The GMC Acadia Got a New Denali Ultimate Trim for 2026
GMC has long been General Motors’ more upscale truck and SUV brand, earning nicknames like “the Bentley of the bible belt,” and the automaker hasn’t stopped pushing more luxury into its vehicles. The latest is the 2026 Acadia, which gains a new Denali Ultimate trim, following the lead set by the Sierra Denali Ultimate.
Outside, the SUV gains 22-inch wheels, chrome accents, animated lighting sequences, and unique badging. GMC also equips a range of cameras with nine different views, and a hands-free power liftgate comes standard. The SUV also rides on an upgraded suspension that GMC says offers improved handling and ride quality.
Interior upgrades include full leather upholstery with heating, ventilation, and massage. GMC equips Paldao wood trim with laser-etched accents, and the seats feature unique Denali Ultimate stitching.
General Motors’ Super Cruise hands-free driving system is standard with a three-year trial, and the Denali Ultimate adds a 16-speaker Bose audio system. An 8-inch head-up display, panoramic sunroof, and more.
Despite these changes, the Acadia’s powertrain remains unchanged. It’s a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, making 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and towing capacity reaches 5,000 pounds.
The Acadia will start arriving on dealers’ lots in the third quarter of 2025, and the Denali Ultimate will come a little later in the year. Pricing details aren’t available yet, but if it follows the model set by the GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate, it will be a few thousand-dollar markup over the next-highest trim level.
[Images: GMC]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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"the SUV gains 22-inch wheels"
Where does it end?
Why don’t they just focus on putting out a decent sedan that will be desirable and compete with a Camry? Like a 1980s Caprice with a modern power train and safety features. Same design and interior. Perfectly comfortable roomy car.