Summer in Orange County means the car gets a workout. Big Bear one weekend, San Diego the next, then a run up the 5 to see family. If you're shopping for a three-row SUV that can handle all of that without feeling cramped, the 2026 GMC Acadia belongs on your list. Here's how it stacks up for the trips you'll actually take, and where it fits in our GMC family SUV lineup at Tustin Buick GMC.
How much room does the Acadia really have?
This is where the Acadia makes its case. It seats up to 8 depending on trim, so a family of five can bring two friends along without anyone riding in a lap. Fold the second and third rows and you get up to 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, per GMC. Keep all three rows up and there's still 23.0 cubic feet behind the third row, which is enough for a weekend's worth of bags on a trip to Palm Springs.
For comparison, if you want a slightly more upscale take on the same idea, the Buick Enclave shares the three-row layout with a quieter, more premium cabin. Plenty of Orange County families cross-shop the two, and we have both on the lot.
Is the engine strong enough for mountain roads?
The 2026 Acadia comes with one engine across every trim: a 2.5L turbo making 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic. That's a lot of torque for a mid-size SUV, and you feel it on the grade up to Big Bear or Idyllwild with a full load of people and gear. No more flooring it in the slow lane behind a loaded truck.
Towing a small trailer or a couple of jet skis? The Acadia's standard Trailering Package gives it up to 5,000 lbs of max trailering capability, when properly equipped. Check your owner's manual and the trailer's weight before you hitch up, and talk to our team about the right setup.
Do you need AWD in Southern California?
Most of the year, no. But if your summer plans include dirt roads to a trailhead, a sandy lot at the beach or an early season trip to the mountains, available AWD is worth a look. On the Acadia Elevation, Denali and Denali Ultimate you can choose front-wheel drive or AWD. The Acadia AT4 comes standard with AWD and gives you 7.7 inches of ground clearance per GMC, so it's the one to look at if your weekends lean toward the outdoors.
What makes long drives easier?
- Available Super Cruise: GMC's hands-free driver assistance for compatible roads is available on Elevation, AT4 and Denali, and standard on Denali Ultimate with a 3-year OnStar One plan. On a long stretch of the 15 toward Vegas, it takes a real load off. Learn more on our Super Cruise page.
- Head-Up Display: Available on Elevation and AT4, standard on Denali and Denali Ultimate, so your speed and directions sit in your line of sight.
- Three rows that fold flat: Switch from passengers to cargo in a minute when you hit the outlet mall on the way home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people does the 2026 GMC Acadia seat?
Up to 8 depending on trim, per GMC. Elevation seats up to 8. Ask us about the seating layout on the trim you're looking at.
How much can the Acadia tow?
Up to 5,000 lbs with the standard Trailering Package, when properly equipped. Towing capacity depends on configuration and how the vehicle is loaded, so check your owner's manual.
Does the Acadia come in AWD?
Yes. Elevation, Denali and Denali Ultimate are available in FWD or AWD, and the AT4 comes standard with AWD.
Which Acadia trim is best for families in Orange County?
It depends on how you'll use it. Elevation is the value pick with seating for up to 8. AT4 adds standard AWD and more ground clearance. Denali and Denali Ultimate add the premium features. Come drive two back to back and it usually gets clear fast.
See the Acadia before your next trip
The best way to know if the Acadia fits your family is to load it up and drive it. Browse our GMC Acadia inventory, check current new vehicle specials, or get pre-qualified online before you visit. You can also value your trade ahead of time. We're at 1 Auto Center Dr in Tustin, right off the 5 and the 55, serving Irvine, Santa Ana and all of Orange County. Get directions and hours.
View GMC Acadia Inventory | Get Pre-Qualified
Disclaimer: Specifications and features are per GMC for the 2026 model year and vary by trim. Seating, cargo and towing figures depend on configuration and equipment; maximum trailering requires properly equipped vehicles, see owner's manual for details. Super Cruise is available on compatible roads and requires an active plan; always pay attention while driving. Pre-qualification is subject to credit approval. Trade-in values are estimates and subject to appraisal. See dealer for details.