2026 GMC Acadia

General Motors' GMC division offers up prominent body styles other than a parade of traditional body-on-frame, work horse pickups, once its dominant domain. Take the stylish, mid-size and sometimes underappreciated 2026 Arcadia crossover, for example.  

This mid-luxury, three-row, five-door returns in 2026 offering up an all-new top trim in the form of Denali Ultimate with upgraded interior features, changes to the wheels and exterior lighting replacing the Denali Reserve trim from 2025. Arcadia rides upon a lightweight uni-body car-like platform delivering competent on-road performance rather than the aforementioned, heavier, truck-inspired body-on-frame design. It's the mid-size GMC crossover choice cozying up between the compact Terrain and full-size Yukon.  

The three-row, uni-body crossover segment serves a huge audience here in the states, displacing the once ubiquitous, three-row Soccer-Mom inspired minivan from decades past as this millennia's family hauler. Historical lore implies kids once, carted around within versatile front-wheel drive, unibody minivans with convenient sliding side doors throughout the 1980s and 1990s, simply revolted. Getting caught driving one as an adult was akin to....well....morphing into your own parents. Yikes. Instead, these drivers-in-need gravitated towards uni-body three-row crossovers with four conventional side doors and handy liftgate in back. The minivan stigma persisted with such intensity, General Motors and Ford Motor Company long ago completely jettisoned the segment from dealer lots.  

Three mainstream Arcadia trims (Elevation, Denali and new-for 2026 Denali Ultimate) arrive with front-wheel drive standard and on-demand all-wheel drive optional for an extra $2,000 or so. An off-road version (marketed as the 'all-terrain 4' or AT4) also populates the 2026 model year trim line boasting an advanced active torque control, all-wheel drive standard.  

Eight-passenger seating arrives standard within the Elevation trim while Denali, AT4 and Denali Ultimate promote seven passenger comfort with a pair of individualized captain's chairs occupying the second row.  

Arcadia's returning 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine delivers an impressive 328 horsepower in all trims and connects with a traditional, eight-speed automatic transmission. The sizeable 21.7 -gallon tank within all-wheel drive models (19.3-gallons in front-wheel drive editions) slurps up regular, 87-octane fuel while front-wheel drive fuel economy slips in at a mid-range 20 miles per gallon city and 27 mpg highway. The engine includes start-stop deactivation, quieting the engine at prolonged stops. Lifting off the brake pedal awakens the engine back to work.  

All Arcadia's come standard with a traditional internal combustion engine; no gas-electric hybrid or pure electric variants. Those wishing to plug into an all-electric 2026-model year vehicles with GMC badging need seat time behind the GMC Hummer EV, GMC Hummer EV pickup or Sierra EV pickup.  

When refueling, a capless design greets the gas nozzle, bypassing the twist-and-remove plastic cap dance in place of a small self-sealing plate that shifts into place once the nozzle removes from the tank lead. 

Base pricing jumps $700 in the new model year. Its C1XX platform also underpins the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave crossovers. All share the same powertrain, three-row seating and similar dimensions with Arcadia premium focused offering an agile driving experience with a brake pedal experience hitting the sweet spot. All place within the larger end of the mid-size spectrum.  

The first-generation Arcadia arrived in 2006 as a 2007 model year product with a standard V-6 engine. A second-generation effort arrived in the 2017 model year while Gen Three (of which our 2026 effort bases) bowed in the 2024 model year.  

Exterior wise, two new exterior colors join the palate: Glacier White Tri-coat and Riverstone Metallic. The tall-standing front grille flanks by sizeable, C-clamp-shaped daytime running lights doubling as amber turn signal indicators when summoned. The hood sports gentle embossed geometric shapes including a center 'U' and a pair of straight, vertical lines. Out back, a topside spoiler extends out from the liftback's top providing window relief from snow falling onto the smallish window with the standard wiper swiping upward from the sill's bottom. Strap-like handles adorn side doors.  

Within every all-wheel drive trim, drivers have the opportunity to engage all-wheel drive all the time from a dashboard button left of the steering column which illuminates an instrument panel button when activated. Otherwise, Denali defaults to front drive with on-demand characteristics. When the vehicle senses slippage, Arcadia sends power within milliseconds to the rear wheels. 

Also in this area left of the steering column, a button for quickly summoning one of several available drive modes (normal, sport, off-road, snow/ice and tow/haul) and a button deactivating the engine's start-stop engine function (if so desired). The electronic parking brake activates/deactivates from this same row of buttons. The power liftgate activates from a button on the lower driver's door.  

In addition to the active torque all-wheel drive opportunity, Arcadia's AT4 off-road trim includes a specially-tuned suspension, lifted ride height (up to 7.7 inches), an exclusive terrain mode drive mode, underbody skid plates, hill decent control and front red recovery hooks. GMC offers an AT4 off-road trim throughout most of its truck and crossover lineup. All four Arcadia trims remain capable of towing 5,000 pounds, decent for this mid-size three-row class and enough to transport a compact wheel camper or 16-foot fishing boat.  

The entry Elevation trim includes a 6.7-inch ground clearance while Denali and Denali Ultimate bump that up to 7.3 inches. Lower side running boards are not part of the package.  

