to begin production by 2024.
Design wise, the front fascia is expected to resemble the GMC Canyon, which debuted its new generation earlier this year as a 2023 model. This means that smaller lights located at the top appear narrow and thin will take shape, while bigger C-shaped housing containing lights further down are expected. The powertrain will also continue to be internal combustion, though we could see an electric variant debut eventually, as well.
The next-generation GMC Acadia is also expected to get Super Cruise on higher trim levels, and there will undoubtedly be a digital instrument display behind the steering wheel. Other innovations that are expected on various trims should be a pneumatic suspension system for the Acadia AT4 to increase ride height (like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L), and towing capacities that exceed 5,000 pounds (Ford Explorer, Kia Telluride). Powertrain-wise, GM is going to have to do something fun if it wants to match the Hemi V8-power of the Grand Cherokee, or the 400+ horsepower of the Explorer ST, because while the 2.7L four-cylinder turbo is a fine engine, competitive powertrain options will demand backup.
Stay tuned to MC&T as we’ll continue to bring more exclusive GMC news very soon.
