Overview & Reviews

Building tough trucks for tough work has been the focus of GMC for years, but even GMC couldn't avoid the onslaught of the crossover SUV revolution. That's where the GMC Acadia comes in.

The Acadia is a large crossover SUV. Mechanically, it's very similar to its platform-mates -- the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and now-discontinued Saturn Outlook. Thanks to its spacious interior, strong V6 engine and competitive price, the Acadia is one of the better crossover SUV choices. Although there were styling updates and a few other minor changes made for 2013, shoppers should know that Acadias from any year share most of the same pros and cons.

Current GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia is a large crossover SUV that's offered in five trims: SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1, SLT-2 and Denali. Each comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that makes 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, but all-wheel drive is an option. Although even the base SLE-1 is fairly well-equipped, moving up through the trims brings luxuries such as Bluetooth phone connectivity, leather upholstery, heated seats, a navigation system, smartphone app integration and a panoramic sunroof.

The GMC Acadia is one of the roomiest crossover utility vehicles in its class, with seating for up to eight passengers. The second-row seats are captain's chairs, but a 60/40-split-folding bench is available as an option. Those second-row seats also slide 4 inches fore and aft and easily flip up and out of the way for access to the third-row seats. There's room for adults in the back two rows, though leg support is a bit lacking. With both the second and third rows folded down, the Acadia's substantial cargo space is topped only by minivans and extra-large SUVs like the Chevy Suburban.

In our road tests we've found the Acadia's handling respectable, especially considering the vehicle's large size, and its buttoned-down and quiet ride is particularly impressive. The V6 won't blow you away with its power, but it moves the Acadia out with decent authority. Overall, our editors feel that the GMC Acadia represents a compelling combination of functionality, luxury and value.

Used GMC Acadia Models
The GMC Acadia debuted for the 2007 model year. Its 3.6-liter V6 lacked direct injection until 2009, and hence was rated at a slightly lower 275 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque for its first two years of production. The transmission was reprogrammed for 2010 to address previous complaints of sluggish downshift response. That year also saw new features like Bluetooth connectivity, real-time traffic updates for the navigation system, and available heated and ventilated seats. The plush Denali trim debuted the following year.

For 2013, GMC heavily updated the Acadia. Changes included refreshed front and rear styling, improved interior materials and a new front-center airbag as well as larger, easier-to-use controls for the audio, climate and navigation systems. This year also brought GM's IntelliLink system, with its smartphone integration capability, as well as a slight shuffling of equipment and trim levels.

User Reviews:

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  Stay Away - Its Time for a Class Action Suit - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By lynnlove62 - November 5 - 9:15 am

  I purchased my 2009 Acadia new in 2009. Within the first month, Tire pressure sensor was bad, Service engine soon light came on twice, had to replace Rack inpinion within the first year, Water pump went out, traction control/antilock break/stabilitrack system sensors have been replaced/reset/you name it, numerous times and still is not fixed, head lights went out and they tired to charge me over $400 for the repair which i refused, received a recall for the headlights exactly one month later, vehicle rolls back when in gear if im on an incline (drastic roll back), seatbelts had a sensor problem twice, airbags had a sensor problem twice, and im out of space for the rest..............

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  Great SUV, almost a homerun! - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By parkerv357 - November 2 - 1:47 pm

  I bought my 2011 Acadia Denali used with just 16,000 miles on it. I am pleased with vehicle, yet with this being a Denali model and trading in an 02 Sierra Denali on this 2011, I feel that GMC could have grabbed a few options from the parts bin. I like the acceleration from the direct injected V6. gas mileage is not bad for a vehicle this size. I am averaging 18-20 MPG in town. The wice averages about 15-17 MPG. The bluetooth phone connections are great. I also like the reclining second row seats and the sliding seats also. I know in my Sierra, it had every option available for 2002, teh Acadia should have it all also. Good product, like most GM products, it could use a couple more.

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  Many great features, just one thats worrying me - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By megant - September 30 - 2:28 am

  We purchased out Acadia in June of this year. Id had a Honda Pilot for 5 years, and while I really liked it, I wanted bucket seats in the second row and third row seating that was more easily accessible and was comfortable for adults-basically a minivan interior for seating without looking like a "mom-mobile" on the outside. The Acadia met these goals very nicely. Weve put a lot of miles on it with our 9 year old son and its been a very comfy ride. Its a beautiful vehicle, but the engine worries me. It can really hesitate when speeding up from a dead stop or slow speed-scary. It also isnt nearly as smooth in acceleration as my Honda was-a bit sluggish. A+ on everything but the engine-C.

