Three-row crossovers are often considered the minivans of the modern era due to their family-friendly features and spacious interiors. Despite their popularity, the outgoing GMC Acadia fell short in several aspects – quite literally.
While the first-generation Acadia was closely related to the Chevrolet Traverse and shared the same 118.9-inch (3,019 mm) wheelbase, the crossovers diverged in a pretty significant way for their second-generation. The Traverse continued growing and sported a 120.9-inch (3,072 mm) wheelbase, but the second Acadia shrunk and only had 112.5 inches (2,858 mm) between the wheels.
GMC officials told us customers wanted something smaller and more nimble at the time, but those feelings have changed as they now want more cargo room and versatility. Part of this shift was driven by the coronavirus pandemic, which pushed people to go out, explore, and have fun. This means bringing your family and all their gear along for the journey, which makes a large three-row crossover very appealing.
First Look: 2024 GMC Acadia Goes Big On Luxury And Offers Lifted AT4 Trim
While the second-generation Acadia was far from small, the redesigned model is 10.6 inches (269 mm) longer and has an extra 8.4 inches (213 mm) between the wheels. Thanks to the increased dimensions, the crossover has an accommodating cabin with an adult-friendly third-row.
On top of that, the 2024 Acadia has “nearly 80 percent more cargo space behind the third-row” and almost 40 percent more behind the second-row. Those are sizable gains and the extra room will certainly be welcome by customers going on a family trip or taking their kids – and bags full of gear – to football practice.
For customers looking to explore the great outdoors, the Acadia AT4 offers more off-road capability than ever before. It certainly looks the part thanks to a clearance-maximizing front end with a ‘real’ skid plate and red tow hooks. The crossover also has gloss black accents and extended fender flares with marker lights.
Besides looking ruggedly handsome, the AT4 has an extra inch of ground clearance and exclusive 18-inch wheels wrapped in meaty all-terrain tires. They’re joined by an exclusive twin-clutch all-wheel drive system, which officials said acts like a traditional four-wheel drive system.
