The GMC Acadia’s AT4 trim turns the already-capable SUV into a competent off-road contender. While it might not be able to achieve some of the rock-crawling, dune-bashing feats of off-road strength one might experience behind the wheel of a dedicated body-on-frame adventure rig, it’s still a standout in the crossover class. The advantages of the Acadia’s crossover design are a fair trade-off for this slight reduction in off-road ability, giving drivers a chance to enjoy a more comfortable and efficient ride that still knows how to get down and dirty when the need arises. It might be one of the best-kept secrets in the so-called “soft-roader” segment, but that all ends today as I blow the lid off the practical off-road gem that is the GMC Acadia AT4.
Those browsing for a GMC Acadia for sale will notice that the model recently benefited from an ambitious redesign for the 2024 model year. The makeover has been a boon to the Acadia’s capacity and capability, upping the SUV’s towing capacity by 1,000 lbs, providing almost 80 percent more cargo room, and extending the length and height by 10.6 inches and 3.2 inches, respectively, to create a decidedly roomier interior. These upgrades aside, it’s the Acadia AT4’s arsenal of off-road gear that makes the most convincing case for hitting your local off-road trails. From the SUV’s Active Torque Control AWD system and upgraded suspension to its customizable Traction Select system, join me as I review three features that have the Acadia AT4 destined for off-road success.
Active Torque Control AWD System
A good all-wheel drive system lies at the heart of any off-road-worthy model. Traction is king when you’re navigating challenging off-road terrain, which is why it’s nice to see GMC package the AT4 with one of its most advanced AWD offerings. Dubbed Active Torque Control, the AT4’s AWD system leverages an advanced twin-clutch design to automatically direct the full-size SUV’s considerable 326 lb-ft of torque exactly where it’s needed most. How does it work? Unlike most AWD setups, the system’s rear drive unit can spread the Acadia’s torque between the two rear wheels as well as between the front and rear axles and constantly monitors all four wheels for any loss of traction.
When one wheel starts to slip, the Active Torque Control AWD system will reduce torque to that corner of the vehicle and divert it to another wheel that has a better grip on the road. Active Torque Control represents a notable improvement over your garden-variety AWD systems, giving drivers the ability to power through dirt, mud, snow, ice, and other conditions with confidence. It’s the perfect pairing for the rugged AT4 trim, allowing the Acadia to outshine many of its full-size crossover rivals when things start to deteriorate.
But Active Torque Control doesn’t just enhance performance in wet, snowy, and muddy conditions. When faced with a dry, paved surface, the AWD system noticeably improves the Acadia’s cornering and handling abilities by redirecting torque from the inside wheel to the outside wheel to help steer the vehicle. This unusual party trick turns the GMC Acadia into a sportier ride than some might expect from the three-row segment, enhancing safety while making for a more thrilling ride all around.
Off-Road Tuned Suspension
After a solid AWD system, a robust suspension is probably the second-most important feature for an off-road SUV. GMC certainly understood the assignment when crafting the Acadia AT4, pairing the soft-roader with an overhauled performance suspension that includes some notable improvements over the setup found on the standard Acadia. The revised design includes a wider track and an extra inch of ground clearance when compared to the Elevation trim, which improves the AT4’s handling and stability. Not all of that extra ground clearance comes from the lifted suspension, as some can be credited to the standard all-terrain tires that are wrapped around the SUV’s 18-inch aluminum wheels.
As compelling as these upgrades might be, the real highlight of the AT4’s off-road suspension would probably have to be its hydraulic rebound control dampers. Shared with the Chevy Traverse Z71 trim, these dampers excel at soaking up all the bumps and bruises that come with aggressive off-road driving. From improving comfort and durability to reducing impact noise and alleviating the load on other parts of the suspension, the AT4’s hydraulic rebound control dampers guarantee a smooth ride no matter where the road might take you. The hydraulic rebound control dampers also provide the sort of cushioning that can go a long way towards reducing the dreaded “bottoming out” feeling that might cause you to wince every time you hit a particularly nasty pothole or catch a little air on an off-road trail.
