2026 GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate: Specs, Features & Pricing

The 2026 GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate adds full-leather seating, front-seat massage and a 16-speaker Bose system to GMC’s three-row SUV. Its standard turbocharged engine produces 328 horsepower, and all-wheel drive comes with every Canadian Acadia trim. Denali Ultimate also includes Super Cruise, a panoramic sunroof and an eight-inch head-up display.

This is the first Acadia model year to offer Denali Ultimate. It sits above the regular Denali, with distinct materials and additional equipment. This guide covers Canadian specifications, fuel consumption, towing and pricing. All prices are in CAD.

Available Acadia models

The 2026 Acadia lineup consists of Elevation, AT4, Denali and Denali Ultimate. Elevation provides the starting point, AT4 adds off-road-focused equipment, and the two Denali trims emphasize premium comfort. All use the same 2.5-litre turbocharged engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.

Seating depends on the trim. The broader Acadia range offers up to eight seats, but Denali Ultimate has a seven-passenger configuration with second-row captain’s chairs. Its cabin and equipment should not be assumed to match an eight-seat Elevation.

Engine specifications and all-wheel drive

The 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder produces 328 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 326 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. It uses direct injection, variable valve timing and a dual-overhead-cam design. An eight-speed automatic handles the transmission duties.

All-wheel drive is standard. The Denali Ultimate also includes a Performance suspension system. AT4’s specific off-road suspension and Active Torque Control AWD equipment belong to that trim, so they should remain separate from the Ultimate’s specification.

The 2026 Canadian configuration researched here lists one engine. There is no alternate V6, diesel or hybrid powertrain in this Acadia lineup. Buyers comparing other GMC SUVs should use the specifications for the exact model and model year.

Towing capacity

The Acadia Denali Ultimate includes a Trailering Package with a maximum rating of 5,000 lb, or 2,268 kg, when properly equipped. GMC’s selected configurator also displays that rating for the researched vehicle.

The package includes a factory Class III hitch, seven-pin wiring harness, heavy-duty cooling and a 220-amp alternator. Hitch Guidance and Hitch View help with alignment and visibility. Confirm the required ball mount, brake equipment and trailer setup before towing.

Passengers, luggage, accessories and tongue weight affect the usable capacity. Consult the owner’s manual, vehicle labels and VIN-specific information for the actual SUV. The maximum trailer rating does not remove the need to check payload and axle limits.

Fuel economy

Natural Resources Canada rates the 2026 Acadia AWD at 12.1 L/100 km city, 10.1 highway and 11.2 combined. The guide lists regular gasoline. These are standardized figures for the 2.5-litre engine and eight-speed automatic.

Load, towing, cold weather and trip patterns can change actual consumption. When comparing a hybrid competitor, consider the full purchase price as well as the fuel rating. A quoted highway figure alone does not represent mixed city-and-highway use.

Interior, seating and cargo

The Denali Ultimate provides seven seats in a 2-2-3 layout: two front buckets, two second-row captain’s chairs and a three-person third-row bench. Woodland Mahogany full leather, contrast stitching and Paldao wood accents create a distinct interior. GMC adds laser-etched topographical details and Ultimate badging.

The front seats include heat, ventilation and power massage. Both have power adjustment with lumbar support, and the driver gets memory settings. Heated second-row outboard seats, a heated steering wheel and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column add further comfort features.

Second-row Smart Slide seats help with access to the rear. One-touch folding for the second row and a power-folding 60/40 third-row bench simplify changes between passenger and cargo use. Tri-zone automatic climate control gives the driver, front passenger and rear occupants separate settings.

GMC’s 2026 overview quotes approximately 2,760 litres of maximum cargo volume with the rear seats folded. The maximum does not describe the luggage space with all seven seats occupied. Families should compare cargo room in the seating arrangement they actually use.

A panoramic sunroof, suede-like headliner and selectable ambient lighting are included. The AutoSense Power Liftgate can open when the keyholder approaches under the system’s operating conditions. Optional cargo mats, liners, nets and shades can adapt the storage area.

