After spending a week with the 2025 GMC Acadia, I'm left with mixed feelings about GMC's three-row family hauler. On paper, it checks most of the boxes that matter to SUV buyers: spacious interior, decent fuel economy, solid safety ratings, and a competitive feature list. In practice, though, the Acadia feels like a missed opportunity—a vehicle that's competent without ever being compelling.

Let me be clear from the start: the Acadia isn't a bad SUV. It's just frustratingly average in a segment where "good enough" no longer cuts it. With rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade redefining what buyers expect from midsize SUVs, the Acadia's conservative approach feels dated, despite a complete redesign just last year.

First Impressions: Better Than Before, But Is That Enough?

The 2025 Acadia looks substantially better than its predecessor. GMC's designers deserve credit for creating something that actually looks like a premium SUV rather than the awkward, bloated crossover of previous generations. The front end projects confidence with its bold grille and sharp LED headlights, while the side profile manages to hide the Acadia's considerable bulk reasonably well.

But here's the thing about good looks—they only get you so far. The moment you fire up the Acadia and pull out of the driveway, you're reminded that attractive sheet metal can't mask fundamental dynamic shortcomings.

The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces respectable numbers on paper: 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. That's actually more power than the previous V6 delivered, and it should be plenty to move this 4,600-pound SUV with authority. Should be, but doesn't quite manage it.

The issue isn't raw power—it's how that power is delivered. The turbo-four feels lazy off the line, with a noticeable lag between throttle input and meaningful acceleration. When the turbo finally spools up, the engine becomes vocal in ways that don't exactly scream "premium vehicle." It's not terrible, but it's not refined either.

During my test week, I found myself frequently frustrated by the powertrain's lackadaisical responses. Merging onto busy highways required more planning than it should, as the Acadia simply doesn't respond with the urgency that modern traffic demands. The turbo lag is particularly noticeable when you need quick acceleration from lower speeds—like pulling out of parking lots or making left turns across traffic.

Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that seems perpetually confused about which gear it wants to be in, the powertrain creates a driving experience that's more adequate than engaging. The transmission hunts for gears during moderate acceleration and occasionally delivers jarring downshifts when you're trying to pass on the highway.

Interior: Where the Acadia Actually Shines

Step inside the Acadia, and the story improves dramatically. This is where GMC's investment in the redesign really shows, and it's easily the SUV's strongest selling point.

The cabin feels genuinely upscale, especially in higher trim levels. Materials are mostly high-quality, with soft-touch surfaces in the right places and attractive trim pieces that don't look like cheap afterthoughts. The wood-grain accents in our Denali test vehicle looked convincing and added a touch of warmth to what could otherwise feel like a sterile environment.

The dashboard layout is logical and user-friendly, with controls placed where you'd expect to find them. Physical climate controls remain, which is refreshing in an era where too many manufacturers hide basic functions behind touchscreen menus. The overall design aesthetic is clean and contemporary without being overly busy or distracting.

Seating comfort deserves particular praise. GMC has historically struggled with seats that felt like park benches, but the Acadia's thrones are genuinely comfortable for long hauls. The front seats offer good support without being overly firm, with adequate bolstering to hold you in place during cornering. The power adjustments are smooth and precise, allowing you to find your ideal driving position.

The heated and ventilated seats (depending on trim level) work effectively and reach operating temperature quickly. The heating elements are well-distributed, providing warmth where you need it most during cold weather. The ventilation system is similarly effective, though it's not quite as powerful as the systems in some luxury vehicles.

The second-row captain's chairs are standard across the lineup, which is a nice touch that many competitors reserve for higher trim levels. These seats offer individual comfort for passengers and can slide fore and aft to balance passenger legroom with cargo access. The armrests are well-padded and positioned correctly for adult passengers.

Even the third row, often an afterthought in vehicles this size, offers reasonable accommodation for adults on shorter trips. The seats themselves are decently cushioned, and there's enough headroom for most passengers. Getting into the third row requires some gymnastics, but the second-row seats move out of the way easily enough.

Kids will be perfectly happy back there for longer journeys, and the space is competitive with most rivals in the segment. The third row also features its own climate vents and cup holders, showing that GMC actually thought about the people who might sit back there.

The 15-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard, and unlike some oversized displays that feel tacked on, this one integrates well with the overall design. The screen is bright and clear, with good visibility even in direct sunlight. The graphics are crisp and modern, though the interface can occasionally feel sluggish when switching between functions.

