A next-generation GMC Acadia turbo may become available for the 2024 model year, featuring GM’s powerful turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine.
GM Authority has learned GM is considering the introduction of a new GMC Acadia turbo with the arrival of the next-generation crossover, which is expected to go on sale as a 2024 model year product. This model could offer more performance than lesser GMC Acadia models with smaller engines, given the L3B engine’s relatively high power and torque outputs, and could even replace the 3.6L LGX V6.
The Acadia turbo’s arrival would be the first time the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B engine would be mounted transversely in a front-wheel-drive based product. This engine is already utilized in the Cadillac CT4 and Cadillac CT4-V, as well as the Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, which are all rear-wheel-drive based vehicles with longitudinally-mounted engines.
2024 GMC Acadia prototype
The 2.7L L3B engine is sold in different states of tune, depending on which GM product it’s used in. For example, this engine produces 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque in the regular Cadillac CT4, but produces 325 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque in the performance-minded CT4-V. In the latest 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, this engine is rated at 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, with the higher torque figure aiding in hauling and towing performance for these two full-size trucks. It’s not clear how much power it would make in the rumored Acadia turbo.
The next-generation GMC Acadia is expected to grow in length, as GM Authority reported previously, with this future model set to be roughly the same size as the current Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave. While front-wheel drive will be standard in this upcoming crossover, we expect all-wheel drive to be offered as an option.
GM Authority spies captured photos of a next-gen Acadia prototype testing on public roads this past winter, revealing the crossover’s larger stature and boxier apparent shape.
Production of the next-generation GMC Acadia will take place at the GM Delta Township plant in Michigan. We expect this crossover to debut sometime in 2023 as a 2024 model-year product.
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Comments
I’m thinking how the 5.3 tq was limited in the fwd cars, the same would apply here..
Geeze, this would require a whole new transmission! The current largest 9speed is the 9T65, designed for 265TQ…… may be able to take more than that…. Possibly up to 300, but not 350 and absolutely not 430 🤯
Please do this!!!! I really think this engine would be a good combo. It’s lighter than the 3.6, which has been one of my favorite engines, but is getting long in the tooth and needs a 3rd generation, or replacement. The 2.7 is also lighter, easier to work on from what I’ve seen in Silverado rentals. Also, 320HP should be easier in a crossover as the exhaust doesn’t have to go the entire truck length.
The 2.7 is also a cheaper motor to build. It’s low valve lift profile also is almost never used on the Silverado because that huge maw of a grill. This should be a cheap, efficient powerhouse. Won’t rev the same 😢
Ford did cut one gear off the joint 9 speed for the 2.7 EB in fwd vehicles, a similar method can be done and as said before the 2.7t tq can be limited by software to handle the tq output.
Negative. They cut out gear # 4, not the highest or lowest. They also currently don’t have r the 2.7 EB in any FWD vehicles.
You must don’t read, did they not still cut a gear out or not?, also was the 2.7 EB ever used in a fwd vehicle? (the answer would be yes).
No, they have never ever used the 2.7 in a transverse mounted application. The 3.5 EB head used in a torque limited 350tq in the Taurus SHO and explorer. The removal of “gears” in the 9 speed is a cost reduction feature as ford only sees a 1-2% drop in efficiency when certain “gears” or more appropriately clutch packs are replaced with holder rings to mimick those clutches being held indefinitely.
Wow, all that “research”, hope you didn’t spend any money on it. What engine the Fusion Sport, Continental, Edge ST and Nautilus used or was available? (don’t say 3.0 Vulcan). Still the gears were removed by software for the 2.7EB so it didn’t cost anything to remove it, (thanks A.L. for the info on the JV 9-speed), 3.5 EB used the older 6-speed units.
Just to fill in some gaps:
1. Ford removed a forward gear from the GM-developed 9-speed auto FWD transmission, turning Ford’s into an 8-speed:
https://fordauthority.com/2018/04/fords-new-8-speed-transmission-is-gms-9-speed-minus-a-gear/
2. Ford removed another forward gear from some applications, turning it into a 7-speed:
https://fordauthority.com/2021/02/2021-ford-edge-st-gains-new-7-speed-automatic-transmission-exclusive/
My question to the four cylinder is if it can tow 5k lbs still and not take premium? Enclave traverse platform is 4500 plus pounds unloaded. If I throw seven adults and a fat dog will it be gutless? I got one of the kiddos a Chevy Cruze ltz 1.4 turbo and the car is great very reliable for me. Easy to get to a lot of things. The car is a pooch if you throw the ac on and have one more adult passengers. I feel like I’m in a Corolla. I also have a Corolla for one of the kids as well but it’s gutless too minus the turbo. I speak from experience. I’d prefer my cars get up to 45 or 55 for that matter within my lifetime.
