▲Front view of GM Korea's Acadia premium SUV/pickup. Photo=GM Korea
GM Korea introduced the Acadia — GM’s American premium SUV/pickup — to the domestic market earlier this year.
With a bold stance and substantial proportions, the Acadia combines a roomy cabin with composed driving dynamics to deliver the hallmark appeal of a traditional American SUV.
I recently drove the Acadia on roughly a 40 km (about 25-mile) route from Seoul’s Gangnam district to Paju. The test vehicle was the top-line Denali Ultimate. GM Korea says the model will be offered in a single, fully equipped Denali Ultimate trim to meet strong demand in the domestic premium SUV segment.
The Acadia’s first impression is unmistakably American. Straight, clean bodylines emphasize a robust simplicity, while a large grille and a thick hood give it a heavy, authoritative presence. The tall roofline and wide stance create proportions that draw attention even in city traffic.
Up close, the Acadia reflects GM’s traditional SUV design language. The Denali Ultimate’s signature Vader Chrome grille anchors the front end; replacing bright chrome with a deep, dark finish adds both luxury and a rugged charisma.
Complementing that look are 22-inch "After Midnight" machined alloy wheels that suit the vehicle’s large proportions and add a sense of dynamism. Filled wheel arches bolster visual stability and accentuate the large-SUV presence.
▲Side view of GM Korea's Acadia premium SUV/pickup. Photo=GM Korea
The Acadia’s standout attribute is interior space. Its seven-seat layout—two up front, two in the second row, and three in the third—delivers genuinely usable space. Unlike many rivals that treat the third row as an occasional seat, the Acadia offers room where even adult passengers can sit comfortably for extended periods.
Third-row headroom measures 979 mm (38.5 in) and legroom 816 mm (32.1 in), providing a relaxed seating position rather than a cramped one. The second row uses independent captain’s chairs for added comfort and easier access to the rear.
Cargo capacity is also notable. With all three rows in place, the trunk holds 648 liters (about 22.9 cu ft), enough for golf bags. Folding the second and third rows expands cargo space to as much as 2,758 liters (about 97.4 cu ft), making the vehicle well suited for moving large items or car-camping trips.
The body measures 5,160 mm long, 2,020 mm wide and 1,815 mm tall, dimensions that match rising demand for outdoor and leisure activities.
The infotainment setup is clearly tailored for local users. It includes T map Auto for improved navigation clarity, a 15-inch vertical center display, an 11-inch digital gauge cluster and an 8-inch head-up display, which together provide intuitive routing and minimize driver distraction.
▲General MotorsC 'Acadia' rows 1 and 2. Photo=Reporter Park Ji-seong
▲General MotorsC 'Acadia' third row. Photo=Reporter Park Ji-seong
▲General MotorsC 'Acadia' cargo area. Photo=Reporter Park Ji-seong
On the road, the Acadia performs capably. The throttle response is brisk for a vehicle of this size, and it remains composed at highway speeds. The 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with an eight-speed automatic produces 332.5 PS (about 328 hp) and 45.1 kg·m of torque (roughly 326 lb-ft). A towing capacity of up to 2,268 kg (about 5,000 lb) makes it practical for hauling caravans or boat trailers.
That said, the engine can sound a bit loud under hard acceleration, delivering a heavy sensation common to large SUVs. Given its class, the level of noise is tolerable for many buyers.
The suspension absorbs road imperfections well while limiting excessive body roll, which helps reduce fatigue on long drives. Steering is on the heavier side but offers consistent feedback, so maneuvering the large body never feels unduly taxing. Overall, the Acadia strikes a balanced compromise between urban comfort and highway stability.
▲On a roughly 40 km (about 25-mile) drive in the General MotorsC 'Acadia', the vehicle recorded fuel economy of 10 km/L (about 23.5 mpg US). Photo=Reporter Park Ji-seong
Fuel economy is respectable for a large SUV. On the roughly 40 km test route, the Acadia averaged 10 km/L (about 23.5 mpg US), which should be sufficient for long hauls like Seoul–Busan trips as well as daily city use.
The Acadia’s domestic launch price is ₩89,900,000 (about $67,425). That figure may seem high at first, but given the generous interior space, practical versatility and its premium positioning, the price is defensible.
Reporter Park Ji-seong captain@ekn.kr
