GMC Acadia: Elevation, AT4 and Denali Ultimate

With three rows of seating in a body that fits a standard garage, the GMC Acadia is the perfect middleground between the compact Terrain and the full-size Yukon. 

And with a range of trim options – Elevation, AT4, and Denali Ultimate – buyers have a wide variety of customization options with the Acadia.

What Separates Elevation, AT4, and Denali Ultimate

Elevation is the volume trim. It includes darkened exterior treatment, a well-equipped cabin, and front- or all-wheel drive, depending on how the individual unit was ordered.

AT4 includes all-wheel drive and a raised ride height, retuned suspension, and traction hardware built for loose surfaces and broken pavement. The styling reads rugged, but  the equipment ensures it’s more than just a dressed-up body.

Denali and Denali Ultimate focus on interior modifications. They include upgraded leather, genuine wood and metal trim, a larger center display, and a longer standard equipment list. Denali Ultimate sits at the top of the range and bundles most of what would otherwise be optional on a Denali. Side-by-side specifications for the wider lineup are available in our GMC model research section.

Space, Cargo, and the Third Row

The Acadia’s third row is made for adults on shorter trips and kids full-time. Second-row seats slide and tilt for access, and the cargo floor behind the third row can easily hold a grocery run without folding anything down.

For families shopping three-row SUVs, knowing that someone can climb past a second-row car seat into the third row can make all the difference.

Technology, Safety, and Towing

Acadia runs a turbocharged four-cylinder across the lineup, paired with either front- or all-wheel drive. The center display carries Google built-in, wireless phone projection, native navigation, and driver assistance features, including forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist. Higher trims add HD surround vision and Super Cruise hands-free driving.

Acadia is rated to tow with its factory trailering equipment, which is sufficient for things like a small utility trailer or a pair of watercraft. The exact rating varies by trim and drivetrain, so confirm the number against the window sticker on the specific unit before committing to a trailer.

Acadia Shoppers Coming from Palm Desert

Come east on the freeway and you’ll find Chavez Jessup is a one-stop-shop for sales, service, parts, and financing. Several Acadia units in different trims are usually on the ground at once, which makes back-to-back test drives possible. Search our new GMC inventory by trim and drivetrain before you make the drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people does the GMC Acadia seat?

Acadia seats up to seven across three rows in bench configuration, or six when the second row is fitted with captain's chairs. Seating arrangement varies by trim and how the individual unit was built.

What is the difference between Acadia AT4 and Denali?

AT4 concentrates on capability: standard all-wheel drive, added ride height, and suspension hardware tuned for rougher surfaces. Denali concentrates on the cabin, with upgraded materials, a larger display, and a longer list of standard technology. Both sit above Elevation.

Is the GMC Acadia a good family SUV?

The GMC Acadia exists to address a common problem: a family needs three rows but does not want to park and maneuver a full-size body. Acadia offers this combination of spacious interior without the challenges of a full-size SUV. 

Additionally, the vehicle includes standard features that are popular with families, including driver assistance, second-row access that works around installed car seats, and cargo space behind the third row.

Does the Acadia come with all-wheel drive?

All-wheel drive is standard on AT4 and available on other trims. Front-wheel-drive units are also stocked, so check the drivetrain on the specific vehicle rather than assuming it from the trim badge.

Schedule an Acadia Test Drive in Indio

The fastest way to settle the Elevation-versus-AT4-versus-Denali question is to sit in all three back-to-back. Call ahead and we’ll pull them up front for you. 

Schedule a test drive, or start with finance options if you would rather know the payment first. Current service and parts specials run alongside new vehicle offers.

Chavez Jessup GMC is at 78960 Varner Rd, Indio, CA 92203. Sales is 760-780-1307 and service is 760-780-1491.