Traction Select System
The GMC Acadia’s Traction Select System allows the crossover to essentially transform into six different vehicles depending on what the road throws at you. The Traction Select System can even be adjusted on the fly, offering drivers the opportunity to quickly respond to changing conditions and increase comfort or fuel efficiency as they see fit. While most of the Acadia’s trims include Normal, Sport, Snow, Off-Road, and Tow/Haul modes, the AT4 ups the ante with a Terrain mode designed to help the crossover power through the road less traveled. Let’s take a closer look at each of these and learn just how easy it is to tune the Acadia to meet your unique driving needs.
Normal
If you’re looking to maximize comfort without sacrificing anything in the way of handling, Normal mode is a great choice. This mode doesn’t just provide a smooth, seamless ride that’s perfect for cruising the highway or navigating around town, but it’s also the Acadia’s most economical setting. If you’re looking to max out the SUV’s EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway, look no further than Normal mode.
Sport
By simply adjusting the Acadia’s steering response, pedal tuning, and engine sound, Sport mode can turn the Acadia into a more responsive ride. This mode maximizes the crossover’s acceleration and handling on dry, paved surfaces, giving drivers the chance to speed the 4,700-plus pound Acadia AT4 from zero to 60 mph in around 6.5 seconds.
Snow
The Acadia’s Active Torque Control AWD System will have you tackling even the most challenging road conditions head-on, but a little extra security never hurts when the white stuff starts to fly. Snow mode adjusts the Acadia’s pedal tuning to slow the acceleration and torque response and prevent the dreaded wheel slip. Snow mode delivers unparalleled traction on wet, icy, or otherwise slippery surfaces and is a must-have feature for any driver who regularly encounters snow banks, plow trucks, and the tough winter road conditions that come with them.
Tow/Haul
The Acadia’s ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds puts it in good company, ranking alongside the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, and Toyota Grand Highlander towards the top of the three-row crossover segment. That said, it’s the Acadia’s Tow/Haul mode that really sets it apart from the competition. By customizing the transmission shift points, the Tow/Haul mode gives drivers the ability to keep heavy loads in check and improve safety on even the steepest descents while automatically engaging the AWD system.
Off-Road
When the going gets tough, the tough turn to Off-Road mode. Gravel, sand, mud, and other loose, messy off-road surfaces can cause your garden-variety crossover to become hopelessly mired in the muck, but GMC has engineered around this common problem with Off-Road mode. The setting modifies the Acadia’s accelerator pedal tuning and alters its Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control System to limit slippage and keep all four wheels planted firmly on the road.
Terrain
Exclusive to the AT4 trim, Terrain mode is the Acadia at its most rugged. Revised shift mapping and traction control settings are ideal for low-speed, off-road applications, but it’s the opportunity to unlock one-pedal driving that really sets Terrain mode apart. By adding automatic braking to the mix, Terrain mode lets drivers focus solely on the gas pedal to help minimize distractions and power through tough off-road terrain. Whether you’re encountering mud, water, deep ruts, or even leaving the road behind for good, Terrain mode has your back.
The Opportunity to Explore
The Active Torque Control AWD system with its twin-clutch rear differential, added ground clearance, hydraulic rebound control dampers, and Traction Select System aren’t the only elements that make the GMC Acadia AT4 one of the most alluring three-row crossovers on the market. The SUV includes an assortment of underbody skid plates, 5,000 lbs of maximum trailering capability, an improved approach angle, and striking red recovery hooks that are sure to come in handy when your off-road adventure goes a little sideways. The AT4 also comes standard with Hill Start Assist and a Hill Descent Control feature that serves as a sort of low-speed, off-road cruise control. It’s a well-rounded package and one that immediately sets the Acadia AT4 apart from some of the less potent soft-road models on the market. The trim is a standout in the crossover class, offering drivers the opportunity to explore off-road terrain without the downsides that come with a body-on-frame model.
