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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  Happy With My Purchase !!! - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By pattisdgal - August 7 - 6:34 pm

  Had a 2001 Dodge Durango which I loved. After 12 years it was time for a new SUV. I test drove the Traverse, VeraCruz, Durango, and the Durango. As soon as I sat in the GMC, I was sold. The ride is comfortable, it handles great and has lots of room.

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  Acadias are the BEST! - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By jholmes46219 - August 4 - 10:01 am

  I recently traded my 2009 Acadia SLT2 with over 120,000 miles for a new 2012 Denali. I only traded the 09 because of the number of miles and the attractive trade deal available. I loved the old one and like the new one even better. The mileage has averaged in the 18-19 mpg range overall. I have hauled as much as 1,000 lbs and only felt a small amount of rear sway. My only real complaint is that front headlights can only be accessec through the front wheel wells. This is the best all around vehicle I have owned!

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  Time for another Acadia- Maybe - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By lakedean - July 29 - 10:32 am

  I love my Acadia however I must say that this Vehicle has had more problems than any other vehicle I have ever owned. Headlight $500 New Transmission $3,500 New Odometer $500 sqeeking noise in dashboard. We also Own 2 Buick Enclaves. Just bought my wife a 2012 Buick in March. Im waiting for the 2013 GMC Acadias to come out but I worried about any problems with new models and the fact that my current SUV cost soooooo much in repairs. What to do????? I would love to hear back from GMC customer relations.

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  No longer impressed - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By memery0913 - July 28 - 6:45 pm

  Initially issues started out as minimal: back up camera malfunctioned. On day scheduled to be replaced sat in the waiting room for two hours to be told didnt have part paint on hood started bubbling up b/c of rust. Fixed it no problem/complaint Issue with brakes, waited over two hours (with infant) to be told they had to keep it Service airbag light has been on 2x in last month. On 2nd attempt ordered part, but didn’t tell me without being questioned. At 35979 had full service check and told car was in full working order. At 36102 car seems to continue to run after key is out of ignition.

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  GMC Acadia 2009 - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By taram1 - July 17 - 8:46 pm

  I just posted a review about my first suv now this is after I traded that in for a year older model to see if it was better because I just love it. Sadly I found my self so disappointed. At 55,000 something miles the battery kept going dead. I took it to a mechanic and he performed a full checkup and found the alternator went bad. I couldnt believe it...it was happening again. Inw just so torn because I really love this car. I knew even if I fixed the 800.00 repair on top of my car payment...later it would happen again. Today I left GMC and sold my car to a Volvo dealer and now have an XC90. Ill post on this experience as well in time. Please GMC keep gm here in the USA and not China

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  2008 & 2009 GMC ACadia owner - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By taram1 - July 17 - 8:36 pm

  In regards to owning a 2008. The hour I bought it the rear window button was messed up. 2 weeks later the air conditioning went out. 3 months later the power steering gear box shaved part on the actual gears and I lost all power to the steering. At the time I was 6 months pregnant and I was scared to drive it. The owner CEO of GMC should remember my letter unless the staff signed it for him. Then within the next 7 months the power steering was reached a total of 3 times. I traded it in the dealer I bought it from for a 09 model.After owning this for 1 year and a half at about 55,465 miles same for the 08, now battery issues and it needed a new alternator. 800.00. I just bought a VolvoXC90

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  Surprised so far - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By 1sttimegmc - July 16 - 10:08 am

  We have driven Japanese vehicles for the last 15 years, we have a 2010 pilot right now as the wifes car, and they have all been stellar. I have been admiring the Acadia for some time. We really like the way that it drives and looks. The build quality seems on pr with the Hondas, the material quality is a step below the pilot. We like the smooth ride and quietness of it. The pilot is louder by far. The space is also very nice. We have had it one month and 1500 miles, so time will tell on the reliability front. The only real gripe I have so far is the transmission behaves oddly in 6th gear at a light cruise. Most other 6 speed AT s I have driven seem to have some quirks as well.

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  California to Colorado - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By buyusa2 - July 2 - 5:32 pm

  We purchased an SLT2 FWD in April 2007. We have 47,000 miles on the vehicle. We did experience a water pump issue that was covered under the 100K mileage warranty. Other than that, the Acadia has been trouble free. We just returned from a 2,100 mile trip to Colorado from California and back through the Nevada and Utah deserts where the temperature was 105 degrees. The Acadia was great. I realize some owners have experienced issues that Im sure GM is attempting to address. This vehicle is built by Americans for Americans as well as others. I only wish Id ordered AWD and a tow package (for bikes). Our mileage was 18.52 mpg matching exactly what the DIC indicated. Buy and Acadia

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  2007 GMC ACADIA TRAMSMITTION ISSUES - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By silver5555 - June 28 - 2:48 pm

  we bought this SUV in 2007, it now has 108,785 miles, the transmittion is acting up, somehow it remains in 3rd gear. if you have an Acadia be sure to take it to the dealer before 100,000 miles to have it checked out. the repair cost $3,751. I contacted GMC customer service, at first they didnt want to help me with my issue, but I am hoping and praying for them to change their mind. Ive had too many problems with this SUV, stay away from it, it has great looks, but quality is below standard for $35,000 SUV

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  I love my Acadia! - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By ashrae9504 - June 14 - 4:59 pm

  I have never had a single problem with my GMC 09 Acadia. I bought my brand new with 9 miles on it in December of 08. Has gotten me everywhere across the midwest with all my trips. Its pretty good on gas mileage for a SUV. The only problem I have had to take it to a GMC dealership to get fixed is the 2 recalls which they fixed and paid me, and leaks in my tires which set off my tire system sensor. But i work in a construction field so therefor the slow leaks were due to a nail in my tires. And oh yeah the other thing was to reset my sensor for Air bags. But I have never had anything fixed and I have had this vehicle for 3-1/2 years brand new. Love this vehicle!!!!!!!!