2024 GMC Acadia Elevation AWD | Is The New Acadia Better Than The Old One? | Review & Test Drive POV

2024 GMC Acadia Elevation AWD | Is The New Acadia Better Than The Old One? | Walkaround Review & Test Drive (POV)
Let's take a look at the 2024 GMC Acadia Elevation and see if it's worth it! We'll take a look at the exterior, under the hood, interior, and take it for a drive and talk about it's driving dynamics to answer the question, should you buy the GMC Acadia Elevation? I'll also mention a few things that differ the Elevation from the AT4 and the Denali trim models!
This Acadia and others like it can be found at:
Bob Johnson GMC
[phone]
4389 W. Ridge Rd.
Rochester, NY 14626
Follow them @bobjohnsonautogroup on Facebook and Instagram

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

Thank you for watching my 2024 GMC Acadia Elevation review! If you have any questions I didn't answer, or wanted my opinion on something specific on this new Acadia, comment below so I can reply. Thanks again for watching, I'll see you on my next video!

[@minipandora22]

Those *orange LED* lights are crazy ! Wow ! ❤❤❤❤

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

Pretty sweet looking turn signals I must say! Thank you for watching!

[@AustinWerner]

Great video as always! Bro u had me dying when u roasted the paddle shifters😂😂 can u do a gmc sierra next?!?

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

Thanks brother! But seriously they are I think a top contender for world’s WORST paddle shifters 😂 I will try my best to make the Sierra happen very soon, I’ve been on a GMC roll lately, I have an Acadia Denali video dropping this week, so I’ll try to switch it up a little for next couple. But I promise Sierra is in the queue! Thanks for watching brother!

[@gibreezy]

If you click the button to the right of the “Home Screen” it cleans it up quite nicely and is more of the “Home Screen” feel you’re going for, plus you can edit the squares and the info displayed

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

I did kind of play with it a little bit, but I think there’s still too much info being displayed I’m not crazy about the look. I’m old school, I liked the old system better 😂

[@innovativeicons4535]

Can you tell me about the tilt steering wheel? same as the 2021? I preferred my old Envoy. is the trailer hitch standard? still the liftgate window does not open?

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

Steering wheel does go in and out and up and down with a manual release. However, it doesn’t go quite as high or come out as far as I would like. In order to get a trailer hitch on elevation you do need the $650 trailering package option. The lift gate window is stationary unfortunately, I would like to see them add that in on future models. Thank you for watching!

[@tatersquad2000]

I see that the front legroom is 44 inches which is very good on paper, I'm 6'3 and need lots of room but it seems you thought it came up a bit short? I'm looking at the 2024 santa fe and traverse as well, front legroom and headroom is important to me, any suggestions?

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

I thought it came up a bit short compared to trucks like the Colorado/Canyon. I myself find the most leg room in them. But if this truck will be your second vehicle and not your daily, I wouldn’t worry about it. It’s not that it’s unbearable. But if I did have to take a 2-3 hour ride, I don’t think I’d want it to be my road trip choice. My pant length is 36 if that helps any. Thank you for watching!

[@stephencooper3583]

Personally, I see nothing wrong with the infotainment screen. That's just the direction the industry is headed these days. Can't stuff that genie back in the bottle, ya know? I prefer the horizontal screens though, like the Traverse. But the fact remains... big screens are here to stay. Anyway, nice review.

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

You’re 100% right, the industry is headed that way, me personally I wouldn’t say it’s for the better unless done well. I still haven’t seen a vehicle that has this full touchscreen setup that I like yet. Like you said I do like that horizontal touchscreen in the Traverse and the horizontal screen that’s in the new Escalade as well, they’re easier to use at least in my opinion. Big screens are indeed here to stay for now, there’s no going back. Thank you for the kind words and thank you for watching!

[@fredhoffman7369]

Correct

[@jameswalsh6131]

Hey great review Ceall! That is one really sharp looking SUV. I hear you about the questionable longevity of the turbo but it does seem to be the waive of the future. I am guessing that for the most part they will be fine and seem to be a lot more reliable but we shall see. I don't think I'd pay for google maps either. I just plug my phone in and I get the audio prompts which is fine for me. I hope things have been great for you! Happy Memorial day weekend to you brother! Always wishing nothing but the best for you!!