The system is responsive most of the time, though it occasionally suffers from the sluggishness that seems to plague many GM infotainment setups. Menu structures are generally logical, but some functions require too many steps to access. The voice recognition system works reasonably well for basic commands but struggles with more complex requests.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work seamlessly, and the interface is intuitive enough that you won't need to dig through owner's manuals to figure out basic functions. The wireless connection is stable and reconnects automatically when you get in the vehicle. The large screen provides plenty of real estate for smartphone apps, making navigation and music streaming particularly pleasant to use.

The standard Bose audio system delivers impressive sound quality that makes even routine commutes more enjoyable. The system produces clear highs and decent bass response, though it's not quite as refined as premium audio systems from luxury brands. Still, it's more than adequate for most listeners and represents a significant upgrade over base audio systems in many competitors.

Storage solutions abound throughout the cabin. The center console features multiple compartments of various sizes, including a deep storage bin under the armrest and open cubbies for phones and small items. Door panels include map pockets and bottle holders, while the glove compartment is reasonably spacious.

There's underfloor storage in the cargo area, which is perfect for hiding valuables or storing items you don't want rolling around. The cargo area also features tie-down hooks and a 12-volt outlet for powering accessories. Clever cubbies are scattered throughout the cabin, and if you're someone who accumulates stuff in your vehicle (and who isn't?), the Acadia has you covered.

Cargo Space: Big Numbers, Smart Design

One area where the Acadia truly excels is cargo capacity. The numbers are impressive: 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a cavernous 97.5 cubic feet with both rear rows down. These figures put the Acadia at or near the top of its class in terms of pure cargo volume.

More importantly, the cargo area is well-designed with real-world usage in mind. The load floor is relatively low, making it easier to load heavy items without straining your back. The opening is wide and tall, accommodating bulky objects without requiring Tetris-level packing skills. The rear seats fold reasonably flat, creating a nearly level load floor that maximizes usable space.

The underfloor storage compartment is genuinely useful for hiding valuables or storing items you don't want rolling around during driving. It's not huge, but it's deep enough for emergency supplies, tools, or shopping bags that might otherwise slide around the cargo area.

The power liftgate is standard across the lineup and can be operated hands-free by waving your foot under the rear bumper. The sensor is reasonably responsive, though it occasionally fails to detect the foot motion on the first try. You can also adjust the maximum opening height, which is useful if you park in low-ceiling garages.

The liftgate operation is smooth and reasonably quick, though not as fast as some competitors. The hands-free feature is one of those conveniences that seems gimmicky until you're approaching the vehicle with your hands full of groceries and kids' sports equipment.

During my test week, I loaded everything from lumber to lawn equipment in the Acadia's cargo area, and it swallowed everything I threw at it. The wide opening and low load floor made handling awkward items much easier than in some competing SUVs with higher load floors or narrower openings.

Technology: Mostly Hits, Some Misses

The Acadia's technology story is largely positive, though not without some frustrations. The 15-inch touchscreen looks crisp and responds reasonably quickly to inputs most of the time. The built-in Google system provides access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store, which opens up possibilities for customization and functionality.

The Google integration is mostly seamless, providing real-time traffic updates, points of interest, and restaurant information. The voice recognition through Google Assistant works well for basic commands like navigation and music requests. However, the interface can be sluggish at times, particularly when switching between different functions or loading data-heavy applications.

The 11-inch digital gauge cluster offers plenty of customization options and displays information clearly. You can configure it to show navigation directions, audio information, trip computer data, or traditional gauges depending on your preferences. The graphics are sharp and colorful, and the display is easy to read in various lighting conditions.

The customization options are extensive, allowing you to prioritize the information that's most important to your driving style. The navigation display is particularly useful, showing turn-by-turn directions right in your line of sight. The audio display shows album artwork and track information clearly.

Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driving assistance system, is available on all trim levels. When it works, it's arguably the best system of its kind on the market, providing truly hands-free driving on compatible highways. The system uses precise GPS mapping combined with cameras and sensors to maintain lane position and following distance.

The caveat is that it only functions on pre-mapped highways, limiting its usefulness for many drivers. GM has been expanding the compatible road network, but it's still limited compared to systems that work on any divided highway. Still, for those who do a lot of interstate driving, it's a genuinely useful feature that reduces fatigue on long trips.

The system requires you to pay attention to the road, using a driver monitoring camera to ensure you're alert. If you look away for too long, it will give increasingly urgent warnings before disengaging. The hands-free operation is smooth and natural, inspiring confidence in ways that other semi-autonomous systems don't.

