What trim levels and configurations are available for the 2025 GMC Acadia
The 2025 GMC Acadia comes in five main trim levels: SLE, SLT, AT4, Denali, and Denali Ultimate. Each trim builds on the previous one with additional features, technology, and comfort upgrades. The base SLE includes essentials like a 8-inch touchscreen and remote start, while the Denali Ultimate adds premium leather, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver information systems. You can also choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive on most trims, and GMC offers several option packages that let you add specific features without upgrading the entire trim level.
Engine options remain consistent across all trims: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as standard, or a 3.6-liter V6 as an upgrade. The V6 delivers more power and towing capacity, which matters if you plan to haul a trailer. Seating configurations vary by trim—most offer seven seats, though some trims allow you to configure a six-seat layout with captain's chairs in the middle row.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Acadia offers five trim levels from SLE through Denali Ultimate, each with progressively more technology and comfort features.
- All trims can be ordered with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and the choice affects both price and fuel economy.
- The standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is available on all trims; the 3.6-liter V6 upgrade increases power and towing capacity.
- Option packages let you add specific features like a sunroof, upgraded audio, or safety technology without moving to a higher trim level.
- Seating can be configured as seven seats or six seats with captain's chairs, depending on trim and your selections.
SLE and SLT: Base and mid-range configurations
The SLE is the entry-level trim and includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote start, OnStar with Wi-Fi hotspot, and a six-speaker audio system. Safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, and a rearview camera. The SLE seats seven and comes standard with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is available as an option.
The SLT adds a 10.2-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, a power liftgate, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. The audio system upgrades to eight speakers. The SLT also includes GMC's Teen Driver feature, which lets you set speed limits and audio volume restrictions for younger drivers. Like the SLE, it seats seven standard and offers all-wheel drive as an option.
Both SLE and SLT can be equipped with the Driver Alert Package, which adds a forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and a following distance indicator. The Technology Package on these trims brings a larger screen and additional infotainment features, though the exact contents vary by model year and region.
AT4: Off-road focused trim
The AT4 is GMC's adventure-oriented configuration and includes all-terrain styling cues like skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a raised suspension tuned for rougher roads. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and a locking rear differential, which improves traction in low-grip situations. The interior mirrors the SLT with a 10.2-inch screen, heated seats, and wireless charging.
The AT4 adds an off-road information display that shows vehicle pitch, roll, and wheel articulation—useful data if you're navigating uneven terrain. It also includes hill descent control, which automatically manages braking when driving downhill. Towing capacity increases to 4,000 pounds with the standard engine and up to 6,000 pounds with the V6 upgrade.
The AT4 seats seven and can be ordered with the same option packages as the SLT, including the Driver Alert Package and Technology Package. Many buyers choose the AT4 for its rugged appearance and capability even if they rarely venture off-road, so GMC also offers it with front-wheel drive in some markets, though all-wheel drive is the intended configuration.
Denali and Denali Ultimate: Premium configurations
The Denali trim emphasizes luxury and refinement. It includes a 10.2-inch touchscreen, leather-appointed seats, a power panoramic sunroof, a Bose premium audio system with nine speakers, and ambient interior lighting. Heated and ventilated front seats come standard, along with a heated steering wheel and a power-adjustable driver's seat with memory settings. The Denali also adds a surround-view camera system, which displays a 360-degree view of the vehicle on the touchscreen—helpful for parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
The Denali Ultimate builds on the Denali with additional luxury touches: semi-aniline leather, a power rear sunshade, a rear seat entertainment system with a 10-inch screen, and wireless charging for rear passengers. It also includes GMC's Super Cruise driver information technology on models equipped with the appropriate package, which allows hands-free driving on compatible highways. The Denali Ultimate comes standard with all-wheel drive.
Both Denali trims can be ordered with the Premium Package, which adds a power liftgate, a larger infotainment screen, and additional safety features. The Denali is available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive; the Denali Ultimate comes with all-wheel drive only. Towing capacity matches the AT4 at 4,000 pounds standard or 6,000 pounds with the V6.