2.0 standard fwd or awd. 2.7 optional, awd standard with 2.7. 2.0, 250ish hp, 2.7 300ish hp with maybe less torque than 2.7 in rwd vehicles. Remember the xts was tansverse engined and came available with a twin turbo 3.6, but awd was standard with the 3.6tt.
The 3.6L high feature engine should also be an Option.
The 3.6 could be called “high feature” 10 and even as far back as 20 years ago, now it’s just lost in the crowd of aging V6s
@Andrew
Exactly. GM should replace the aging 3.6 with a single Turbo 3.0T from the CT6 sedan.
The 3.6 needs to be put to rest as it is not competitive anymore. GM needs to shift to the 3.0T ASAP and ride that engine out for as long as a Six Cylinder engine will have a place on this Earth.
Why? The 2.7 has less parts than the 3.0 with similar torque and capable of similar hp. The 2.7 probably has a better emissions rating and fuel economy and less weight.
@Nonspecific Motors
Because some simply want a Six Cylinder and if GM will continue to offer a V6 might as well make it the single Turbo 3.0T
The 3.6 should be replaced for the next Decade or however long engines will be sold for.
One of the worst designed V6s around?
Car Wizard says it best: A piece of trash.
Even more amusing is the pointless AFM system on that V6.
Not thrash just an engine that was designed to pull RPM as that is where it burns cleaner and more efficient’t.
The engine was a total redesign in 2017 and with the 9 speed my Acadia will run 14’s and get 22 mpg around town.
The AFM may not do much in the real world but it gives off cycle credits from the EPA and helps GM add more power with no penalty from the EPA.
That is how tough regulations are and why everyone is going 4 cylinder.
@c8
I’ve put around 60 to 100k on multiple 3.6 v6s and they’re fine. I watch car wizard too but he’s going off all those 2008ish maybe slightly newer versions that are roached out. If you don’t maintain things they will fail. I have yet to see manufacturer come out with a bullet proof engine design start to finish. Almost all of them do updates to the design then inevitably change powerplants once near perfect due to cafe or gov intervention. They aren’t allowed the time to perfect any design or possible use case flaws before they have to downsize to meet unreasonable demands. All of them have to do this big or small.
My gut feeling is the V6 is on the way out at GM.
Many models are looking like they are going to a 2.7 in various tunes. This would add performance better CAFE and emissions numbers and lower cost buy going to one type of engine.
The use in a transverse mount answers the question now if the 2.7 could be used in FWD based models.
They still have a number of options at the transmission. Also hooked to a AWD set up it could move the torque out better. The V6 now is horrible in FWD as if you stand on it the tires will not hold.
As for size it looks like the rear doors are longer but it still is not Traverse size from my estimates. They may have added some length for more third row leg room and rear cargo space.
If you never use the 3rd row like us it really did not matter.
I could see GM only offering AWD versions
Agree with you on the traverse/enclave being a PITA or pointless in FWD only. I’ve had one Acadia pre-nerf and now third enclave (22 currently). I couldn’t get the tires on the FWD to hold grip on anything but an outstanding set of tires like Michelin or the like. That is with light feathering of the pedal in dry or semi wet conditions. Top coat asphalt performance was horrible. Snow performance was abysmal up in illinois the few times I’ve dealt with that. The 3.6 has been pretty baller getting these fat pigs up to speed with natural aspiration. The acadia sadly after the major change like the xt6 from caddy is sort of a pointless three row. It’s much too small. I doubt even with changes stated it will be worth looking at over a traverse or enclave. We have five kiddos and a dog. I need these minivan specs. Towing options with cooler and 5k rating round out the model great. The only other model I’ve seen that is near the spec of these things is the grand cherokee L. I really don’t want to get stuck buying a jeep or ending up in a suburban/yukon xl. I wouldn’t be able to pay off the cars right away or when I trade them in on top of paying another 10-20k. I’m not looking forward to future prospects.
@Toney
AWD across the board is another 2-3k price increase on base price. It won’t go over well.
I tow ~4,200 lbs and ~10,100 lbs GCVW with a 2014 GMC Acadia FWD. Zero issues.
Maybe you’re doing it wrong.