Our well-stocked Arcadia Denali Ultimate with all-wheel drive and every available vanity included a $64,900 starting price. The sole factory option, a $1,095 ding for the Glasier White exterior tri-coat paint brought the bottom line to $67,890 including a $1,895 destination charge. A nicely-equipped entry Elevation trim checks in around $45,700.  

Denali Ultimate includes upgrades unique to its status including a Vadar Chrome front grille providing an elegant, subtle distinction when compared to the mid-grade Denali's intense shine. Denali Ultimate also presents large 22-inch machined aluminum wheels with an 'After Midnight' Metallic finish and all-season tires along with a panoramic sunroof. Inside, a tan-like Woodland Mahogony pattern adorns leather-like seating with plaited contrast stitching. Front buckets include a massaging function activated by an outboard cushion button and circular dial with visuals and hints simultaneously appearing on the multi-function center screen. Accents arrive on the dash and doors highlighting artistic waves and stitching.  

A user-friendly rearview camera mirror feed improves perspectives when carting lots of passengers. A tiny camera strategically placed behind the third row delivers real-time color video of behind-the-vehicle road activity into the rear-view mirror in effect bypassing obnoxious bulbous heads or wide shoulders blocking a clear view utilizing the conventional reflection. Drivers manually toggle between the two perspectives via a manual flip switch along the mirror's bottom frame. Once the purview of upscale luxury vehicles, this technology now adorns mid-level products including all Arcadia trims. 

The eight-speed electronic transmission stalk situates on the steering column's right side. A gentle inward push activates reverse when guiding the stalk upward, and drive when motivating the stalk downward. Park summons with the push of the end stalk inward. On the steering column's left side, a second stalk monitoring front and rear wipers with multiple speed settings. The transmission's steering column placement opens up opportunities between the front buckets (where often times a mechanical or electronic shifter locates) for a flat, wireless Smartphone charger and side-by-side beverage holders along with a large arm rest/storage bin hinged at the rear. The large, deep topside dash gains space from a deeply raked windshield. The electronic, ignition button resides on the dash just right of the steering column incorporating a welcome green light illuminating when the engine is active.  

Centering the mid-dash, a portrait-style, multi-function touch-sensitive screen flanked by long, stretched, vertical air vents. This large, 15-inch screen completely separates from the 11-inch digital instrument panel with variable layout choices. The touch-sensitive screen's home page includes 16 icons from which to drill down. Along the bottom, large, black tabs that motivate up or down monitoring several HVAC functions including fan speed, temperature and front/rear defroster. If desired a larger screen-sensitive HVAC format fills the engine screen when choosing the climate icon.  

One of the few dials locates along the screen's center bottom controlling volume/on/off. Both Type A and smaller Type C USB ports populate the front row under the screen adjacent to the flat wireless phone charger; a nice extra as most rivals retired the larger, older-generation Type A format. This area includes a small storage nook and a sliding cover to cloak a charging phone and small items. Additional storage resides under this center area.  

When interacting with the sound system, Arcadia includes secondary volume and select panels located behind the steering wheel allowing fingers to do the walking and programing from a very natural, wheel-gripping position. The left fingers control station pre-set selection while the right hand lowers and raises volume. Many Stellantis products (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Fiat) also utilize this low-tech, highly effective design. 

The three-person third row includes backrests that power down via toggle switches located in the cargo region's passenger's side wall accessible with the power liftgate raised. Second row captain's chairs also include backrests with manually folding capacities resting flat onto seat cushions. The 97.5 cubic feet of space behind front row buckets provides enough cargo length to easily fit and relocate a recently purchased twin mattress with room to spare. 

Second row cushions include an electronic outboard button releasing its lower back end and allowing the unit to easily slide forward on the floor track creating a wide aisle entry to the surprisingly attractive third row. Second row Captain's Chairs slide with the backrest prone or folded, although it's an easier slide-and-grab with the backrest up. It's also easier for a third-row occupant to grab the back rest and pull the structure to lock it back into the track. These second-row seats also easily slide forward and back with child safety seats secured.  

Third and second row floors reside at the same level providing way back riders with workable knee room. Headroom throughout the three rows measures better than average. Two air vents, a pair of side-wall mounted Type-C USB ports and numerous cup holders await third row occupants in a region providing a step-up from many third row rivals, although for extended travel, three pre-teens ride and fit with maximum comfort. A plentiful 23 cubic feet of cargo space remains even with the third-row backrests prone.  

General Motors has taken strides to dress up interiors within higher trims and its luxury brands within the last decade. In the 1980s and 90s, GM too often cut corners adding too much obvious plastic with few finer-point details. This top-trim Arcadia lives up to a new edict with comfortable, supportive seats incorporating a luxury touch.  

Arcadia also qualifies for one complementary maintenance visit at a qualifying GMC dealership during its first 12 months or 12,000 miles, servicing engine oil/filter change, tire rotation and a multi-point inspection.  

2026 GMC Arcadia Denali Ultimate AWD  
Price as tested: $67,890 
Engine: 2.5-liter Turbocharged four-cylinder  
Horsepower: 328 
Torque: 326 lb.-ft.  
Wheelbase: 120.93 inches 
Overall Length: 203.96 inches 
Overall Width: 79.56 inches 
Overall Height: 70.97 inches 
Fuel Economy: 20 mpg city/ 23 mpg highway 
Powertrain warranty: Five years/60,000 miles 
Assembly: Lansing, Michigan