Engine and drivetrain choices across all trims
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is standard on all 2025 Acadia trims and produces 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission and delivers an EPA-estimated 26 miles per gallon combined on front-wheel-drive models. This engine is sufficient for most daily driving and towing up to 3,500 pounds.
The 3.6-liter V6 is available as an upgrade across all trims and generates 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. It also uses a nine-speed automatic and achieves approximately 24 miles per gallon combined on front-wheel-drive models. The V6 increases towing capacity to 6,000 pounds and provides noticeably stronger acceleration, particularly when the vehicle is fully loaded or climbing grades.
All-wheel drive is available on every trim except the SLE, where it is optional. All-wheel drive reduces fuel economy by roughly 1 to 2 miles per gallon compared to front-wheel drive but provides better traction in snow, rain, and off-road conditions. GMC's all-wheel-drive system on the Acadia is a full-time system that continuously distributes power to all four wheels.
Option packages and add-on features
GMC structures the 2025 Acadia's options into several packages rather than forcing you to upgrade the entire trim level. The Driver Alert Package, available on SLE and SLT, adds forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and a following distance indicator. The Technology Package typically includes a larger touchscreen, navigation, and enhanced connectivity features; availability varies by trim.
The Premium Package, offered on Denali trims, bundles a power liftgate, upgraded infotainment, and additional safety technology. Individual options like the panoramic sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and heated or ventilated seats can often be ordered separately or as part of a package, depending on your trim selection and regional availability.
Exterior customization includes different wheel designs, roof rail colors, and paint options. GMC offers both standard metallic and premium paint finishes; premium finishes typically cost more and may have longer lead times. Interior color choices range from light to dark tones, and some trims offer two-tone leather combinations on higher-end configurations.
Seating and interior layout options
The standard seating configuration on all 2025 Acadia trims is seven seats: two in front, three in the middle row, and two in the back. The middle row uses a bench seat that can fit three passengers, though it is narrower than a traditional bench and best suited for children or shorter trips with adults.
An optional six-seat configuration replaces the middle bench with two captain's chairs—individual seats with a center console between them. This layout provides more comfort for middle-row passengers on longer drives and makes it easier to access the third row. The trade-off is reduced seating capacity; you lose one seat overall. This option is available on most trims but may not be offered on the base SLE in all regions.
Cargo space varies slightly by seating configuration. With all seats in place, the Acadia offers roughly 10 cubic feet of space behind the third row. Folding the third row flat increases this to approximately 37 cubic feet, and folding both the second and third rows provides around 79 cubic feet of total cargo volume. The captain's chair configuration does not significantly change these numbers but does make accessing the cargo area easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the AT4 and the Denali?
The AT4 focuses on off-road capability with all-terrain styling, a locking rear differential, and hill descent control. The Denali prioritizes luxury with leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a Bose audio system. Both offer similar technology and comfort, but the AT4 is built for adventure while the Denali is built for refinement.
Does the 2025 Acadia come with all-wheel drive standard?
No. Front-wheel drive is standard on the SLE, SLT, and Denali. All-wheel drive is standard only on the AT4 and Denali Ultimate; it is optional on other trims. All-wheel drive reduces fuel economy slightly but improves traction in wet and snowy conditions.
Can I get a six-seat layout with captain's chairs?
Yes, most trims offer an optional six-seat configuration with captain's chairs in the middle row instead of a bench seat. This layout provides more comfort for middle-row passengers but reduces total seating from seven to six. Availability may vary by trim and region.
What is the towing capacity of the 2025 Acadia?
With the standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the Acadia can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The optional 3.6-liter V6 increases towing capacity to 6,000 pounds. Towing capacity is the same across all trims once you select an engine.
Is Super Cruise available on all Denali trims?
Super Cruise is available on the Denali Ultimate and can be added to the standard Denali through a package option. It is not available on lower trims. Super Cruise allows hands-free driving on compatible highways but requires a subscription after an initial trial period.