Forget The Cadillac XT6, This Is GM’s Fanciest Crossover

The Denali sub-brand has been a huge success for GMC as over 30% of customers opt for the range-topping trim. This enthusiasm pushed the brand to introduce an even more exclusive Denali Ultimate.

A staple of the Sierra 1500 and Yukon, the Denali Ultimate trim is now expanding to the Acadia for 2026. It builds on the regular Denali, but is distinguished by a unique exterior with a Vader Chrome grille and 22-inch aluminum wheels sporting an After Midnight metallic finish. Buyers will also find special badging, a Vader Chrome GMC logo, and LED daytime running lamps with an animated lighting sequence.

First Look: Redesigned GMC Acadia Goes Big On Luxury And Offers Lifted AT4 Trim

While the exterior is a little subdued, the interior looks fantastic thanks to Woodland Mahogany leather front seats with topographical accents and plaited contrast stitching. They’re joined by black accents and prominent Ultimate badging on the backrests. Needless to say, the seats are also heated, ventilated, and offer a massage function.

The topographical accents extend to the laser-etched Paldao wood trim and door panels. Customers will also find unique floor mats, a panoramic sunroof, and a 16-speaker Bose premium audio system. They’re joined by Super Cruise, an 8-inch head-up display, a power liftgate, and a performance suspension that delivers an “exceptional ride and handling balance.”

GMC didn’t mention powertrain details, so the model likely has a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 328 hp (245 kW / 333 PS) and 326 lb-ft (442 Nm) of torque. It’s connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which can be paired to an optional all-wheel drive system.

Besides the new Denali Ultimate, the 2026 GMC Acadia now comes standard with a rear camera mirror. It enables drivers to easily switch between a traditional rearview mirror and a digital one.

The 2026 Acadia will arrive at dealerships in the third quarter, while the Denali Ultimate will follow later this year. There’s no word on pricing, but we can likely expect a small increase over the current base price of $43,000 before a $1,495 destination fee.