Towing is fine. No clue how the newer acadias fare towing with the newer options in engine. They are also on a completely different platform than your 2014 afaik. The wheels breaking loose on fwd models is a source of ire. That was the complaint. It’s likely more to do with tire manufacturers. Hankooks are garbage in my experience on the enclave. They weren’t a low or mid grade model either. Mich or continental’s seemed to bring back the stock experience. I don’t know but top coat asphalt mildly damp in Florida and they will break loose a bit with casual stop and go. I’m half wondering if the fronts aren’t wide enough for a contact patch on the ground for these cars.
The smaller Acadia is far from pointless as not everyone has 5 kids. We have no need for a third row and I wish it were an option delete as we never use it. It was folded down and forgotten. that space could be better used as storage for us.
Tires matter little as the physics of FWD are poor after 300 HP. The weight transfer on acceleration is to the rear and unloads the tires no matter the brand. My Michelins are horrible but is not their fault. ..
This is my third FWD based vehicle with over 300 HP and all suck in FWD and drive much better in AWD.
I didn’t mean pointless as a derisive remark in choice but in my use case specifically to clarify. I’ll generally say my lacrosse is pointless even though I drive that as well since it only seats around five.
I went with the AWD on this third enclave due to the slippage and it is definitely better than my previous FWD models in that department. Do you think wider tires would help on the FWD models at all or no? The smaller more performance-oriented beemers utes generally run meatier tires and push you towards the xdrive/AWD or whatever.
Maybe they’ll just make this one rear wheel drive instead to compete with the Explorer. Would certainly make it a much more enticing vehicle!
They should make an ss version with that 3.6 engine from the ct4 blackwing. Assuming they redo the traverse as well. That bottom spyshot pic is wearing the wheels from the blazer rs, so I think that one might be a Chevy.
You would never pay the price, People already complain it is too expensive.
I already paid a price on my 22 enclave avenir. It should have more oomph than the other models with the 3.6. Why doesn’t it come like the ultra with the supercharger? Weighs close to 5k lbs. I expect a more growly v6 when I put it in sport mode and some pep. They could also put the flex fuel sensor/tune back in as well like in my pre-nerfed lacrosse. The asian imported envision looks nice and all but miss me with that four cylinder at 40k.
It is a family hauler not a Grand National. it is a great balance of power and mpg for the segment it is in.
The Blazer on the other hand could use more performance but then again people complain about the price.
The Ford has a performance version that sells in small numbers as it is pushing $70,000. If I were to spend that much for performance I would buy a Corvette or Mustang.
Yes. We call them a bus for a reason in our house. That doesn’t change the fact that I could buy a park avenue ultra with a supercharger twenty years ago. I don’t disagree about the price/performance/features for the segment. I keep buying them so obviously they fill our niche. My point was if they give me a sport mode/tune so to speak then make it happen. Make the exhaust sound meaner perhaps more power or e85 something. I’d like it to actually mean something if I turn it on.
Or take a 2.7t, drop it in an old J-body and have fun..heh heh..
damn .. just as Toyota also announced the highlanders V6 is being replaced this year for their new 2.4t..
Yea kind of stinks. We’re getting less of a car for our money and likely paying more too. People complain about problems now just wait till you have to worry about a turbo on a little four-cylinder. Cars are gonna be tired once they hit the used market.
Transverse L3B ? Hope it fits.
I’ve leased a 2017 Acadia Denali and a 2020 Acadia Denali. I consider the size of these vehicles to be perfect. And the 3.6 V6 provides plenty of power and gets 26-27 mpg highway on regular fuel. The 2.7 turbo 4 cylinder will require much more expensive premium fuel. Making the Acadia larger will likely take me out of their market.
The 2.7 runs on regular…
Did a search online: 93 Octane or higher fuel is recommended for all of Chevrolet’s gas engines and is necessary for those that opt for the 2.7L Turbo 4-cylinder engine.
Thanks for the info, Rich. What a downer. Upsetting really. Funny how this is all happening regardless of what people actually want.
Eric note he said the 93 is recommended not required.
This means you have the option to use the fuel you like. The use of regular in most cases cuts about 25 HP as the boost is restricted a bit.
When the fuel rating is Premium Required then it is as must use fuel and no options. Most GM turbo engines are rated this way as the owner can choose performance or fuel price.
@C8
Thanks! I typically assume the worst-case scenario these days.
Good point on the premium with turbo. The Volkswagens the few we had were all premium and would knock if 87.
