2025 GMC Acadia Denali Review
Today, I have a really exciting redesign I’ve been dying to get my hands on! The 2025 GMC Acadia received a HUGE refresh that has been much needed. But the question (as always) stands: is it family-friendly?
If you’re new here—welcome! I’m Kelly The Car Mom, a mom of four and a certified child passenger safety tech. I review cars with families in mind to help you figure out if they could work for you. Today, we’re diving into everything you need to know about the 2025 GMC Acadia in the Denali trim.
Before you dive in and start car shopping, make sure you’re fully prepared to tackle today’s market with confidence. To learn everything from dealership prep to a complete negotiations strategy, check out my Car Buying Course!
2025 GMC Acadia Denali Highlights
Major size upgrade: Now one of the largest midsize SUVs, with seating for up to eight.
Super family-friendly: Excellent car seat setup, tons of legroom, and easy third-row access.
Loaded with tech: Huge infotainment screen, Super Cruise hands-free driving (on Denali), and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
Cargo space for days: Up to 97.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.
Car Seat Setup
The Acadia is one of the most car seat-friendly SUVs in its class. Both second-row seats (captain’s chairs or outboard bench) have lower LATCH anchors and top tethers, and there are top tether anchors in all five rear seating positions.
While there are no lower anchors in the third row, you can still install forward-facing car seats securely using the tethers. The car seat tilt feature on both sides of the second row is a huge win for families, making it easy to access the third row without uninstalling seats. The wide, flat bench and generous legroom mean you can fit bulky rear-facing seats or boosters without issue.
2025 GMC Acadia Denali Exterior
The Acadia’s new look is bold and confident, with a “baby Yukon” vibe that really stands out. The Denali trim especially brings luxury touches like chrome, quilted leather, and wood grain accents. The sculpted hood, sharp bodylines, and C-shaped LED lighting give it a modern, upscale feel.
Wheel options range from 18-inch to 22-inch, and there are plenty of color choices – including a gorgeous blue that looks amazing in person. Whether you’re going for rugged (AT4), sporty (Elevation), or full luxury (Denali), there’s an Acadia for your style.
2025 GMC Acadia Denali First Row
Up front, the Acadia Denali feels genuinely premium. The seats are plush and supportive, with heating, ventilation, and even massage functions available. The digital dash is customizable and pairs seamlessly with the large, user-friendly infotainment screen. Super Cruise hands-free driving is available, and you get a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and a wireless charging pad.
Storage is excellent: four cup holders within reach, a big center console, and a handy pass-through under the console for purses or snacks. Materials are top-notch, with soft-touch surfaces and real wood or brushed aluminum accents, depending on trim.
Infotainment & Tech
The Acadia’s infotainment system is a standout, with a big, bright touchscreen that’s easy to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are all included. Physical buttons for climate and volume make life easier, and you get a surround-view camera system, rearview camera mirror, and tons of charging ports in every row.
Super Cruise is available on Denali, letting you enjoy hands-free driving on compatible highways.
2025 GMC Acadia Denali Second Row
The second row is a family dream. You can choose between captain’s chairs (seating for seven) or a bench seat (seating for eight). Both options offer tons of legroom – even for tall drivers or rear-facing car seats. The seats slide and tilt easily, and the car seat tilt feature is available on both sides, making third-row access a breeze even with car seats installed.
Amenities include heated seats, ceiling vents, multiple charging ports, and cup holders. The doors open wide for easy loading, and the high ceiling means no bumped heads. The only thing missing? Built-in sunshades, which would be nice for little ones.
2025 GMC Acadia Denali Third Row
The third row is so much better and genuinely usable for kids, teens, or even adults on shorter trips. There are three seats, and the middle seat is actually a decent size for this class.
The bench is deep enough for secure car seat installation, and amenities include ceiling vents, cup holders, and charging ports on both sides. The middle headrest is now removable, and the outboard headrests are fixed but not intrusive.
Access is easy thanks to the tilt-and-slide second row, and legroom is solid if you slide the second row forward a bit. The third row doesn’t feel like an afterthought – it’s comfortable and practical for families who need it.
2025 GMC Acadia Denali Trunk Space
Cargo space is a major highlight in this car. There’s about 23 cubic feet behind the third row – enough for a stroller and groceries – and up to 97.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat.
There’s also a deep underfloor storage compartment that’s perfect for hiding valuables or storing emergency gear. The power tailgate and wide opening make loading easy, and you can fold the second and third rows from the trunk area for maximum flexibility. It’s genuinely minivan-like in terms of space and usability.
Family-Friendliness
What Works:
Tons of space and flexible seating for growing families
Car seat tilt feature and easy third-row access
Excellent tech, safety, and infotainment features
Big, practical trunk with underfloor storage
What Doesn’t Work:
No lower LATCH anchors in the third row
No built-in sunshades
Some color combos (like all-beige) may not be the most kid-proof
Who Is This Car For?
The 2025 GMC Acadia is perfect for families who need true three-row space but want something more stylish and upscale than a minivan. It’s ideal if you’re juggling multiple car seats, have teens who need legroom, or just want a tech-filled SUV that grows with your family. If you want a big, practical, and easy-to-drive family hauler, the new Acadia should be at the top of your list.
2025 GMC Acadia Wrap-Up
GMC absolutely nailed this redesign. The 2025 Acadia is bigger, more practical, and packed with thoughtful features that make family life easier. The car seat setup is one of the best in the class, the tech is modern and easy to use, and the trunk space is genuinely impressive. If you’re looking for a stylish, spacious, and family-ready SUV, the Acadia is a must tour.
Would you consider the new Acadia for your family? Let me know in the comments! And to see the latest family cars on the market, check out my recent posts:
