GMC's Acadia SUV is getting the midcycle refresh treatment for the upcoming 2020 model year. The update includes a beefed-up look that's more in line with GMC's pickup trucks, a new turbocharged engine option and new technology in the dashboard.

The 2020 Acadia refresh begins with a new front and rear exterior designs. The SUV's enlarged new grille looks like it was borrowed directly from the Sierra and Sierra HD pickup trucks and is flanked by new standard LED headlamps and GMC's signature elongated C-shaped light signatures. Out back, the tail lights also get the C-shaped LED treatment. The reshaped fascias give the SUV a more upright and rugged appearance despite its profile remaining largely unchanged.

Behind that beefy new grille, the Acadia will be available with a new 2.0-liter, dual-scroll turbocharged engine option that makes an estimated 230 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The new engine will feature GMC's tripower variable-lift valvetrain and cylinder deactivation technology -- which can disable two of the four cylinders in light load conditions -- to help improve fuel efficiency, but final miles per gallon estimates haven't been released just yet.

The new 2.0T will slot in between the Acadia's 2.5-liter four-cylinder (193-horsepower, 188 pound-feet of torque) and the 3.6-liter V6 (310-horsepower, 271 pound-feet) engine options, which persist from the last model year. All three engine offerings will feature stop/start fuel saving tech and come standard with a new nine-speed automatic transmission. That gearbox is controlled via GMC's "Electronic Precision Shift," a push-button shifter that replaces the previous generation's shift lever, freeing space in the cabin and center console for storage.

Just above the new electronic shifter, you'll find GMC's latest generation infotainment system, an 8-inch connected navigation system similar to the one we recently saw in the new Chevrolet Blazer. This new system features a simplified interface and driver profiles that can save a user's preferences and presets to the cloud. The navigation software is now connected with predictive destination entry and online destination search. Finally, the 2020 Acadia will join the growing ranks of vehicles equipped with USB-C connectivity. The new reversible ports will sit alongside the conventional USB-A port and enable standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

The 2020 model year will also see the introduction of a new Acadia AT4 trim level with more rugged and aggressive exterior styling. It'll feature dark trim for the grille and exterior details and unique 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires are also standard. AT4 models will come standard with the 3.6-liter V6 engine and twin clutch AWD system.

The 2020 GMC Acadia will hit the road in Fall 2019. We expect to learn more about pricing and fuel economy closer to launch.

General Motors debuted the new 2020 GMC Acadia last month, which has received updated looks, a new available 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, new technologies and, crucially, a new AT4 off-road trim.

Our initial debut story for the 2020 GMC Acadia only briefly touched on the new Acadia AT4 model, so today we’re going to take a closer look at what this package entails.

GMC says the Acadia AT4 gets a black chrome-accented grille, black mirror caps, black roof rails, model specific 17-inch wheels wrapped in Continental Terrain Contact all-terrain tires and a standard twin-clutch all-wheel drive system. The model’s ground clearance is the same as the regular Acadia, but this package gives the three-row crossover a more aggressive, outdoorsy exterior appearance.

Larger 20-inch wheels are also available on the Acadia AT4, although GMC has yet to release photos of the optional wheel set. It’s not clear if the 20-inch wheels will be offered with the same Continental Terrain Contact tires, although that exact set of rubber is indeed available in 20-inch sizes, as far as we can tell.

The Acadia AT4 is only available with the 3.6-liter V6 engine, which is rated at 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. All Acadia trims also get GM’s new nine-speed automatic transmission for 2020, and that includes the AT4.

Standard equipment on the Acadia AT4 includes a high-definition rear-view camera (which is also standard on SLT and Denali trims and available on SLE), a hands-free power liftgate with GMC logo projection (also standard on SLT and Denali) and AT4 exterior badging. There’s also AT4-branded heavy duty floor mats and an AT4-branded rear cargo area mat.

The 2020 Acadia will be offered in several exterior colors including Carbon Black Metallic, Satin Steel Metallic, Red Quartz Tintcoat, Ebony Twilight Metallic, Summit White, White Frost Metallic, Quicksilver Metallic, Smokey Quartz Metallic, Dark Sky Metallic and Red Mohgany Metallic. It’s not clear if all of these colors will be offered on the AT4, though it seems very likely.

More details on the 2020 Acadia AT4, such as pricing and availability, should become available closer to its on-sale date in the fall of this year.

Like this story? Be sure to check out our other GMC Acadia news.

GMC revealed the all-new Acadia, redefining what a premium mid-size SUV can be and launching a new era for the brand's family of SUVs and crossovers. The 2024 Acadia is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, with an all-new premium-appointed interior, elevated exterior design language, an enhanced suite of technology and an extensive list of standard safety features.

"GMC's brand mission is to be a leader in capability, professional grade refinement and technological innovation," said Duncan Aldred, global vice president, Buick and GMC. "The all-new Acadia showcases all that and more in a uniquely GMC way - and it's a blueprint of what's to come for the GMC SUV portfolio."

