2026 GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate First Look: Fancy Name, a Few Fresh Features

Motor Trend

5 days ago

For years, GMC's Denali trim level has represented the most expensive, nicest version of any given GMC model without stepping up to, well, a Cadillac. And as Denali has grown ever more critical to boosting the brand's bottom line (a surprising number of GMCs are Denali-spec examples), GMC has been naturally looking for ways to keep customers spending. One of those ways has been through the addition of the Denali Ultimate trim level, a step above package initially offered for the Yukon full-size SUV and Sierra 1500 pickup truck that's now being extended to the 2026 GMC Acadia lineup.
The 2026 GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate adds premium features to the Acadia Denali, including a 16-speaker Bose system, 22-inch wheels, Woodland Mahogany leather seats, Paldao wood trim, and unique exterior details like a Vader chrome grille and LED start-up sequence.
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Similar in scope to the Sierra's Denali Ultimate treatment, the Acadia's Ultimate makeover brings a smattering of uprated features and materials to the mix. The standard Bose audio system, for example, sprouts four additional speakers (for a total of 16) versus the regular Acadia Denali, while the wheels grow from 20 inches in diameter to 22.
GMC slathers the seats and door panels in a rich-looking brown Woodland Mahogany leather with contrast stitching and what first appears to be western-style filigree patterns but are actually 'topographical maps' on the seats. Those chairs are heated and ventilated up front, and massaging. This special leather is joined by laser-etched and embossed Paldao wood trim on the dashboard and door panels. Occupants' feet rest on special floor mats, too.
Outside, the Acadia Denali Ultimate is set apart by a Vader chrome grille and trim, along with special Denali Ultimate badges. The LED running lamps can play a special start-up sequence as the Acadia is started, as well.
If this tonier three-row SUV sounds good, prepare to shell out more than GMC charges for the regular Acadia Denali (for 2025, that's $58,090 with all-wheel drive), though how much more specifically will be shared closer to the Acadia Denali Ultimate's rollout date later this year. In some ways, this might be the only way to get a fancy GM three-row that isn't full-sized or electric—Cadillac is expected to axe the XT6, the Acadia's distant relative, and go all-in with the all-electric Vistiq. Otherwise, if you want three rows and gas power, you're looking at either a Yukon or an Escalade.