The 2025 GMC Acadia is a mid-size crossover SUV with seating for up to 8 passengers, but that’s not the most important thing about it. The key to the Acadia is that it’s a GMC. Although the Acadia is closely related to the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC has been leaning into its premium luxury and off-road capability in recent years, and that shows up in the Acadia.

Unlike the GMC Yukon, which also offers three rows of seating, the Acadia is built on a unibody platform, which trims a little bit of size off the Acadia and provides for a quieter, more car-like ride than the truck-based, body-on-frame Yukon. That’s a good start on an every day family vehicle, but GMC also gives the Acadia its AT4 off-road capability package, plus a luxurious interior that makes this an excellent all-around SUV.

Under the hood, the Acadia has an efficient turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that returns up to 27 MPG in highway driving, or 24 mpg if you choose the all-wheel-drive version. City economy is a bit less at 20 MPG for front-drive, and 19 MPG for AWD. All Acadia models use an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the buyer’s choice of front-drive or all-wheel drive. In case you’re worried about the four-cylinder, it produces a whopping 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, so it drives more like a traditional V6.

The AT4 is a fairly high trim level, but oriented towards outdoor activities. That means you get easy-clean cloth/coretec seats, but they’re heated and ventilated in the front row, and seating for seven passengers. To get eight into the Acadia, you need to buy the Elevation trim level with a second-row bench seat. The AT4 trim also includes a heated steering wheel and second-row air conditioning that’s part of a three-zone (driver, front passenger, second row) climate system.

Cargo hauling is a basic SUV function, and the Acadia provides a generous 97.5 cubic feet with all the rear seats down, or 57.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 23 cubic feet with all the seats in use. This makes the Acadia useful even when the whole soccer team is in the vehicle.

The AT4 designation includes all-wheel drive, with a fully modern system that incorporates hill descent and traction control, so the Acadia can cover plenty of rough roads. You also get a hitch-view camera and hitch guidance for easy towing. With AWD, the Acadia will tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Safety is also a basic SUV function, and the Acadia brings the latest in driver assistance tech to your driveway. The AT4 trim includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision alerts and automatic rear braking when traffic comes from the side. There’s also steering assistance when a car is in your blind spot. Our test Acadia came with GM’s Super Cruise package, which offers hands-free self-driving under easy freeway conditions as well as enhanced parking assistance and a camera-based rear-view mirror. An optional Luxury package adds a head-up display, and heated seats in the second row.

On the road, the Acadia is pleasant to drive. There’s no getting around its size, but there’s good engine power and a smooth, quiet ride. Controls and the 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system are easy to use. With the AT4 AWD system, winter weather should pose no problem. In short, this is a well-rounded family wagon.

Pricing starts lower for more basic trims, but the Acadia AT4 starts at $51,200, which is right in the ballpark with similar premium SUVs. The Super Cruise Package added $3,490, and we’d probably not recommend that unless you do a lot of long-distance Interstate driving. Same with the panoramic sunroof at $1500 and the luxury package at $1,150. The AT4 is nice enough without extras. You can find the 2025 Acadia at any local GMC dealer now.

2025 GMC Acadia AT4 AWD

Base price: $51,200

Price as tested: $58,735

Type: Mid-size crossover SUV

Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (328 hp, 326 lbs-ft)

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

EPA estimated mileage: 19/24

Overall length: 203.9 inches

Curb weight: 4,696 pounds

Final assembly: Lansing, Michigan