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  GMC Dealer near richmond VA - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By unhappyperson - September 1 - 1:50 am

  I do love my Acadia however just recently I had to move to Guam (military). Before I left I called my dealer & asked if my Acadias extended warranty was going to be good. They said yes & have a safe move. Since then my acadia has been having powersteering issues. I called the dealer & they didnt even bother calling the company to see if they would honor the warranty even though guam is a us territory. They havent called me to see if they could do anything. Basically they took my extended warranty & ran with it. Now Im going to have to pay out of pocket because GM hasnt come out with a recall even though lots of customers have been having the same issue. I wont purchase another GMC

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  Frustrated with My Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By dfoster22 - August 30 - 11:44 am

  I want to love my Acadia but have grown extremely frustrated with it. The overall comfort in driving my Acadia has been great but I have run into several maintenance issues which just show a lack of quality in the vehicle. These issues include: water leaks (have caused issues with the front blower motor and various sensors), blown rear strut, power steering pump and gear, tailgate motor and supports, two bad batteries, master cylinder (breaks), blown headlamps, and rear window spray hose. There have been three recalls: heated windshield washer, passenger airbag sensor, and headlamps. Many of these issues occurred within first two years of ownership. Has been a maintenance headache.

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  Transmission/Acceleration issues - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By tdenny - August 29 - 11:22 pm

  Size, features, extras all were a perfect match for me and my family. We have 2 kids, now entering grade school, so the extra seat for carpool and their stuff was great, yet the car drives more like a minivan than a large SUV. Unfortunately, Ive had the car for 3 months, the transmission seems to slip and jerk constantly and now, the most scary part - while accelerating from stop, the car sometimes takes 5 seconds to engage. This is 5 seconds for another car to T-Bone you in an intersection. My good wife dealt with it for several months, I experienced it myself this last week. Working with the dealer to return now.

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  Nothing but problems since day one - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By jlmjones - August 29 - 11:02 am

  This car is, by far, the worst vehicle weve ever owned. After owning a Yukon Delani, I was looking forward to buying another GMC. Huge mistake, this will be the last GMC we will ever buy. The water pump has gone out, its had a flurry of random electrical problems, the airbag only is on about 1/2 the time someone is in the passenger seat and now the tranny is blown at less than 60k. Im shocked GMC is selling such an unreliable car to consumers. Ive been broken down on the side of the road twice now. They need to recall these cars and reimburse those of us who have to put in new trannys (according to the dealership doing our repairs, GM is FULLY aware of the issue and doesnt care).

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  A 3 year old car should not have these problems! - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By nhkathyc - August 28 - 8:54 am

  That is what I was told by three different mechanics ... "A 3 year old car with 58K miles should not have these problems" My car failed the state inspection this year because it was leaking power steering fluid. The mechanic told me this but then asked me to come out so he could show me more concerns. In addition to the power steering fluid leak there were 3 oil leaks. 1 from the crank case and 1 from the transfer case that were especially concerning to him. Also, my A/C is not working right & my car had begun to overheat that day and I had to keep pulling over to let it cool down just to make it to the mechanic. He told me to get it right into the dealership. I did & left a LOT poorer!

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  Not bad at all - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By vakmere - August 26 - 12:34 am

  Nice exterior design. Good ride, I like the auto lift gate and great storage in the rear. Hard plastic interior is a little bit of a bummer and scratches easily however the layout of the dash and other accessories are good. Quiet ride on asphalt and road noise on concrete (typical). Absorbs the road imperfections very well. There is a small storage compartment on the dash, I dont get that one. You need an inspection mirror to see down in there to find the USB and I-Pod jack. Kind of useless IMO. Mileage is around 18mpg, typical for 5500 lbs of vehicle. Engine is not too noisy either. Radio in the rear console does get pretty warm, unusual for something solid state.

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  excellent car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By ranson2 - August 17 - 8:55 pm

  i used this car for almost one and a half year< awsom car, powerfull and no problems, no leaks, just change oil and go. i advice every one who is entended to get a car to buy SLT acadia AWD.