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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  AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL!!!!!! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By melanie1177 - December 15 - 7:02 pm

  Had to have rotors resurfaced at 19000 miles, Wont start if gas gauge is at quarter of a tank. Had to repair something with my brakes @ 19258 miles. Strut replacement, Stabilizer shaft link replaced Link or bushings,front stabilizer shaft replaced @ 41000 miles. Air bag light had come on they disconnected and applied grease...did not fix it@59000 miles. radio had to be replaced. Steering column had to be replace@ 70000 miles and now @ 72000 miles the steering rack and pinon is being replaced.Too many clicks in the front end. I hate the 6 speed, when driving its all or nothing which sucks up the gas. Mileage is AWFUL. This car has been nothing but a headache. Thank God for Extended Warranties.

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  Disappointing - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Disappointing - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I loved this vehicle on sight. It drives like a dream and is very comfortable on long trips. Fuel economy is quite adequate for its size. However, in the 3 1/2 years I have owned this vehicle, it has been in the shop 14 times! Problems have been mostly electrical,(running lights simply quit working, car wouldnt start, computer chip issues) but the sunroof also leaked due to a poor factory-designed drainage system. I would not in good conscience recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Acadia 2007 / Saudi Arabia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Acadia - November 7 - 1:00 am

  Ive bought this car on 2007. I have to say that it is nice looking and easy to drive, however I have had several problems with it. Four months after I purchased it, GMC recalled all acadias, Transmission software update. 6 months later, auxiliary fuse broken, one year , water pump defect and finally couple of days ago the car almost went to fire due to use of the power outlets. I have to pay around $1000 for the repair. Overall this car is good looking, nice interior and a lot of crap when it comes to durability. DONT BUY IT

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  An SUV thats actually fun to drive! - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By Mike - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Were new to this vehicle but have owned plenty of prior high end SUVs and this Acadia Denali is one incredible vehicle! Our last vehicle was a 2007 Yukon Denali that we also loved but its amazing how far GM has come in just 4 years. All the bells and whistles and this thing drives like a car. Great engine in that V6 too with plenty of power and pulls all the way to our 70 MPH speed limits with ease.

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  Lucky & confused - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By leon g - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Acadia 03/07. Had transmission & sun roof recalls handled. I now have 68000 miles and drive an average of 1100 to 1700 miles per month. Schedule oil changes, tire rotation.replace air filter w/1 tire balance,check fluid levels,1 front end alignment usually around 50% oil life."CONFUSED"? to hear all the minor & major problems so many appear to be having."LUCKY" thus far, no problems, no damage. no parts replacement just day-by-day reliable driving. My concern is just how long do I drive with confidence?

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  Not very impressed - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Acadia - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Purchased b/c this vehicle has more space than most others mileage and price were good. Exterior styling &Interior layout good. Cheap interior plastic & door handles are turn offs.Sad that with only 17k miles we have to replace the entire rack and pinion steering (expensive!)It makes a horrible squeaking and the steering wheel jolts back and forth when driving.Initial start up is horrible,shakes and surges like it is about to stall, after waiting for the chime to stop.Trans. is constantly going in and out of gears like it cant decide which one it should be in.I forgot my mantra to never buy a used American vehicle again. Ride is too rough. Overall, flashy but very cheaply built.

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  Love my Acadia - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Christine - October 22 - 2:00 am

  We bought this vehicle in February after my Jeep (which I also loved) finally died. I didnt want another Jeep because they made the cab smaller. I went to look at the Terrain and fell in love with this vehicle. It handles well, looks great and nothing beats it in the snow. We got the AWD. On a day when they should have closed schools due to a storm they didnt. I had to pick up my daughter and was going to have my hubby get her as I really dont like driving in the snow. My Acadia handled beautifully, never went off the road and I felt totally safe. This is the first time I wasnt afraid to drive in the snow and I have owned 6 vehicles. If you have kids and want to be safe,buy one.

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  Have to get rid of - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By sue - October 17 - 2:00 am

  The Bad: Repeated water leaks. Headliner removed numerous times, carpet replaced. Rubber boots that hold the wires between the door and the vehicle are full of water. This i would not have noticed had it not froze and made noise while opening door. This will fill up repeatedly even after being emptied. Sometimes wont start without a jump. Battery is not the problem. Front struts had to be replaced at 37,000 mi. Noise in steering column. Ice builds up on windshield while driving in snow or sleet.No longer under warranty so i am going to get rid of car.Can not trust to be a reliable vehicle especially with the water issues we have.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By John Montefusco - October 17 - 2:00 am

  The quiet ride comfort and body fits were a surprise. I expected quiet and comfort but it was better than expected. This vehicle compares favorably with past new car purchases which include, Cadillac and Jaguar.

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  Best CUV Ever - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Teetertotter - October 14 - 2:00 am

  We purchased new and has had the transmission updates which greatly improved the shifting on the 6 speed which was designed for fuel economy for this 4500 lb vehicle. Recall on drivers wiper blade arm was replaced. The only real issue we had was pwr steering whining, which was fixed at 26k miles. My wife and I love our Acadia with all the room inside and comfort of the ride, especially on long trips. We would buy again!