Sunday Drive: 2025 GMC Acadia Denali – A week of adventure with a dose of luxury
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- Deanne, shown here outside the Springville Museum of Art, was very impressed with the luxury and space that came in the new 2025 GMC Acadia Denali.
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- Interior shot showcasing the first and second row of the all-new 2024 GMC Acadia Denali, including the 15-inch portrait-oriented screen and 11-inch driver information cluster.
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- View of available Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology engaged in the 2024 GMC Acadia Denali. Preproduction model shown. Actual production model may vary.
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- From the rear, the 2025 Acadia Denali projected a unique image as we ended a great week with the luxury SUV.
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- Interior shot of the 2024 GMC Acadia Denali and its new Very Dark Atmosphere perforated leather second-row seats.
Who would have ever thought that we would be talking about a “luxury SUV” and General Motors in the same breath; however, that is exactly what we are going to do after a divine week in the new 2025 Acadia with the Denali trim.
As we found, it was quite a surprise as to how much luxury there was as we went throughout our week. With every day bringing more comfort and familiarity to the Acadia, we really didn’t want to give it up at the end of the week.
With a bold new design, an upgraded interior and advanced technology, this latest iteration of the Acadia made a strong statement in the extremely competitive midsize SUV segment.
Over the course of a short seven days, we put the Acadia Denali through its paces, exploring our native Utah County and embarking on an awesome road trip through Provo Canyon, Midway, Park City and Emigration Canyon before returning home to Springville.
First impressions and design
The 2025 GMC Acadia Denali had received a significant redesign, featuring a more aggressive and commanding presence. The wider grille, sleek LED lighting and beautiful lines gave it a premium look that in our opinion has set it apart from its predecessors. The Denali trim added extra chrome accents and unique 22-inch wheels, ensuring that all of our neighbors were as impressed with the SUV as we were.
Opening the door, we got into a meticulously crafted cabin where GM has used upscale materials, including open-pore wood, brushed aluminum and soft-touch leather.
The new 15-inch portrait-style infotainment screen immediately grabbed our attention, as it offered a modern and very intuitive interface. As if this were not enough, there was also comfortable seating for up to seven passengers, as Deanne found out while taking five of her co-workers on a trip up to Salt Lake City for a day during the week.
Daily driving in Utah County
Throughout the week, as we navigated the bustling streets of Springville, Provo and Orem, we were able to put the Acadia Denali’s maneuverability and ride quality to the test. The 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered an impressive 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. It made city driving effortless.
Whether we were merging onto Interstate 15 or cruising through our neighborhood streets, the Acadia provided a very smooth, uniquely refined ride, aided by its adaptive suspension system.
One of our favorite features was the upgraded Super Cruise hands-free driving system. Testing it on the freeway coming down Parleys Canyon and onto I-15, we were impressed by how seamlessly it handled lane centering and speed adjustments. Unlike previous iterations, this system now allows for automatic lane changes and proved to be very capable even in very complex traffic situations.
Up Provo Canyon and beyond
For a true test of power and handling, we set out on a scenic drive that took us up Provo Canyon past Deer Creek Reservoir, where we deviated toward Midway. The Acadia’s turbocharged engine provided plenty of acceleration as we climbed toward the reservoir. The newly retuned all-wheel-drive system kept us firmly planted on the road, even on the winding curves leading into Heber Valley.
Stopping in Midway, we took a break at one of our favorite spots, Wasatch Mountain State Park, before continuing on toward Park City. The Acadia’s interior proved to be the perfect place to relax, with ventilated and heated front seats along with a panoramic sunroof that let in just the right amount of natural light.
Luxury in Park City
Once in Park City, we navigated the historic Main Street, where the Acadia’s 360-degree camera system and parking sensors made squeezing into a tight parking spot a breeze. While exploring the area, we tested the SUV’s cargo capacity, folding down the second and third rows to accommodate some shopping bags, among other things. With up to 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space, it easily handled everything we threw at it.
The Denali trim also boasted an impressive Bose premium sound system, which made our entire drive down Parley’s Canyon and week all the more enjoyable. Whether listening to classic rock or a favorite podcast, the cabin remained whisper-quiet, thanks to GMC’s enhanced noise-canceling technology.
Down Emigration Canyon and home to Springville
The final leg of our “Sunday Drive” journey took us down Emigration Canyon, a road known for its sweeping turns and elevation changes. The Acadia’s responsive steering and well-balanced chassis made for an engaging drive, offering just the right mix of sportiness and comfort.
The enhanced safety suite, including lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking, provided peace of mind as we descended back toward Salt Lake City.
As we got onto I-80, we again engaged Super Cruise. This time, we allowed it to handle the entire stretch from the top of Parleys Canyon all the way to Springville. The hands-free system performed flawlessly, adjusting speed and executing lane changes without requiring any input from us. It became very clear that this technology is a game-changer for long road trips, reducing fatigue and enhancing overall driving comfort.
At the end of the week
After a full week with the 2025 GMC Acadia Denali, we can confidently say it’s one of the most refined and capable midsize SUVs on the market with a huge amount of injected luxury. Whether commuting around Utah County or embarking on an adventure through the mountains, it delivered the perfect blend of technology and performance.
With a starting price of around $56,000, the Denali trim offers exceptional value for those seeking a high-end family SUV. GMC has truly elevated the Acadia with this latest model, proving that midsize SUVs can be just as exciting as their full-size counterparts.
Base price: $55,900
Destination charge: $1,395
Price as driven: $64,410
