2026 GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate Hits Luxury SUV Prices

The Acadia Joins the Exclusive Denali Ultimate Lineup

Not two weeks ago, GMC introduced the newest and most luxurious version of the Acadia: the Denali Ultimate. It follows the brand’s familiar formula of packing high-end materials, exclusive design cues, and advanced tech into its existing top trims.

Like the Sierra and Yukon before it, the Acadia Denali Ultimate expands GMC’s premium offerings in the midsize SUV segment. Everyone expected it to carry a steep price tag. But now, thanks to dealer order guide data, we know just how steep it’s going to be – and it’s a lot.

Nearly $20,000 More Expensive Than the Base Acadia

According to information obtained by CarsDirect, the 2026 GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate will start at $62,900 before destination charges. Opting for all-wheel drive adds another $2,000, bringing the total to $64,900. Once the $1,895 destination fee is factored in, a front-wheel drive model will cost $64,795, while an AWD version crests just under $67,000.

That pricing makes the Denali Ultimate $7,200 more than the standard Denali, and an eye-opening $19,200 above the base Acadia Elevation. We knew it was going to be pricey, but we didn’t know it was going to be this lavish.

With a 44% markup over the entry model, it now sits among the most expensive three-row SUVs in its class. It also outprices the Chevy Traverse High Country by $7,800 and the Ford Explorer Platinum by more than $12,000. At this level, the Acadia Denali Ultimate begins to overlap with traditional luxury nameplates.

What You Get With That Price Tag

What exactly does the Denali Ultimate add over a regular Acadia Denali? For one, there’s a distinct Vader Chrome grille, LED animated lighting, and 22-inch machined aluminum wheels with an After Midnight Metallic finish. Inside, it includes massaging Woodland Mahogany leather seats, Paldao wood trim with laser-etched topographic detailing, and Denali Ultimate badging throughout.

The SUV also comes standard with Super Cruise, a 16-speaker Bose Performance Series system, panoramic sunroof, configurable head-up display, and nine camera views, including HD Surround Vision and a Rear Camera Mirror.

Mechanically, all Acadias, including the Ultimate, feature a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 328 hp and 326 lb-ft, paired with an 8-speed automatic. Maximum towing is rated at 5,000 pounds. Production will take place at Lansing Delta Township Assembly in Michigan.

While standard trims will begin arriving in dealerships in the third quarter of 2025, the Denali Ultimate will follow later in the year. GMC has not yet announced finalized specs or a detailed breakdown on packages, but more information is expected to be released as the on-sale date approaches.