More spacious and more powerful

The 2024 GMC Acadia is larger in all dimensions compared to the previous model. It sits 10.6 inches longer and 3.2 inches taller than the previous generation, enabling enhanced passenger spaciousness and an expanded seating configuration of seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim.

The GMC Acadia's larger size also means more storage space and versatility - including nearly 80 percent more cargo space behind the third row and more than 36 percent more behind the second row, compared to the current generation.

"For this next generation, our mission was to reimagine the design and the proportions of the Acadia to create a bolder, more commanding presence, firmly in the vein of the evolving GMC portfolio," said Ben Zavala, design lead, GMC Acadia. "With its assertive, powerful stance, the 2024 Acadia evokes a truck-inspired persona, infused with the brand's signature premium feel."

All trims of the Acadia are powered by a new 2.5L turbocharged engine that delivers more power and more trailering capability than the previous generation. Producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, the new engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic on all trims with available all-wheel drive, including an exclusive off-road-capable Active Torque Control AWD system on the redesigned Acadia AT4.

The powertrain helps maintain Acadia's strong trailering capability. When properly equipped, it has a max trailering rating of 5,000 pounds.

Available Super Cruise driver assistance technology

The 2024 Acadia becomes the fifth nameplate within the GMC portfolio to offer Super Cruise - the industry's first true hands-free advanced driver assistance system available on more than 400,000 miles of roads in the U.S. and Canada. It also marks the first time that Super Cruise will be available on GMC trims such as Elevation Premium and AT4 in addition to Denali. Acadia will receive the latest version of GM's Super Cruise technology, which includes trailering assist and automatic lane-change capabilities.

Advanced, purposeful and innovative technology

In addition to its bold and sophisticated new exterior, the 2024 Acadia features an all-new interior with next-level technology integration and premium appointments. The focal point of the interior is a portrait-oriented 15-inch-diagonal premium GMC infotainment system display, which is standard across all trims.

System highlights include:

• Customizable touchscreen displays
• Google built-in compatibility with available apps including navigation
• Available high-contrast display

Married with the Acadia's all new portrait infotainment system is a new standard 11-inch-diagonal driver information center.

Additionally, the 2024 Acadia's advanced technologies also include:

• Up to nine available camera views for enhanced visibility: Accessible through the central infotainment display, nine available camera views include: Rear Camera View, Front Camera View, Front Top Down, Rear Top Down, Rear Camera View mirror, Front Side View, HD Surround Vision, Hitch View and Rear Side.
• Advanced safety and driver assistance technologies: The 2024 GMC Acadia features an expansive list of standard advanced safety features and driver assistance technologies, including:
  • Forward Collision Alert
  • Following Distance Indicator
  • Front Pedestrian and Bicycle Braking
  • IntelliBeam High Beam Assist
  • HD Rear Vision Camera
  • Rear Park Assist
  • Safety Alert Seat
  • Rear Cross Traffic Braking
  • Blind Zone Steering Assist
  • Buckle to Drive
  • Rear Seat Reminder
  • Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Rear Pedestrian Detection
  • Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Speed Limit Assist
  • Side Bicyclist Alert
  • Enhanced Lane Keep Assist
  • Reverse Auto Braking
  • Traffic Sign Recognition

Acadia AT4 - rugged capability

Off-road capability reaches a new peak for the nameplate with the all-new AT4. Advanced off-road driving technologies and features are matched with distinctive design cues and exclusive interior appointments, enabling customers to go further with confidence and comfort.

AT4 exclusive features include:

• A 1-inch taller ride height and a wider track, coupled with 18-inch AT tires enhancing stability, handling and capability when driving off road
• Off-road-tuned suspension with hydraulic rebound control
• AT4-exclusive Active Torque Control all-wheel-drive system with twin-clutch rear differentials for optimal traction and control in demanding scenarios
• Front fascia accented with signature AT4 red tow hooks and integrated skid plates
• Selectable drive modes including Terrain mode and Hill Descent Control
• Exclusive AT4 interior elements featuring Forest Storm interior with Mahogany stitching and additional chrome-metallic trim

Acadia Denali refined luxury

GMC Acadia Denali returns to redefine the premium mid-size SUV, with new, stylish enhancements, elevated design cues and a bolder roster of luxurious features including:

• Standard one-touch folding second-row seats and power-folding third row
• Distinctive exterior trim and design features, including unique trim accents, a signature Denali grille and available, all-new, 22-inch machined aluminum wheels - the largest ever on Acadia
• Elevated interior featuring an available panoramic, pillar-to-pillar sunroof, authentic laser-etched wood décor with Galvano chrome accents, and perforated leather-appointed heated and ventilated front seats and available second-row outboard heated seats
• Active noise cancelling technology and a Bose premium sound system with 12 standard speakers - and up to 16 available on Denali

Coming soon from Lansing

The next-generation 2024 GMC Acadia will be produced at GM's Lansing Delta Township Assembly in Michigan and is expected to be available in early 2024.