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

Thanks man! The Acadia has a lot of interest right now. People love the new exterior design for the most part. I think it will be better than expected, my low-output 2.7L in the Silverado has been better than expected on reliability so I’m happy! And me neither, all day when I’m at work that’s all I use is the audio prompts and it works out pretty well. Happy Memorial Day weekend to you man, get out there and enjoy the weather do something fun! I’ll be working but I might plan something fun for Tuesday, not sure what but hopefully something outdoors. Thanks for watching brother, be safe and enjoy the weekend! 🇺🇸🤙🏻

[@mjdgi1]

I remember GM was I have two or three power plants and put them in everything. They have a 2.7 l inside the trucks why they didn't just bring it down and make it for this front wheel drop platform?

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

I’m happy someone else agrees! These were my thoughts exactly. It’s just a 200cc difference in size. Thank you for watching!

[@fredhoffman7369]

The 3.6 was a great engine one of the best ever like GM,s 3.8 V6

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

Most people close to me have shared good stories about the 3.6L, I’ve only heard a few bad stories but that’s with any engine, I think overall the 3.6L was a good engine. Thank you for watching!

[@gibreezy]

Does this one come with ambient lighting

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

I believe you have to step up to the Denali to get ambient lighting on the interior.

[@benjamincort8162]

my brother had a 2019 chevy colorado Z71 and it has a wireless charger that he can’t use because my old 13 mini barely fit so his 13 pro max won’t

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

Yeah I have the 13 Pro Max and it does fit here, it just doesn’t charge, it doesn’t do it’s only job 😂 Thank you for watching!

[@jeremyhulsey7749]

I wonder if Google maps would show if used through your cell.

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

I’m gonna put my money on no. Then they would really be shooting themselves in the foot with trying to get people to sign up for the Google subscription, I don’t think they’d be that nice to us 😂 You can still get the navigation on the center screen once you hook up your Apple CarPlay or Android Auto so that works on at least the center screen. Thank you for watching!

[@claudiamacias7877]

I thought they came with panoramic sunroof . Or is that just for elevation premium?

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

Not all Elevation’s will come with the sunroof option. The sunroof is listed as a $1,500 standalone option on the website when building the Acadia Elevation. They are much more common on AT4 and Denali trim models. Thank you for watching!

[@zachconnor3846]

It’s a subscription service to get the map on your instrument cluster? I’ve watched tons of reviews on the Traverse and no one has ever mentioned that, that’s good to know!

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

Yes I didn’t have my Apple CarPlay hooked up so that was coming from the Google subscription service. It’s too bad because that’s my favorite dash display on the Acadia here. I think the other displays have too much information on them. Thank you for watching!

[@ezhura]

I'm pretty sure you can use your connect the car to your phone's wifi hotspot, so you use your phones data instead of paying for onstar.

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

@@ezhura I did some research and someone said they tried it and it would still display the map, but when trying to interact with it and use certain features, it was telling them something like “a data plan is needed to access these features…”. Of course they would have to stop us in our tracks, they knew what we we’re gonna do 😂

[@nealmuir6207]

@@CEALLIFORNIA do you know if you need the subscription service in order to use Apple Carplay?

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

@nealmuir6207 That service should still be just associated with the vehicle only, no need to pay to keep CarPlay and Android Auto up and running! Thank you for watching!

[@apkn1955]

The sun is hot.

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

That is correct 😂 I just wanted to give people some context on these seats that they may not have thought of before test driving/buying the Acadia.

[@gibreezy]

Does this come with ambient lighting?

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

The Denali model is the only one that has ambient lighting if I’m not mistaken.

[@gibreezy]

@@CEALLIFORNIA I saw an AT4 with it, but it’s very unclear as to which trims come with it as an option

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

@gibreezy Just ran through a quick build process on the AT4 on their website to see and I’m pretty certain that the only way to get ambient lighting is within the Denali trim model only.

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

At least they don’t go far enough into detail on listing the vehicles interior options when speccing the AT4 on the website to know for sure until I see some in person.

[@gibreezy]

@@CEALLIFORNIA ok so just test drove a Denali and a AT4, both had it. So confirmed the AT4 definitely does have it also. However, I wasn’t impressed with the infotainment system and the lack of customization

[@PropagandaParody-bg3sp]

A disturbing trend in the auto industry is leather or fake leather as the only seating material option and the addition a panoramic glass roof for almost every model. Glass roofs are heavier than aluminum, so why make an aerodynamic roofline just to add glass roof weight? Anyone near the sunbelt, which is half of the United States, can tell you cloth seats stay cooler, even in the eat than anything else. the auto industry has a nasty habit of following trends that lead to high dollar sales, like lemmings, they dont care what consumers want, they just build the most expensive vehcile they can for the finance charges and dealer markup. Some clown in the C suite who doesnt break a swaet for a living, like Ibara who gave herself a $25 million dollar raise while denying workers fair pay, likely decided she likes leather, or fake leather seats. In reality it gets hot all summer long and the heat can kill people, pets or susceptable items left inside. Im avoinding buying any vehcile that doesn't offer cloths seats. Period, full stop.