Infotainment and displays

The standard 15-inch GMC Premium Infotainment touchscreen supports Google built-in compatibility, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. An 11-inch Driver Information Centre displays vehicle information. The configurable eight-inch head-up display projects selected information onto the windshield.

Denali Ultimate includes a Bose 16-speaker Performance Series sound system, wireless phone charging and six USB ports across the three rows. A 120-volt outlet on the rear of the centre console supports compatible devices within its rated limits.

The Rear Camera Mirror lets the driver choose a camera view or a conventional reflection. HD Surround Vision supplies selectable views around the SUV. Connected apps, navigation, Wi-Fi and entertainment require compatible devices, coverage and applicable service plans.

Safety and driver assistance

Standard equipment includes Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, Reverse Automatic Braking and Rear Cross Traffic Braking. Forward Collision Alert and Following Distance Indicator add information about detected traffic ahead.

Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Pedestrian Alert and Side Bicyclist Alert cover additional areas around the vehicle. HD Surround Vision and Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist help with manoeuvring. Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition and a vibrating Safety Alert Seat are also listed.

The SUV includes frontal, front-centre, front side-impact and roof-rail head-curtain airbags. LATCH child-seat attachments, Teen Driver, a rear-seat reminder, rear seat-belt indicators and tire-pressure monitoring add further functions. Assistance systems have operating limits and require an attentive driver.

Super Cruise is standard on Denali Ultimate, with a three-year OnStar One Super Cruise plan listed. Its hands-free functions operate only under supported conditions on compatible roads. The included Driver Attention Assist can provide distraction or drowsiness alerts, but the driver must remain ready to take control.

Exterior equipment

The Ultimate has a Vader Chrome grille and GMC emblems, exclusive badging and 22-inch machined aluminum wheels with an After Midnight finish. The reference vehicle uses all-season tires. LED lighting includes an animated sequence.

The panoramic sunroof and AutoSense liftgate form part of the premium equipment rather than separate assumptions based on photographs. Optional roof cross rails, assist steps, splash guards and exterior lighting accessories can change the final configuration.

CAD pricing

GMC’s Ontario configurator listed the Acadia Denali Ultimate at $75,699 before fees. Freight of $2,400, a $100 air-conditioning charge, $699 dealer fees, $22 OMVIC and $22.50 tire handling brought the displayed total to $78,942.50 before HST.

The reference build uses Summit White paint and the standard wheels and interior. Extra-cost paint, accessories and other options increase the total. Compare a current written quote with the same equipment and fee treatment.

For context, the trim-selection page displayed approximately $57,943 for Elevation, $65,743 for AT4 and $71,143 for Denali, including the displayed fees before additional options and taxes. Ultimate’s premium buys specific cabin and technology upgrades; it does not bring a more powerful engine.

Competition

Chevrolet Traverse RS is a close alternative with a related engine and a different cabin presentation. Buick Enclave’s premium trims offer another three-row choice. Hyundai Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy, Kia Telluride and Toyota Grand Highlander also merit comparison.

Compare seating arrangements, cargo space with passengers aboard, towing equipment, fuel consumption and final price. Buyers who prefer a lower purchase cost can also compare regular Acadia Denali. Browse our other SUV reviews for more choices.

Watch the Acadia Denali Ultimate video

Frequently asked questions

How many seats are in the 2026 Acadia Denali Ultimate?

There are seven, arranged as two front seats, two second-row captain’s chairs and a three-person third-row bench. The Ultimate adds full-leather upholstery and front-seat massage.

Does the Acadia Denali Ultimate have a V6 or hybrid engine?

Neither is offered in the configuration covered here. Its 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder produces 328 hp and 326 lb-ft, paired with an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive.

How much can the Acadia Denali Ultimate tow?

Its included Trailering Package supports a maximum of 5,000 lb when properly equipped. Passengers, luggage and trailer tongue weight also count against the vehicle’s loading limits.