Acadia vs Acadia Denali: What’s the Difference?

The GMC Acadia is a midsize SUV with seating for up to six or seven passengers depending on the configuration you choose. The 2023 Acadia comes in four trims: base SLE, SLT, AT4, and Acadia Denali. The Denali is the top trim of the Acadia, but GMC Denali models are also a bit of a sub-brand in that they carry a lot of unique features. Let’s take a look.

GMC Acadia Trims

The SLE and SLT are the first two trims of the Acadia, and they start at $36,695 and $40,995, respectively. Both the SLE and SLT come with the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine as standard equipment. However, the SLT offers the 3.6-liter V6 as an available option. The SLT also adds additional tech, including remote start and a universal home remote.

Next up after the two base trims is the AT4 trim. This is an off-road-focused trim with additional performance capabilities geared toward the adventure set. It includes most features from the SLT but then adds up to 4,000 pounds maximum towing capacity, a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, standard AWD, 3.49 axle ratio, hill start, and hill descent controls. The GMC Acadia AT4 trim starts at $43,295.

GMC Acadia Denali

For roughly $5,000 more than the AT4 trim, you can choose the most luxurious trim in the Acadia lineup. The GMC Acadia Denali offers most of the AT4 features, but there are some differences. For example, Acadia Denali buyers have the choice between FWD and AWD, and they can also choose the 2.0-liter turbo-four instead of the standard V6.

The Acadia Denali also has some unique features that aren’t available on other trims. For example, the 20-inch Ultra Bright machined aluminum wheels and the signature Denali grille features are only available on the Acadia Denali. Other features include perforated leather seat trim, bright roof-mounted side rails, a heads-up display, and driver memory settings.

Choosing Your GMC Acadia Trim

As you can see, the Acadia Denali is different from the other Acadia trims in several ways. Choosing your trim will depend on your budget and what you really want from your Acadia. The SLT trim is a good value thanks to some extra features and the option for a V6 engine. However, it does cost $4,000 more than the base trim.

If you’re looking for the most capable Acadia but don’t want to spend Denali money, the AT4 is still $5,000 less than the Denali and gets you a standard AWD, a standard V6, and 4,000 pounds of towing capacity. It also has the most aggressive appearance compared to the other trims.

The Denali is for those who want the most luxurious features and the ability to fully customize the build. As previously mentioned, you can choose most of your features on the Denali.