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

I do love a cloth seat option myself. When they’re done well, they’re actually quite comfortable and don’t get nearly as hot in the summer time. I do like having a sunroof personally, but I don’t think it’s a requirement for me. Thank you for watching!

[@jakes5530]

Eh I’m not sold on it. Wish you could get a 2nd row bench, plus the engine is meh.

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

Yeah for me too, the engine is neither here nor there. I would’ve preferred it be the 2.7L out of the Silverado. And I know, a lot of shoppers like the second row bench. You can still get a second row bench in the new Traverse. Sometimes you just don’t always need the third row. Thank you for watching!

[@jakes5530]

@@CEALLIFORNIA id be curious to see how the 2.7 wouldve performed in this. Less HP but gobs more torque.

[@erinhondacr855]

Very roomy car, all the seats and the trunk too 👍

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

I agree, It’s not everyday I’m able to fit in the 3rd row of an SUV. Thank you for watching!

[@alexanderkajdi8117]

GM should swap out the 2.5 Liter Turbo for the 2.7 Liter Turbo used in other vehicles to simplify production and assembly. This vehicle does not need paddle shifters. This Vehicle does need a full bench second row with heating for northern climates. Great Review!

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

Thank you very much! I agree. The 2.7L out of the Silverado would go perfectly in this! The new Traverse if I’m not mistaken is the only one to still offer a second row bench. And I agree, the paddle shifters felt so horrible in this car, that it would’ve been better had they just not been there altogether 😂 Thank you for watching!

[@dennism7788]

How can GM charge you $25 a month for Google Maps along with Podcasts, News, Google Assistant etc. How can they get away with this? They don't own it, but they have packaged it to where the owner will not have access unless you pay $25 a month, $1500 for 5 years or $3000 for 10 years.

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

It’s way too much money in my opinion. I don’t care how bad I wanted it, I would never pay that. I mean you can get a gym membership for that kinda money, $10 a month would make a little more sense for a digital service like this. Thank you for watching!

[@eddyz7567]

This car was so close to being the best three row SUV in the class…and then it’s like at the last minute GMC made some really questionable decisions like leaving out the rear window shades, installing narrow cup holders, giving it flimsy and useless paddle shifters, and putting the headlight control ON THE SCREEN?! These are not features any customer would be happy with.

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

I agree there. Give me some PROPER size cupholders and some cool, metal feeling paddle shifters just to make it feel more upscale and I’d be pretty happy over all. The headlight switch decision drives me craziest of them all though. Thank you for watching!

[@keithmaher9482]

Agreed entirely. I would also add the option for a 6 cylinder.

[@G-Rated]

This is absolutely dramatic. No one really cares about a digital headlight button for automatic headlights. Nobody cares about cup holder sizes that much, and I’m not sure what the paddle shifters were supposed to be made out of but no family really cares about that either. Just say you’re a troll.

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

I’d still really like to see a 6-cylinder option as well. I think depending on who you are, I guess depending on how much of a car person you are, some of these things might bother you. If you’re not much of a car person, and this is going to be the vehicle to get the kids to school and take on grocery runs and such, then you probably won’t care about these minor differences on the new generation like you said. Thank you for watching!

[@josharoo4691]

I think my biggest issue is coretec leather on elevation with no option for ventilated seats or rainsense wipers but that's just me so I ordered the denali. Just crazy to me to take away options my 2023 had which was slt

[@erinhondacr855]

First

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

You even beat me to my final watch through! 😂 Thank you for watching!

[@bproductions3326]

It’s a cheater third row. Definitely not for adults!

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

Yeah I can’t say I’d like to be back there for more than a half hour trip 😂 Thank you for watching and for subscribing!

[@bproductions3326]

@@CEALLIFORNIA I noticed most of your reviews are from Bob Johnson. My mom just bought a red ‘24 Trax 2RS from the Greece location. Great car, just wish she had gotten the sunroof pack, because it would’ve come with wireless charging! Considering she came out of a 2012 rogue, would’ve been nice!

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

@@bproductions3326 That is where I’m doing all my new car reviews, they’ve been great to work with, and couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity! I’m sorry she doesn’t have the wireless charging, I will say it didn’t work that well in the Acadia here even without my phone case on, so I think I would just end up plugging my phone in anyway. A lot of these wireless chargers in cars are so finicky for some reason. Still definitely an upgrade from the Nissan though, she will love it!

