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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  Love my Acadia!! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By nina3330 - March 16 - 5:44 pm

  I researched the Acadia before purchasing ours in Nov 2010 so I was hesitant from some reviews I had seen. I did find the leak from the sunroof and they fixed it right away. There also is a wheezing sound that comes from the steering, but Im sure if I took it in they would fix it. I am so happy with my purchase!! The kids (we have 3) and I love the car! Its been great on 8 hour trips to visit family and has everything from tons of cup holders to our DVD player! I understand the comments, its annoying that the leak happened but I would buy this car AGAIN and AGAIN! If you are not ready for a minivan but need the functional side, this car is great! I get 17mpg city/ 20mpg freeway...

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  Power Steering - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By hayley1 - March 2 - 10:22 am

  I bought my 2009 GMC Acadia on December 27, 2010. Before I made may first payment my power steering went out. Got it back had it two weeks, and once again the power steering went out almost caused us to flip. It has been in the shop more than I have had it. It only has 24,000 miles. This car makes me very nervous! Not for sure I even want it back this round.

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  Love the Acadia, but does have lots of problems - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By bamamom1 - February 15 - 9:08 am

  I bought a 2007 Acadia in 2010 and it is Feb 2011 now. I bought it with 50,000 miles on it. It already in less than a year having it had to have a new transmission put in it..The front evaporator core went out..so A/C did not work at all. now my power Steering pump is going out, causing it to make a loud sound. I dont drive bad, I have three small children so I know its not me tearing it up. It would be okay if it was little things but these are major. Ive spent 1000s fixing it because it did not have warranty. So Please if you buy this vehicle..I would suggest getting the FULL warranty on it

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  Pure Luxury - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By john178 - February 5 - 9:42 pm

  We purchased the Acadia Denali on 01/27/11, with AWD. We traded in a 2008 Buick Enclave for this crossover. We had our minds set on another Enclave since we liked this car so much, but when my wife drove the red Denali, the deal was sealed. The Denali takes this car to another level. The attention to detail inside the car, along with the looks are superb. We needed something large to transport our kids and grandkids on vacations, visits etc. Small subtle differences we liked included the top crossbars that can be used to tie down Christmas trees, beach chairs, luggage- you name it. The Buick Enclave has these crossbars for looks only- they are not functional.

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  Beats a Cadalliac SRX Hands Down - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By drjoseph - January 22 - 9:57 am

  Ive owned two Acadias now. A 2008 and a 2010. The 2008 was nice but I did not like the drive train. The 2010 is flat out amazing in terms of being in the right gear under stressful conditions. In a word, the vehicle is snappy. My wife and I absolutely love it. I recently drove an AWD Cadalliac SRX for a week in Michigan and while it was nice, the drive train was like my 2008 Acadia... slow to respond to throttle inputs. Really frustrating when you are in a SITUATION that requires immediate attention. Our 2010 Acadia would smoke the 2010 SRX in drivability tests. Our MPG is 18-20 depending on our driving mix. Weve had it for 6 months.

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  Nice crossover that smokes on cold starts - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By skpa - January 20 - 9:35 pm

  Purchased 2011 in 11/10 Acadia after much research of crossovers. Were leaning to the Pilot, but the ride and styling of the Acadia are a step above. After purchase, noticed blue and black smoke emission on cold starts for 30-45seconds. First thought was car was passing oil. Brought car to dealer. Dealer did not see any abnormal emissions. Met with GM DSM to review smoke issue. He observed cold start smoke on my Acadia. Started three new Acadias, all emitted blue and black smoke. DSM was puzzled. GM quality manager in Detroit explained fuel is pulsed to cat convrtr to accelerate heat up to prevent emissions. Condition on 10 and 11s. GM needs to eliminate smoke on cold start.

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  Mixed Emotions - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By tank26 - January 10 - 1:26 pm

  I bought my 2009 Acadia in May of 2010 with 24,727 mi on it. So far, I have had to take it back to have one of the middle seat plastic seatbelt covers replaced, the cover for one of the middle seat pull downs replaced, and now the plastic at the base of the gear shift has slipped off of the top part and there are wires exposed. Needless to say, I agree with the statement about the cheap plastic parts. I also agree about the chrome lining around the radio and all of the AC vents. It there’s bright sun light, it gets you from one angle or another no matter what.

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  STAY AWAY!!!!! - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By chellelynn1962 - December 30 - 10:43 pm

  I purchased my 2009 Acadia March 09. Had rack and pinion replaced, seatbelt sensor, tire sensor, keyless remote collapsed/not covered by bumper to bumper, frame around 2nd row seats coming apart not covered, inside pat of front driver/passenger door coming apart, not covered. Vehicle is a piece of expensive junk, substandard equipment and GMC has no customer relations. Save yourself the trouble and stay away. The bumper to bumper warranty is limited and that is not stated at time of purchase. You find this out after the fact.

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  2007 GMC Acadia - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By tjbo - December 29 - 6:19 pm

  .Very unreliable car. I have had for over 3 years now with the folliwng problems. Steering gear box needed to be replced. Purge soleniod (part of exhaust system) needed to be replaced, leak in monn roof, had to replace two struts at $50k miles, had to replace the transmission at 55k miles. Worst car I have ever owned. Response from GM has been poor at best. They could care less about customer satisfaction. Will never buy a GM prodict again

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  THOROUGH REVIEW - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By patrick1982 - December 23 - 7:19 pm

  Owned an 05 Honda Pilot AWD EX before this one. Test drove the new pilot, traverse, acadia, enclave, 4runner, highlander, cx9. The Acadia out-performed all these. Great interior space, great features if you like the additional XM radio and ONstar services. No lag on the throttle... immediate response, steady cornering and level steering. Superb traction control system disengages acceleration when slipping on ice or when lack of traction, stops engine RPM shootups. ABS system works great. It does weigh nearly 7,000 lbs so braking is a bit more noticable at higher speeds (nose dive). After 5,000+ miles I am averaging 16.3mpg / city and 20.2mpg hwy cruising at 70-75mph...23 or 24mpg as stated??? yeah right! Overall safety specs are sufficient airbags all around, great framework. well thought out interior heating and cooling system, is loud enough to overpower a bluetooth phonecall when turned all the way up. remote start, auto liftgate great features except when parked too close to something. bad side depth perception on back up cam. low road noise, good stock tires (goodyear fortera comfort tread) bad for rain, snow and ice... will hydroplane or loose traction at 45mph+ on standing water. upgrade tires to fortera triple tread (my opinion). steering wheel controls are oddly placed. front wipers on left stick, rear wipers on center console below a/c system controls, why? volume and radio controls in a good consolidated location on steering wheel. good location for cruise control buttons. three locations for liftgate operations (key, on liftgate, and next to rear wipers.. why?) auto dimming rear view mirror great, black lower trim around Acadia difficult to clean need special cleaner from autoparts store. a little above average accessory selection, great audio even without BOSE, radio buttons can be confusing, double vanity lighted shades, dual exhaust great feature. battery location inconvenient (center of car between 2nd row captain seats), deep lubricated slide rails for 2nd row captain seats, much debris can be lodged or stuck in there, not good. inside material "plastic" poor choice of material, easily scuffed, marked up and just unsightly. Maintenance costs are average for this type of vehicle. Great interior storage capacity (glovebox, center console armrest area and rear liftgate area.