In 1999, GMC introduced Denali, its new top trim level, on the Yukon. It wasn’t long before GMC started offering Denali versions of its other vehicles. Now you can get every model in the GMC lineup (except the Hummer EVs) in Denali trim. But starting in 2022, Denali got one-upped by Denali Ultimate, which is currently available on the Sierra 1500, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL. The newest GMC to get that super-luxury treatment is the 2026 Acadia.
Someone on GMC’s design team must be a Star Wars fan because two of the flagship Acadia’s most distinguishing exterior characteristics are the Vader Chrome grille and GMC logo, which are flanked by LED daytime running lamps with an animated lighting sequence (perhaps one resembling a lightsaber battle?).
The 20-inch wheels get a similar makeover, going from the regular Denali’s Pearl Nickel finish to After Midnight Metallic (does GMC have an Eric Clapton fan on its design team too?). If those clues aren’t enough, GMC also identifies the top Acadia model with exclusive badging.
Inside, GMC sets the Acadia Denali Ultimate apart in two major ways. As you might expect, it comes equipped with more standard features than lesser models. Those make up a long list that includes an eight-inch head-up display, Bose 16-Speaker Performance Series sound system, panoramic sunroof, HD Surround Vision, Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance tech, and performance suspension. A Rear Camera Mirror is also on the list, but it’s now standard on all 2026 Acadias.
The Denali Ultimate’s materials are the second half of the interior upgrades. The Woodland Mahogany massaging front seats are heated and ventilated, and accented with plaited contrast stitching. All three rows get Denali Ultimate badges on their seatbacks along with embossed topographical maps, which extend to the door trim and map pockets. Laser-etched accents give the Paldao wood trim its own texture.
Look for the 2026 Acadia in GMC dealerships in Q3 of this year. Denali Ultimate models should arrive later; expect final pricing and additional info at around that time.
