2025 Acadia AT4 AWD: The Fullsize Crossover Regains Its Size, While Adding Hands-Free Highway Driving

 

Highlight: The Acadia is only available with a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder turbo engine.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $59,230 (Base - Elevation Trim): $44,495

Seating Capacity: 6, 7 to 8 passenger seating

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a backup camera; a blind spot collision avoidance assist; rear cross traffic avoidance; a lane keep assist system; a lane following assist system; a high beam assist; a forward collision assist system; a vehicle stability system; a tire pressure monitoring system; a hill start assist; a side bicyclist alert system; a hill start assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Test Model): 18-inch wheels; all-terrain tires; an off-road package; a 1-inch taller ride height; an off-road tuned suspension; exclusive active torque control; selectable drive modes (and hill descent control); red front tow hooks; forest storm interior and mahogany stitching;  power front seats; auto dimming rear view mirror; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; gloss black roof rails; still plates (front chrome); and HD surround vision camera  

Options: hands-free highway steering; enhanced automatic parking assist; driver attention assist; rear camera mirror; panoramic sunroof with sunshade; a heads up display; acoustic laminated glass; heated rear seats; ventilated front seats; and optional exterior paint

Other Trim Levels:

Denali

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 12-speaker Bose with AM/FM/SiriusXM  

Android/Apple CarPlay: No

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Electric Battery Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles

Motor/Horsepower: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder /328-hp

Fuel Type: Unleaded

Standard Fuel Mileage: 19-city/24-hwy (test model)

Towing: 5,000 lbs

What’s New: After the larger Acadia was introduced during the 2024 model year, this year’s crossover adds 8 occupants in the base Elevation trim.

Why:

A more truck like design mirrors the GMC portfolio

An athletic look

Up to a 15-inch infotainment screen

A new modern layout

A 360-degree camera available

Larger, wider and roomier

Off-roading capability with AT4 trim

A 1-inch taller ride height and wider track for off-road package

A variety of trims

AWD available

An ability to seat up to 8

Hands-free highway steering available on all trims

OnStar

An optional parking assist system

An optional power sunroof with sunshade

A heads up display available

Power front seats

Heated steering wheel available

Heated second row rear seats available

Ventilated/Heated front seats available

Highly contented with safety driving aids

Trailering package available

Remote vehicle start

A power liftgate

Google technology

Maximum 5,000-lb towing capacity

Larger infotainment

22-inch wheels available on Denali trim

Leather seating available on Denali trim

But:

Only one powertrain available, some of the competitors offer more horsepower and 6-cylinder powertrains

2.5-liter turbo is winey and seems underpowered for the size of the vehicle

Still difficult for adult occupants to access third-row and to occupy third-row for long trips --- still seems a little cramped for legroom

Pricing bumps up against more premium three-row crossovers like Mazda’s CX-90 and Infiniti’s QX60s.  

No power folding third row seat in the base and AT4 trims

Seats are too firm in most GMC models

Limited cargo room when third row is occupied

Verdict: After going through a major redesign during the 2024 model year, the fullsize Acadia, which is available in three trims, returns. This new generation shares a platform with its siblings, the Buick Enclave and the Chevy Traverse.

Now that the Acadia is larger, longer and roomier, its has the capability of seating between 6 to 8 occupants, depending on the trim selected.

The Acadia AT4 trim we reviewed, with the one-inch higher ground clearance, was designed for those seeking to take their fullsize three-row crossover off-roading. With its 18-inch all-terrain tires, sport-tuned suspension and bold truck-like looking facia, which mirrors the brand, and standard AWD configuration, this trim is designed for those who need access to unpaved roads possibly to access a cabin. This trim separate itself from most of the competitors in this class. Ford, Subaru and Kia offer vehicles that are designed for navigating off-road terrains. 

Moreover, the AT4 allows occupants to move in style without sacrificing amenities. Our AT4 was equipped with such features as second-row bucket seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging and a high-tech information system, which gives the interior of the vehicle a high-tech modern design.

Furthermore, its definitely worth adding GM’s signature hands-free highway steering system, which is known as SuperCruise. Its worth the added expense to invest in this future. Outside of GM and Ford, one can’t find this feature in Hyundais, Mazdas, Toyotas or Kias.

However, there is a lot of stiff competition in this segment with offerings from Hyundai, Mazda, Kia, Subaru and Toyota. The models noted still offer a 6-cylinder powertrain and in some cases like with the Toyota Grand Highlander, a roomier cabin, too.

Acadia Competition: Chevy Traverse; Ford Explorer; Hyundai Palisade; Kia Telluride; Mazda CX-90; Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander

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