The standard safety technology package is comprehensive, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. These systems work reliably without being overly intrusive, providing helpful assistance without making you feel like the vehicle is fighting your inputs.

The forward collision warning provides graduated alerts, starting with visual warnings before progressing to audible alerts and finally automatic braking if necessary. The system has good detection capabilities and rarely provides false alarms. The automatic emergency braking system can bring the vehicle to a complete stop if needed.

Blind-spot monitoring uses both mirror-mounted indicators and audible warnings to alert you to vehicles in adjacent lanes. The system works reliably at highway speeds and provides helpful assistance during lane changes. The rear cross-traffic alert is similarly effective when backing out of parking spaces.

The lane-keeping assist can be a bit grabby on curvy roads, occasionally providing more steering input than necessary. You can adjust the sensitivity or turn it off entirely if you find it intrusive. The lane departure warning provides both visual and tactile alerts through seat vibration.

One technology disappointment: the wireless charging pad in our test vehicle was finicky. Phones would start charging, then stop, then start again for no apparent reason. The charging surface seemed properly sized for most smartphones, but the connection was unreliable. It's the kind of small annoyance that becomes increasingly irritating over time.

The USB ports are well-positioned throughout the cabin, with both USB-A and USB-C options available. The front-seat occupants get easy access to charging ports, while rear passengers have their own dedicated outlets. The 12-volt outlets are positioned where you can actually use them, rather than hidden in inconvenient locations.

Driving Dynamics: Competent But Uninspiring

Here's where the Acadia falls short of segment leaders. The driving experience is competent but never engaging, which might be fine for some buyers but feels like a missed opportunity given the SUV's other strengths.

The ride quality is generally good, absorbing most road imperfections without jarring passengers. The suspension tuning errs on the side of comfort, which is appropriate for a family SUV. Bumps and potholes are filtered out effectively, and the Acadia maintains its composure over broken pavement and construction zones.

However, this comfort-oriented setup comes at the cost of handling precision. Body roll through corners is noticeable, and the Acadia never feels truly planted at highway speeds. It's not scary or unsafe, but it doesn't inspire confidence the way the best SUVs in this class do.

The suspension feels disconnected from the road surface in a way that makes it difficult to judge available grip levels. The soft springs and dampers allow excessive body motion during direction changes, creating a floating sensation that some passengers might find uncomfortable.

During spirited driving (what little the Acadia encourages), the suspension struggles to control body motion effectively. Cornering at moderate speeds produces noticeable lean, and the vehicle feels unsettled over mid-corner bumps. The front end tends to push wide in tighter corners, and the electronic stability control intervenes earlier than it should need to.

The steering is adequately weighted but provides little feedback about what the front wheels are doing. The electrically assisted system feels artificial in its responses, lacking the natural feel that makes driving enjoyable. The steering ratio is appropriate for a vehicle this size, but the complete absence of road feel makes it difficult to place the vehicle precisely.

On-center steering feel is particularly poor, with a dead zone around straight ahead that makes highway driving more tiring than it should be. You find yourself making constant small corrections to maintain lane position, rather than the vehicle tracking straight with minimal input.

Brake feel is decent, though not exceptional. The pedal has reasonable travel and progression, but there's a slightly mushy quality that detracts from the overall driving experience. The brakes provide adequate stopping power for normal driving, though they lack the firm, confidence-inspiring feel of the best systems in the class.

The brake pedal modulation is acceptable for smooth stops, but panic stops reveal some grabbiness in the initial bite. The antilock brake system works smoothly without excessive intrusion, but the overall brake feel doesn't inspire confidence during emergency situations.

Wind noise is well-controlled at highway speeds, and road noise is generally minimal thanks to effective sound deadening. The cabin remains reasonably quiet even at sustained highway speeds, though some tire noise does penetrate at certain speeds and road surfaces.

Engine noise is more intrusive than it should be in a vehicle positioned as premium. The turbo-four becomes vocal under acceleration, producing sounds that remind you this isn't a refined six-cylinder or eight-cylinder engine. The exhaust note lacks character, producing more noise than music.

The AT4 trim, which we also sampled briefly, features off-road-oriented suspension tuning and additional ground clearance. While these changes improve capability on rough terrain, they do little to enhance on-road dynamics. The AT4 feels even more disconnected from the road, which makes sense for its intended purpose but limits its appeal as a daily driver.