[@fredhoffman7369]

I have a 2016 Acadia front bucket& 2nd row buckets& 3rd row bench plenty of leg room& 3.6 on regular gas Love it! Last of the big Acadias they don't talk at all the last 2016 had it all * runs so smooth rides smooth one best vehicles ever owned

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

@@fredhoffman7369 My mom had a Buick Enclave of that generation and I do remember it being very smooth and a pretty great family hauler. We started having some problems towards the end, but it was a great car overall!

[@musclecarsrt2324]

GM I hope you’re listening because I won’t buy your vehicles if I have to pay for a map subscription!!!! So stupid and makes no sense !!!So there is no car play at all ?????

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can still be found on the main/radio screen in the center. Thank you for watching!

[@fredhoffman7369]

Ford Explorer is way ahead even after months late coming out with the new 2024 ACADIA! DISAPPOINTED!

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

I have yet to see the new Explorer in person. Did they bring the same engine options into this new generation do you know?

[@RigginTheRod010]

24 mpg highway is terrible! GM is so behind! Why no hybrid options!?!? Goodness GM buy the tech from Toyota or something!

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

I can’t say I don’t agree. I get 24mpg on good days in my ‘21 Silverado with the 2.7L. I haven’t real world tested the mpg on this new Acadia, so I can’t say for sure if the real world mpg is better than what’s advertised. Thank you for watching!

[@Alexander-qw5hr]

​@@CEALLIFORNIAI was talking to someone that already got an AWD 2024 traverse and they said they've been getting 22 on the highway....

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

@@Alexander-qw5hr Ouch, I guess it is what it is. It’s hard to make a big SUV like this fuel efficient without the hybrid technology. Maybe they’ll figure something out with their new focus on EV’s.

[@randywilliams5042]

Picky picky no car company designs a perfect car. You can't please everybody.

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

I don’t expect a perfect car from any car company, even my favorite car companies Audi and BMW have some serious flaws in some of their designs too, and I can acknowledge that. I just want to make sure my viewers have a decent idea at what the car is like to live with before they head to the dealer! Thank you for watching!

[@fredhoffman7369]

Just build the new Acadia like the 2016!!! Big V6 engine shift on console,regular gas, not premium gas, high tech dash only fot young Yong like toys!,Older just want solid SUV like 2016 BIG,V6,PLENTY OG DASH THINGS,& A VERY GOOD VEHICLE!

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

@@fredhoffman7369 That’s the only thing I could really wish for in this one, a V6 option! And probably a radio screen that set up just a smidge better. Nowhere close to the worst radio screen I’ve seen in a car, but it could use improving. Thank you for watching!

[@randywilliams5042]

Then stick to Audi. Everybody is using 4 cylinders now Lexus,BMW on and on .

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

@@randywilliams5042 I drove a 2024 Lexus TX350 with the turbocharged 2.4L 4-Cyl. and was very pleased. This 4-cylinder could potentially just need some additional tuning, a new transmission, perhaps shorter gears. I’ve driven a good amount of turbo 4 SUV’s, and this one just felt not as smooth/a little underpowered in comparison. Thank you for watching!

[@derekgilbert2884]

Once again GM poor leaderships put old chevrolet vega engines 2.5 turbo engine is junk image that 😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

Is this engine actually deriving from something that old? 😂 Thank you for watching!

[@Maxwell1989]

It's a brand new engine all new with diesel components to make it more reliable

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

@@Maxwell1989 I was trying to find some info on GM Authority before I came to do the review but the articles I found weren’t telling me much, thank you! And thank you for watching!

[@derekgilbert2884]

Well both work in gm dealership for as mechanics one 40 years and 50 years I think they know then any dealership tell you all about lies 2.5 turbo engine suck just like 2.7 turbo engine it old chevy vega 2.3 engine sound same junk engine image that.

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

@@derekgilbert2884 I love my low output 2.7L in my ‘21 Silverado. It’s far more reliable than I expected it would be. The new high output 2.7L in the 2022.5 Silverado is the one I’m concerned about, I think it’s too much power for that engine to handle.

[@Spoolingturbski]

The 3.6 has never been reliable. Horrible engine.

[@CEALLIFORNIA]

The 3.6L has had some horror stories over the years, but I’ve also know people close to me that have had great luck with them for years. Its all luck of the draw and whether your 3.6L was built on a Wednesday or a Friday 😂 I hope this new 2.5L is a good one for us, thank you for watching!

[@Spoolingturbski]

@@CEALLIFORNIA I’m most curious about the new turbo engines. 2.7 turbomax, inline 6 hurricane turbo etc. Turbos can be very reliable and efficient, so I hope companies have dialed it in.