2026 GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate – 5 things you need to know

The new 2026 GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate has been revealed and there are 5 things you need to know.

This is the first time GMC will offer the Denali Ultimate trim on the Acadia and it is the new highest trim level for the midsize SUV.

New Vader Chrome and 22″ wheels for Acadia Denali Ultimate exterior

Like the other Denali Ultimate models GMC offers, the grille gets a Vader Chrome finish which is a darker chrome appearance.

This grille will be flanked by LED daytime running lamps with an animated lighting sequence.

It rides on 22-inch machined aluminum wheels with an After Midnight Metallic finish.

The rear has an auto sense lift gate which opens automatically as you approach the vehicle with the key on you.

Luxury interior upgrades

Inside the recently redesigned cabin, the front seats are heated, ventilated and massage with Woodland Mahogany full leather.

There is Paldao wood with laser-etched accents and embossed topographical maps on the seat backs, door trim and map pockets.

Plus, GMC has created unique floor mats and Denali Ultimate badging on the seat backs. A panoramic sunroof is standard.

Technology and safety features

The 2026 GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate also comes with more technology and safety features than other models in the lineup.

Technology include: Bose 16-Speaker Performance Series Sound System, Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology with 3-year OnStar One Super Cruise plan, 9 camera views including smart technologies like HD Surround Vision and Rear Camera Mirror, Configurable 8-inch diagonal Head-Up Display.

Safety features include 19 standard safety and driver assistance features.

Turbocharged powertrain

Under the hood is standard 2.5-liter turbocharged inline 4 cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

This powertrain produces 328 horsepower, 326 pound-feet of torque. It returns an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway with front-wheel drive and 19 MPG city and 24 MPG highway with all-wheel drive.

The GMC Acadia can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

2026 GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate pricing

GMC says the 2026 Acadia Denali Ultimate pricing will be revealed later this year, we can assume it will be more than the Acadia Denali and in fact, we might already know the price.

Right now, GMC offers a Acadia Denali Ultimate Reserve package which includes many of the features listed above and is $6,620 more than the Denali which starts at $54,100 and easily can reach the low $60,000 price point. This means the Acadia Denali Ultimate price should be the mid to high $60,000 with an out the door price of the low $70,000.

GMC says the Acadia Denali Ultimate should start arriving in dealerships in the third quarter of 2025.