Written byKey Points:
- Increase of $1,600 applied to all GMC Acadia 2026 models
- No mechanical or interior changes, only two new exterior colors
- White Frost Tricoat was deleted and replaced by the Glacier White Tricoat.
- Deep Bronze Metallic – discontinued in favour of Riverstone Metallic
- Production starts on July 14, 2025; dealer order opens on June 12, 2025
- Denali gains new key-card entry system
- The best value is now in the 2025 models. (Check out what’s new in the 2025 GMC Acadia Elevation trim for better value before the hike.)
GMC is increasing the starting price of the 2026 Acadia by around $1,600 on the entire range, according to JD Power’s official pricing data, and the only real model-year change is a new duo of paint colors — just a pure switcheroo with precious little going on other than new hues.
Price Update: $1,600 Bump Across the Board
The 2026 GMC Acadia is starting off the 2026 model year with a $1,600 increase in base pricing compared to the 2025 model year for each trim level. 2025 Acadia MSRP started at — with Elevation ($43,000), AT4 ($51,000), and Denali ($54,100). That would put 2026 list prices around $44,600 (Elevation), $52,600 (AT4), and $55,700 (Denali).
These price increases are purposeful and related to fresh paint finishes that come with premiums. GM has indeed implemented similar pricing tactics with models such as the Terrain and Sierra EV, charging an additional $495 to $1,095 for tricoat and metallic finishes.
What’s New? Two Paint Colors Replace Two Others
Readers who love Gam will not be disappointed by the changes. The 2026 Acadia adds two new hues to its palette and drops two others, trading one for another and a second for nearly identical shades:
- White Frost Tricoat G1W is exchanged for Glacier White Tricoat G4J
- Deep Bronze Metallic (GXN) (AT4 exclusive) changes to Riverstone Metallic (GFR)
Whilst these swaps maintain consistency in colour tone, Glacier White and White Frost are almost indistinguishable. However, there’s been a more striking change in Riverstone, where the darker bronze has been swapped out for a lighter iron ore, beige-toned metallic.
Timing: Production and Order Windows
The 2026 Acadia will be produced at GM’s Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant in Michigan (the same plant as the current-gen) starting on or around July 14, 2025. Dealers may place orders beginning June 12, 2025, although both dates are tentative.
Trim-Level Overview & Pricing Recap
| Trim | 2025 MSRP | 2026 Estimate |
| Elevation | $43,000 | $44,600 |
| AT4 | $51,000 | $52,600 |
| Denali | $54,100 | $55,700 |
Estimates assume a $1,600 increase in MSRP; final approvals may differ by region.
2025 started at these price points, and the 2026 leaps follow what would be rising costs across the board, especially for expensive paint finishes. All-wheel drive stays a $2,000 option on Elevation and Denali, though AT4 is again AWD-only.
Features & Spec Consistency
Aside from the paint refresh, no new technology, trims, powertrains, or interior improvements were mentioned. Next in line, a 2.5L turbocharged inline-4 will develop approximately 328 hp and 326 lb-ft torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic with seven or eight-passenger seating, depending on how it’s configured.
For 2026, the Denali trim adds a non-carryover passive-entry key card system, a subtle refresh, according to Car and Driver. It’s not clear whether any other trim levels will get this system as the base.
Why the Price Hike-without-Hype?
From a product strategy standpoint, it seems like GM will use the premium finish option to raise the price without really adding any new goodies or performance enhancements. Color changes like Glacier White Tricoat and Riverstone Metallic are in line with recent GM refreshes across several models that see replace built-out premium paints with fresh monikers — that are often marketed to customers as “new,” when they visually don’t change.
Final Take: Is It Worth It?
For customers shopping the 2026 Acadia, the $1,600 price hike comes across as unoriginal, considering the few changes made beyond the paint. And if you’re not hung up on the new colors, the 2025 model offers the same performance, comfort, and features for less. And unless GM publishes full pricing or equipment changes for individual trims, this year’s update appears to be a wash —unless you’re into Glacier White or Riverstone finishes, that is.
Sources: GMC, CarsDirect
