One drive of the three-row GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate proves that nobody needs ostentation to get grace and pace in a vehicle that fits the entire family.

GMC’s Denali nameplate has been described as signifying “stealth luxury.” It's a vehicle trim level for people who want comfort and style without pretension. These upscale drivers can often afford the chrome badges of luxury makes but prefer to stay below the radar of wealth.

The numbers tell an interesting story. The Denali trim level accounts for more 30% of GMC sales — and close to 60% of models like the full-size Yukon. By itself, Denali sales would surpass the numbers of several top-tier luxury brands. And customers are willing to spend, as top Denali models can reach over $100,000 — a price that puts it in the same stratum as the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 three-row crossovers.

One should expect more than chrome and badges for premium pricing, and the Acadia mostly delivers. Staying honest, much of its underpinnings are shared with the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave, but it’s uniquely styled with a dark “Vader chrome” grille and angled driving lamps with animated lighting sequence to welcome you. Crisp lines break up tall body sides under aluminum roof rails. Check the dark 22-inch wheels. Around back, quad exhaust outlets and wide valance with DENALI spelled across it add intrigue. Every inch looks premium, yet restrained.

Restrained exterior styling gives way to an exuberant cabin. Designers specified wide-stitched Woodland Mahogany leather seats with embossed topographical maps on their backs. Layers of stitched dash materials, real walnut veneers, and unique floor mats should be relished. Slide under the dual-panel sunroof, crank up the 16-speaker Bose audio system, and caress the sueded headliner. Don’t forget to select heated, ventilated and massaging front seats. Grip the heated steering wheel.

There’s a den of technology, including 11-inch flatscreen gauges and a 15-inch infotainment screen. Look over the hood at the reconfigurable head-up display that shows speed, navigation and safety gear at a glance. Devices connect wirelessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and can charge wirelessly as well. The screen is intuitive, and you can swipe through radio channels, but I’d prefer redundant knobs. I’d also prefer to adjust headlamps without clicking a menu on the touchscreen. Even so, once set to automatic mode, they tend to stay there.

Moving rearward, middle row captain’s chairs receive their own heaters, climate zone, USBs and power outlet. Seats slide forward for easier third-row entry, but it’s mostly a kid zone back there. Space is tight under the power hatch with all three rows occupied, but rear rows power deploy for a cavern of space. A deep plastic underfloor well is perfect for storing dirty gear.

Hitting the road, tap the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine connected to the all-wheel-drive system through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It wouldn’t seem enough engine for a large three-row crossover, but it moves quickly enough given 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. That’s also enough to tow 5,000 pounds of weekend toys. Fuel economy is decent at 20 mpg/23 mpg city/highway.

I’d love an optional twin-turbo V-6 to storm freeway on-ramps and mountain passes, but the turbo-four gets kids to school and parents to work, and performs light off-roading to a campsite. I just wish it didn’t sound so whiny when stomped. Maybe GMC should pipe in V-8 audio as some competitors do? Six selectable drive modes configure the powertrain for varying conditions. For a crossover this size, the Acadia Denali handles respectably on its sport-tuned suspension. Managing the large wheels over rough pavement can get a little clunky, but it remains composed. Magnetic ride control would make it even better.

Enduring any long trip, drivers will crave GM’s Super Cruise. On approved roads — interstates and highways — turn on cruise control, wait for a green arc on the steering wheel, confirm in the head-up display and lift hands off. After a few miles, the system feels safe and natural, reacting as you expect. Consistency breeds confidence. Acadia comes with every imaginable crash avoidance system, but my favorite is the safety alert seat that vibrates in the direction of danger.

Even stealth luxury comes at a price. While the Acadia starts at a reasonable $43,800, our loaded version came to a healthier $67,890. Still, compare that to an Acura MDX, Lexus TX, Lincoln Nautilus or Volvo XC90 and it’ll wear very comfortably.

Likes: Stealth luxury, efficient powertrain, Super Cruise

Dislikes: Tight third-row, radio controls, headlight menu

2026 GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate

Seven-passenger, AWD Crossover

Powertrain: 2.5-liter T4, 8-spd

Output: 328hp/326 pound-feet torque

Suspension f/r: Ind/Ind

Wheels f/r: 22-inch/22-inch alloy

Brakes f/r: disc/disc

Towing: 5,000 pounds

Fuel economy: 20/23 mpg city/hwy

Assembly: Lansing, Michigan

Base/As-tested price: $43,800/67,890

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