​​2025 Acadia Denali Is an Unbeatable Combination of Luxury and Utility​

GMC first applied the Denali name in 1999 and through consistent application, vehicle shoppers understand that Denali signifies luxury. Additionally, because GMC specializes in trucks and SUVs—vehicles that are inherently practical—a GMC Denali can be relied upon to deliver a strong combination of luxury and utility, regardless of the specific model. This all comes together in the 2025 GMC Acadia Denali, GMC’s large three-row crossover SUV in its most luxurious form. Motor Trend tested the model, and Valley GMC gives you the highlights. 

The best part of this Denali may be the model it is applied to. In 2024, the Acadia rebounded from its smaller size to create a truly spacious three-row crossover, featuring the same wheelbase as its counterpart from the opposite end of the alphabetical spectrum, the full-size truck-based Yukon. Its appearance also aligns more closely with GMC’s truck line, providing a robust yet refined look. The Acadia isn’t quite as large as the Yukon, but it isn’t far off, delivering 32.1 inches of rear legroom and 23.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind that third seat, which represents over an 80% improvement over the previous Acadia design. While the Yukon Denali has larger dimensions in both respects and most other interior measurements, it also comes with a starting MSRP that is almost $25,000 higher than the Acadia’s $56,100 for a 4×4 model, making it an attractive alternative—unless, of course, you yearn for the Yukon’s 8,000-pound maximum towing capacity over the Acadia’s still generous 5,000-pound capacity. 

The Acadia’s greater efficiency is another advantage, thanks to its 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. If four cylinders seem too few for a vehicle of this size, note that it produces 328 horsepower and a similar 326 lb-ft of torque, which surpasses many competing turbocharged V6s, including the Acadia’s previous 310-hp V6. Sure, it isn’t the Yukon’s standard 460 hp, but it is also nearly 1,200 pounds lighter. Paired with its eight-speed shiftable automatic, the Acadia Denali 4×4 delivers an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined mileage of 19/24/21 mpg, which is a significant improvement over the Yukon’s 14/18/16 mpg.  

The cabin meets Denali expectations and distributes luxury throughout all three rows. Standard seating includes heated second-row captain’s chairs, accommodating a total of seven passengers—although an additional bench can be ordered, increasing capacity to eight. Motor Trend praised the vehicle’s interior, combining white and chocolate brown leather with dark open-pore wood and plenty of chrome accents.  

Centered on the dash is a vertical 15.0-inch touchscreen powered by the Google Built-In operating system, which provides Google Maps navigation and the Google Assistant voice command system, even when no smartphone is present. A large physical volume knob is positioned within the display, and the bottom of the screen shows helpful images for the easy-to-use and attractive piano key HVAC controls.  

When a smartphone is present, there is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and the center console features a convenient place for wireless charging. The console is especially uncluttered due to the transmission control being relocated to a right-hand steering wheel stalk. Motor Trend pointed out that the transmission control takes a little getting used to, but it will likely become second nature to owners in a day or so. 

Motor Trend also noted the brake performance, an aspect that is always important, but even more so when the vehicle is filled with your family. The editors brought the Acadia to a stop from 60 mph in 113 feet. In their words, “That’s better than the Telluride at 123 feet, the Honda Pilot at 126 feet, and the Grand Cherokee L at a whopping 132 feet.” 

Naturally, a full suite of safety and driver technologies is on hand, including emergency braking that can detect pedestrians and bicycles at intersections, lane centering, and the capability to recognize key traffic signs and display them on the screen. There is also the convenience of standard adaptive cruise control and a surround view camera system. Most convenient of all is the available Super Cruise system—a true hands-and-feet-free highway driving system that is the best in the industry. 

If you want to carry three rows of family and/or friends in style and comfort, it is difficult to beat the GMC Acadia Denali. If you’re in the Auburn, Washington area, Valley GMC is the place to see the new GMC Acadia Denali for yourself.