GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate: A premium SUV that shines on long journeys

To truly assess a vehicle, a long journey is essential, and the GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate premium SUV proved its mettle on a demanding 900km round trip between Seoul and Busan. This extensive test, covering highways, national roads, and city driving, revealed the Acadia as a family SUV optimized for extended travel, particularly excelling in high-speed stability and cabin quietness.

The Acadia's design makes a bold statement, eschewing trendy coupe-like styling for a classic, imposing American SUV profile. Its substantial dimensions are complemented by a distinctive 'Vader Chrome' grille with a deep, dark finish, and C-shaped LED lighting that animates upon unlocking. The side profile emphasizes a long wheelbase, paired with 22-inch alloy wheels, creating a stable stance. Its design favors clean, straight lines, suggesting a timeless appeal.

Inside, the Acadia offers a luxurious experience, transforming the cabin into a premium lounge. The Woodland Mahogany interior theme features full-grain leather seats in the first two rows, accented by open-pore real wood on the center console and door panels. Intricate laser-engraved patterns, inspired by Denali's topography, and a black headliner further enhance the top-trim's refined feel.

Technologically, the SUV is equipped with a 15-inch vertical touchscreen integrating TMAP navigation, a 11-inch digital cluster, and an 8-inch head-up display, all designed to minimize driver distraction. The Acadia's spaciousness is another key strength, with a flexible 2+2+3 seating configuration, including captain's chairs in the second row, and ample cargo space that can expand to 2,758 liters when the rear seats are folded, making it highly practical for family trips and leisure activities.

During the long-distance drive, the Acadia's 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, producing 332.5 horsepower and 45.1 kg·m of torque, delivered power smoothly rather than aggressively off the line. While initial acceleration felt measured for its 2,260kg weight, the vehicle demonstrated impressive responsiveness at higher speeds. Overtaking maneuvers were effortless, and the SUV maintained remarkable composure even amidst crosswinds or when passing large trucks, thanks to its long wheelbase, AWD system, and frequency-selective dampers.