Written byQuick Highlights:
- MSRP climbs to $64,900 with AWD, making it the most expensive Acadia ever
- Denali Ultimate costs 44% more than a base Acadia, and $12K more than a Ford Explorer Platinum
- Premium features include massaging leather seats, 22-inch wheels, and 16-speaker Bose audio
- Super Cruise hands-free driving now available on a mid-size GMC SUV
- With financing, actual cost could exceed $79,000 over a 6-year loan
This isn’t just another GMC Acadia. It’s GMC’s boldest step yet into premium SUV territory. GMC is taking its premium ambitions seriously with the 2026 Acadia Denali Ultimate, a fully loaded three-row SUV that officially steps into luxury pricing territory. Starting at $62,900 before destination and reaching $64,900 with all-wheel drive, this is the most expensive Acadia the brand has ever offered — and by a wide margin.
Luxury at a Cost
Order guide data confirms the Denali Ultimate trim commands a $7,200 premium over the standard Denali model and sits roughly $19,200 above the entry-level Acadia Elevation. It’s priced higher than a Chevy Traverse High Country and costs over $12,000 more than a 2026 Ford Explorer Platinum, placing it among the most expensive mainstream three-row SUVs in the market.
And if you’re planning to finance it, brace yourself — a 6.79% APR loan over 72 months brings the total outlay to more than $79,000, with estimated monthly payments above $1,100. At that point, you’re looking at base Cadillac XT6 or lightly used Escalade territory.
2026 Denali Ultimate: What You Get
GMC’s Denali Ultimate trim first debuted on the Sierra and Yukon, and now it’s being brought to the Acadia — along with a long list of upgrades:
- Woodland Mahogany leather front seats, heated, ventilated, and massaging
- Laser-etched Paldao wood trim with topographical detailing on doors and seatbacks
- Vader chrome grille, animated LED lighting, and exclusive Denali Ultimate badging-
- 22-inch machined aluminum wheels with After Midnight Metallic finish
- 16-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system
- Super Cruise hands-free driving (with 3-year OnStar plan)
- 9-camera system with HD Surround Vision and Rear Camera Mirror
- Head-up display, panoramic sunroof, and AutoSense power liftgate
- Performance-tuned suspension with up to six selectable drive modes
It’s a tech-heavy, luxury-laced variant that elevates the Acadia above traditional family SUV expectations — without jumping fully into Cadillac or EV territory.
How It Stacks Up Against Rivals
The 2026 Acadia Denali Ultimate is priced above well-equipped three-row crossovers like the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy, Kia Telluride SX-Prestige, Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum, Ford Explorer Platinum, and Chevy Traverse High Country — all of which cost less but don’t match the Acadia’s materials, features, or finish.
It also crosses into near-luxury space, brushing up against the Acura MDX, Buick Enclave Avenir, Genesis GV80, Infiniti QX60, and Lexus TX. While it doesn’t wear a luxury badge, the Denali Ultimate makes a strong case with its cabin quality, tech suite, and pricing.
Performance & Power
Every 2026 Acadia, including the Denali Ultimate, runs GMC’s new 2.5-liter turbocharged engine making 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds — solid numbers for family hauling. Front-wheel drive comes standard, with AWD available for $2,000 extra.
Estimated fuel economy for the 2026 Acadia stands at about 21 mpg (city) and 28 mpg (highway) with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel-drive models usually experience a modest decrease.
Release Date & Availability
The 2026 GMC Acadia lineup is scheduled to arrive at dealerships starting in Q3 2025, with the Denali Ultimate expected later in the year. Production will take place at GM’s Lansing Delta Township Assembly plant in Michigan.
Paint options will include Glacier White Tricoat as previewed, with additional premium colors likely to be available at launch.
Here’s What $65K Gets You in the 2026 Acadia Denali Ultimate
| Detail | Spec |
| Starting Price (FWD/AWD) | $62,900 / $64,900 |
| Est. Total w/ Destination | $64,795 (FWD), $66,795 (AWD) |
| Loan Estimate | ~$79,000 (6.79% APR, 72 months) |
| Engine | 2.5L Turbo (328 hp / 326 lb-ft) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard, AWD optional |
| Max Towing | Up to 5,000 lbs |
| Wheels | 22-inch alloys, After Midnight Metallic finish |
| Interior | Woodland Mahogany leather, Paldao wood trim |
| Front Seats | Heated, ventilated, and massaging |
| Audio | 16-speaker Bose Performance system |
| Tech Highlights | Super Cruise, panoramic sunroof, 9 cameras, HUD, AutoSense liftgate |
| Safety Suite | 19+ standard driver-assistance features |
| Competitor Pricing | $12K+ more than Explorer Platinum, $7.8K more than Traverse High Country |
Source: General Motors
Read More:
