2024 GMC Acadia ditches V6 engine and switches to turbo in Detroit

• Debuting at the 2023 Detroit Auto Show, the RThe 2024 GMC Acadia has a 2.5-liter turbocharged I4 engine that sends 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
• GMC has extended the wheelbase by 8.4 inches, so those climbing inside the Acadia will welcome the extra space in the second and third rows.
  
• The 2024 GMC Acadia offers the Super Cruise driver assistance system on the nameplate.

For those who follow GM’s crossover lineup, it’s perhaps no surprise that GMC is introducing a new generation to its Acadia. After the launch of the Chevrolet Traverse, its cousin GMC is getting a similar makeover.

The ’24 Acadia follows many of the Traverse’s changes and ditches the naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 for a turbocharged 2.5-liter I4. This new powertrain is housed inside a larger chassis, along with more consumer-facing technology.

This 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder also replaces the 2.0-liter I4 that powers the lower-option Acadia crossovers. This standard engine sends 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or all four wheels.

This transmission is a new addition to the Acadia and replaces the current nine-speed automatic. If you’re wondering if this turbo-four is a drag on performance, don’t worry, it’s not. By the numbers, the force-fed I4 generates 18 more horsepower and 55 pound-feet of torque than the outgoing V6.

GMC also says this powertrain is good for a 5,000-pound tow rating if the rest of the Acadia is properly equipped.

Most people probably won’t open the hood on their Acadia until it’s time to refill the washer fluid. Most will be more interested in the resized shell. For ’24, GMC has widened the Acadia by 10.6 inches overall, which is 3.2 inches longer than the current model.

Taking advantage of the extra length, GMC extended the wheelbase by 8.4 inches. While these may be just numbers on a spec sheet for some, those climbing inside the Acadia will welcome the extra space in the second and third rows.

While second- and third-row passengers will get more space, the real star of the Acadia’s cabin is at the front of the cabin.

The ’24 GMC Acadia comes standard with a 15-inch tablet-style touchscreen media system, flanked by an 11-inch digital instrument cluster. This media system also has Google built-in, which means you’ll have your favorite Google apps built-in from day one.

However, that’s not all the technology headed to the Acadia. For the first time, GMC is bringing hands-free Super Cruise on its way. Available hands-free highway technology has made its mark across GM’s product lineup and is a welcome addition for those who take road trips.

However, if you don’t choose Super Cruise, your Acadia will come with adaptive cruise control as part of its standard list of active driver aids.

These driver assistance features are sure to make people happy, but GMC also has a treat for those who want to get off the highway. The ’24 GMC Acadia AT4 takes the brand’s off-road badge and puts it to good use, sporting a different grille and a set of 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber.

The AT4 also features a modified all-wheel drive system called Active Torque Control, which means it has a dual-clutch rear differential. The AT4 comes with an off-road-tuned suspension and offers an inch more ride height.

Given the change under the hood and the added size, the price will likely jump when this 2024 Acadia hits dealers early in 2024. However, the folks at GMC said there won’t be any pricing information until closer to this Crossover arrival date. However, the starting price of $38,690 may be a thing of the past.

Do you think this larger Acadia will be a success? Tell us your thoughts below.