The AT4's additional ground clearance and skid plates do provide genuine off-road capability that most competitors can't match. The terrain management system includes settings for different surfaces, and the all-wheel-drive system can send power where it's needed most effectively.

Fuel Economy: Reasonable But Not Outstanding

EPA estimates for the Acadia are 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway with front-wheel drive, dropping to 19/24 with all-wheel drive. These numbers are competitive with most rivals, though they don't lead the class.

In real-world driving, we averaged about 22 mpg in mixed conditions with the AWD model, which aligns reasonably well with EPA estimates. The trip computer showed higher numbers on highway-heavy drives, reaching as high as 26 mpg during steady cruising. City driving typically resulted in numbers closer to 19-20 mpg.

The engine management system does a decent job of balancing power and efficiency, shutting off cylinders when full power isn't needed. The start-stop system works smoothly, though it can be disabled if you find it annoying. The system restarts the engine quickly and smoothly when you release the brake pedal.

The turbo-four's thirst becomes apparent during aggressive driving, with fuel economy dropping noticeably when you use the available performance. Sustained highway speeds above 75 mph also impact efficiency more than you might expect from a modern engine.

The 19-gallon fuel tank provides adequate range for most users, though it's not particularly generous by segment standards. You'll be stopping for gas every 350-400 miles depending on driving conditions, which is acceptable but not exceptional.

The fuel gauge provides reasonable accuracy, and the low-fuel warning gives you plenty of time to find a gas station. The range estimation seems fairly accurate based on recent driving patterns, updating reasonably as your driving style changes.

Trim Levels and Pricing: Value Questions

The Acadia lineup consists of three trim levels: Elevation, AT4, and Denali. Pricing starts at $43,000 for the base Elevation with front-wheel drive, climbing to $56,100 for a fully loaded Denali with all-wheel drive.

The base Elevation comes reasonably well-equipped with heated front seats, a 15-inch touchscreen, wireless device charging, and the full suite of safety features. The synthetic leather upholstery looks and feels decent, and the tri-zone climate control provides individual comfort zones for different passengers.

Standard features on the Elevation include power-adjustable driver's seat, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, remote start, and an 11-inch digital gauge cluster. The 12-speaker Bose audio system is a nice inclusion at this price point, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity is standard.

The safety feature list is comprehensive even on the base trim, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The rearview camera provides decent image quality, and front and rear parking sensors help with maneuvering in tight spaces.

It's a competitive package, though the $43,000 starting price puts it at the higher end of the segment. When you consider that rivals like the Kia Telluride start around $35,000 with similar equipment levels, the Acadia's value proposition becomes questionable.

The AT4, starting at $51,400, adds off-road capability with enhanced ground clearance, skid plates, and specialized suspension tuning. All-wheel drive is standard, along with hill descent control and terrain management systems. The AT4 also gets unique styling elements like different wheels and trim pieces.

If you actually plan to venture off pavement regularly, the AT4 makes sense. The additional capability is genuine, and the suspension modifications do improve rough-terrain performance. For most buyers who rarely leave paved roads, it's probably overkill.

The AT4's interior features cloth and synthetic leather upholstery that's designed to be more durable than the materials in other trims. The seats are comfortable and supportive, though not as luxurious as what you'll find in the Denali.

The Denali, beginning at $54,100, represents the luxury end of the Acadia lineup. It adds ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, perforated leather upholstery, a head-up display, and power-folding third-row seats. The interior materials are noticeably upscale, with real wood trim and upgraded soft-touch surfaces.

The Denali's leather upholstery is genuinely nice, with good grain patterns and soft feel. The perforations for the ventilated seats are neatly executed, and the contrast stitching adds visual interest. The heated steering wheel is standard, and the additional comfort features are appreciated during daily use.

However, at $56,100 fully loaded, the Denali faces stiff competition from vehicles that offer more engaging driving dynamics and better overall refinement for similar money. The value proposition becomes even more questionable when you consider that a loaded Telluride or Palisade costs several thousand dollars less.

Safety: Strong Marks Across the Board

The Acadia earns high marks for safety, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and mostly good scores from IIHS. The structure appears to be well-designed for crash protection, and the comprehensive safety equipment should help prevent accidents in the first place.

The five-star NHTSA rating includes five stars for frontal and side crash protection, with four stars for rollover resistance. These are strong scores that should provide confidence for families considering the Acadia.

IIHS testing revealed mostly good results, with the highest rating in small overlap front and updated side crash tests. The SUV received an acceptable rating in the updated moderate overlap front test, which is still a respectable result.