Btw could you perhaps expand upon the acadia and xt6 being the right size? I’d like to hear your perspective. We bought 2012 acadia it was gorgeous all around imo. They then soon after made it small and more truckish looking. Grill was huge. I ended up going up to the Buick since the traverse felt more cheap than the Acadia even the ltz model or high country now. We’ve tried the newer acadias and the third row was kind of useless. You also sit close to the dash. It was a stark difference. It seemed to us you would be better off with a more optioned five seater that didn’t try to shoehorn the two seat third row like Toyota and Honda do on most of their lineup. Why not just get something better all around with five seats you know? I’d be more inclined to get something faster or more luxurious. Mdx perhaps the envision but I haven’t seen if those are gutless or not. Bmw small cubs like an X3 or x5 maybe.
I’m 6’3, 250. I have a ton of room in the front. The middle row Captain’s seats have LOTS of legroom, they move fore & aft and the recline. The third row is OK if you move the mid-row seats a couple inches forward. I use it only on occasion, but have had adults back there. It works OK. Better than a Toyota Highlander. Granted there is not a lot of cargo space in the back with the third row seats up, but I don’t need much. I usually leave the third row down and have plenty of space. When my wife and I travel and have a lot of cargo, I put the second and third rows down. Then it is like a cavern back there. Plus, this size of Acadia handles better and fits in the garage better. The vehicle is comfortable on the highway, I can drive 10 hours easily, it has over 500 highway miles range and consistently gets 26-27 mpg when traveling. Works for me.
You’re likely onto something. I can see doing that myself depending on my needs. Garage fitting is quite a tight problem with the larger ones.
I can’t believe GM is cloaking this vehicle, as if Japan or anyone else would like to clone it, incredible…..
Given that the Acadia has consistently outsold half of its segment, including several Japanese models, your perspective is simply inaccurate.
https://gmauthority.com/blog/2021/04/gmc-acadia-sales-numbers-figures-results-first-quarter-q1-2021/
Acadia sales have recently fallen off due to supply-related constraints. But make no mistake – this is a successful vehicle with plenty of interest and demand.
To back this up the Acadia is seeing market adjustments over the sticker price due to demand and short supplies.
We bought ours a year ago and today it would be near $11K more to buy it with the market adjustments.
What state are you seeing these market adjustments? We bought a new 22 a couple of weeks ago with only a 500 discount off MSRP. The Trade-in value was higher than normal. We’re in Florida or Sarasota/Venice and I haven’t seen the dealers (GM anyways) around here doing these adjustments. They will stick around MSRP though and even take a holding payment for common dealer stock as if it was custom ordered. In fact, I went so far as Naples to put a hold on an Avenir and happened to find the exact same one I ordered in Venice when out and about. The Buick/GMC dealers don’t seem to be doing these things in my area thankfully. It might be a different ball of wax on the 21/22 Tahoe/Yukons I don’t know.
I think the whole farce of covering the car changes is mostly due to bloggers or auto news sites. Look most of these big auto manufacturers have collaborated on differing things. It’s far more likely design or engineering wise they will poach employees between each other. Industries become a revolving door. You know who is the brains or the like in your sector if you pay attention.
I feel like GM should size it in between the Blazer and Traverse. Aim it straight at the Explorer which I feel also splits the difference. Would rather see the LF4 but the 2.7 T is a step in the right direction. That would allow the Blazer to go up market more and take on the Grand Cherokee.
Unfortunately the bean counters won’t allow that and will have to take the cheapest route.
The Acadia is already positioned between the blazer and traverse. If I recall same platform as the caddy xt6 which is smaller than the traverse or enclave. This was not always the case as the Acadia shared the same platform lambda or whatever with the traverse and enclave and same power train. Saturn and gmc Acadia were of similar design at the time too with Saturn’s outlook model. Denali versions of the Acadia are generally cheaper than traverse high country or ltz trims. This is especially so with the smaller platform with the weaker powerplants. Entry level third row gm SUVs you go with the larger traverse or the smaller Acadia. Both can be great deals in the 30k range. If you want premium luxury you get the large enclave. If you want too luxury you get the xt6 which is even more money but you get less space as with the Acadia. Most folks who need the space end up in escalades with caddy which is likely why they went with the smaller platform on xt6.
I’ll add as an example. My previous 2018 avenir with awd was around 56to58k with awd. My 2022 is around 60to61k. Enclave jumped around 2k base price. Caddy xt6 although smaller gets even more luxury or tech generally so is another 10 to 20k more than the avenir with awd at 60k. Now your up around Escalade prices or a mediocre trim suburban or Yukon xl when looking at an xt6. What’s after that? Escalade and esv trim ones near six figure or higher. There is a linear progression to the models and price ranges. Obviously the truck based SUVs like suburban cost more as they larger with larger powerplants. The seats are even bigger usually.