The standard safety equipment package is comprehensive and works well in practice. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking function reliably without false alarms, providing protection in real-world scenarios. The system can detect both vehicles and pedestrians, with good sensitivity that doesn't result in unnecessary interventions.

The blind-spot monitoring system uses both visual and audible alerts to warn of approaching vehicles. The mirror-mounted indicators are bright and positioned where you'll notice them, while the audible alerts are loud enough to get your attention without being annoying.

Lane-keeping assist provides gentle corrections to keep you centered in your lane, though it can be somewhat intrusive on curvy roads. The system works well on highways and major roads with clear lane markings, but struggles with construction zones or poorly marked roads.

The surround-view camera system is particularly useful for parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. The image quality is clear and the viewing angles are comprehensive, showing obstacles that might not be visible in mirrors. The system provides helpful guidance lines that show your projected path.

The cameras switch views intelligently based on your selected gear and driving situation. The display is large enough to show meaningful detail, and the system responds quickly when switching between different camera angles.

One minor complaint: the front parking sensors can be overly sensitive, beeping warnings when you're still several feet from obstacles. It's more annoying than dangerous, but it does create unnecessary anxiety in parking situations. The sensitivity can't be adjusted, which is frustrating for drivers who want to park closer to objects.

The rear cross-traffic alert works well when backing out of parking spaces, detecting approaching vehicles from both directions. The system provides both visual and audible warnings, giving you time to stop before potential conflicts.

Reliability and Ownership Costs

GMC's reliability record has improved in recent years, though the brand still lags behind leaders like Toyota and Honda. The Acadia's platform is shared with the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave, which should help with parts availability and service costs.

The current generation Acadia is still relatively new, so long-term reliability data isn't available yet. However, the platform components are proven in other GM vehicles, which provides some confidence about durability expectations.

The turbocharged four-cylinder engine is relatively new to the Acadia, so long-term reliability data isn't available yet. However, similar engines in other GM vehicles have shown generally good reliability with proper maintenance. The turbocharger adds complexity but hasn't shown significant problems in other applications.

Regular maintenance requirements are typical for the segment, with oil changes recommended every 7,500 miles under normal driving conditions. The turbocharged engine may require more frequent oil changes under severe driving conditions, which could increase maintenance costs slightly.

Warranty coverage is typical for the segment: three years/36,000 miles for basic coverage and five years/60,000 miles for powertrain. This is adequate but not generous compared to Hyundai and Kia's longer warranties. The lack of extended warranty coverage puts the Acadia at a disadvantage compared to Korean competitors.

Expected maintenance costs should be reasonable, with service intervals aligned with industry standards. GM's extensive dealer network means parts and service should be widely available, and competition between dealers should help keep prices reasonable.

Parts availability shouldn't be an issue given GM's extensive dealer network and the shared platform with other GM vehicles. Many wear items and service parts are common across multiple models, which should help keep costs down.

Resale values for GMC vehicles have been improving, though they still don't match leaders like Toyota and Honda. The Acadia's relatively low sales volumes compared to competitors could impact future resale values, though the strong feature content might help offset this disadvantage.

Competition: The Elephant in the Room

The Acadia's biggest challenge isn't what it is—it's what it isn't when compared to standout competitors like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade.

Both Korean SUVs offer more engaging driving dynamics, superior interior refinement, longer warranties, and lower starting prices. The Telluride, in particular, has redefined expectations in this segment with its combination of style, substance, and value.

The Telluride starts at around $35,000, making it roughly $8,000 less expensive than the Acadia. For that lower price, you get more standard features, better build quality, a more refined powertrain, and significantly longer warranty coverage. The value proposition is compelling.

The Palisade offers similar advantages, with a smooth V6 engine, impressive interior space, and comprehensive feature content. Both Korean SUVs feel more solid and refined than the Acadia, with better attention to detail and superior materials quality.

The Honda Pilot, recently redesigned, offers better reliability predictions and more balanced dynamics. The Pilot's V6 engine is smoother and more refined than the Acadia's turbo-four, and Honda's reputation for durability gives it an edge in long-term ownership considerations.

The Toyota Highlander provides legendary dependability and strong resale values. While not as feature-rich as the Acadia, the Highlander offers peace of mind that's difficult to quantify but valuable in real-world ownership.

The Mazda CX-90 brings premium materials and engaging driving dynamics to the segment, though its three-row packaging isn't as spacious as the Acadia's. The CX-90's interior feels more upscale than the Acadia's, and the driving experience is significantly more engaging.

Even within GM's own lineup, the Chevrolet Traverse offers similar capability at a lower price point, raising questions about the Acadia's positioning. The Traverse starts around $37,000, making it $6,000 less expensive than the Acadia while offering nearly identical functionality.

The Buick Enclave splits the difference between the Traverse and Acadia in both price and positioning, offering a slightly more upscale experience than the Chevrolet without the premium pricing of the GMC.

The Verdict: Good Enough Isn't Good Enough Anymore

The 2025 GMC Acadia is a competent three-row SUV that does most things adequately. The interior is comfortable and well-appointed, the technology is mostly user-friendly, and the safety ratings are strong. For buyers who prioritize these attributes above all else, the Acadia deserves consideration.

However, in a segment where excellence is increasingly the baseline expectation, adequate performance feels insufficient. The Acadia's conservative approach to engineering and design results in a vehicle that's hard to fault but easy to overlook.

The powertrain, in particular, holds the Acadia back. While the turbo-four produces decent power on paper, its real-world behavior is uninspiring. The engine lacks refinement, the transmission programming is lackluster, and the overall driving experience fails to engage.

The chassis tuning compounds these problems with dynamics that prioritize comfort over control. The soft suspension and numb steering create a disconnected feeling that makes the Acadia feel larger and less capable than it actually is.

At its current pricing, the Acadia faces formidable competition from vehicles that offer more refinement, better dynamics, and superior value propositions. Unless GMC dealers are offering significant incentives, it's difficult to recommend the Acadia over alternatives like the Telluride or Palisade.

The Acadia's strengths—interior space, cargo capacity, and feature content—are overshadowed by its weaknesses in areas that matter more to most buyers. The lack of driving engagement, mediocre powertrain refinement, and premium pricing create a value proposition that's difficult to justify.

Who Should Consider the Acadia?

Despite its limitations, the Acadia might make sense for specific buyers:

GMC Loyalists who appreciate the brand's truck-derived aesthetic and prefer buying American will find the Acadia a reasonable choice. The styling is attractive, and the interior is genuinely comfortable.

Buyers Prioritizing Interior Space will appreciate the Acadia's generous dimensions and thoughtful storage solutions. The cargo capacity is genuinely impressive, and the seating comfort is above average.

Technology Enthusiasts who value the latest infotainment features and Super Cruise capability may overlook dynamic shortcomings. The tech content is comprehensive and mostly well-executed.

Off-Road Occasional Users might appreciate the AT4's enhanced capability, though dedicated off-roaders would be better served by body-on-frame alternatives like the Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition.

Dealers Offering Significant Incentives could make the Acadia's value proposition more compelling. If GMC is offering substantial rebates or favorable financing, the price disadvantage becomes less significant.

Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity

The 2025 GMC Acadia represents a missed opportunity to create something truly special in the competitive midsize SUV segment. The bones are there—attractive styling, spacious interior, comprehensive technology—but the execution falls short of the mark set by segment leaders.

GMC's conservative approach might have worked five years ago, but today's buyers expect more. They want SUVs that are engaging to drive, refined in operation, and competitive in pricing. The Acadia delivers on some of these expectations but falls short on others.

The most frustrating aspect is that the Acadia's shortcomings aren't fundamental flaws—they're choices. A more responsive powertrain, better transmission calibration, more aggressive pricing, and improved chassis tuning could transform the Acadia from adequate to excellent.

The turbo-four engine, while producing good power numbers, lacks the refinement that buyers expect in this price range. The transmission programming feels lazy and unresponsive, particularly compared to the smooth, quick-shifting units in Korean competitors.

The suspension tuning prioritizes comfort over control to a fault, creating a disconnected driving experience that makes the Acadia feel bigger and less capable than it needs to be. A better balance between comfort and control would improve both daily usability and driver confidence.

As it stands, the Acadia earns a reluctant recommendation for buyers whose priorities align perfectly with its strengths. Everyone else would be better served looking elsewhere in this increasingly competitive segment.

The midsize SUV market has evolved rapidly in recent years, with new benchmarks set regularly by ambitious competitors. The Acadia feels like it's still catching up to yesterday's standards while rivals are defining tomorrow's expectations.

For GMC's sake, let's hope the next significant update addresses these concerns. The Acadia has the potential to be a segment standout—it just needs the engineering refinement and value positioning to match its aspirations. Until then, it remains a decent SUV in a segment full of genuinely excellent alternatives.