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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  Loving it so far! - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Nick - October 14 - 2:00 am

  When looking for a new vehicle for my new wife, we had a few requirements. 3 rows, towing capacity around 5000 lbs, and just good overall design and style. We looked at many different vehicles from all manufacturers, including 2 row suvs early in our search, and decided on the Acadia, and we are glad we did. The ride is incredible, it is very quiet. The fuel economy is good for a vehicle of this size powered by a small V6. When driving easy, mileage is very good. When driving aggressively, the mileage can drop quickly, and thats where a lot of people have problems. Visibility is good, unless the rear entertainment screen is down. Sunroofs are awesome. Bose sound could be better.

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  The best - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Jonesy - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is the best in its class. The power, handling, and comfort are top notch for such a large vehicle. I always get 20 mpg for mixed driving, and as high as 22+ for highway. Has anyone owned a vehicle that gets its rated MPG or better? Dont bother with the stupid reviews that people dont like it for access didnt they try it at the dealer? If it hasnt been reliable, take it out on the dealer thats supposed to be fixing it. GM has the best buy back program around. Some people just like to complain. This is one of the most solid, best performing vehicles on the road, and it deserves a good long look.

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  Good Vehicle but - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By zumahl - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle specifically for its third row seat and seating flexibility. Traded in a Montana mini- van. We (parents & kids) all like the styling and the comfort of the interior. In general the vehicle has performed well for us, but had some initial quality issues and now at 50,000 miles is showing signs of deterioration. Wife hates the glare of all the chrome on the dash, and the dash/console plastic is very cheap for this level of car. Was loose metal in lift gate from factory. Engine is underpowered and gas mileage is barely 20 mpg on level interstate. Now the transmission cant hold high gear and shifts are getting rougher.

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  Timing chain/headlamps/airbag - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By blox - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Acadia used with low miles on it. Our first major problem was both headlamps burnt out on the acadia. So we replaced both of them had to take both tires and black fender wall off to replace bulbs and wires. The wires for the headlamps caught on fire. Went in for a oil change for them to tell me I have a oil leak. So now the timing chain is being replaced and in the shop for a week maybe longer. And the service airbag light comes on all the time. Just wish GM would at least acknowledge that there is a lot of ppl having problems with the acadia and do some recalls. Not at all happy with GM at this point.

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  I must have gotten lucky! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Chad - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I have just over 41,000 miles and I have only had this is for oil changes and tire rotations and a few recalls. Other than that I have had zero issues with this. I admit the 6 speed transmission is a bit jerky but overall I get 22 MPG on average tank. Kids love it and it fits me well. I keep it like a shiny new dime and maintenance it well. I plan on keeping this until it just quits. I have the SLT version with the 19 inch wheels and its a smooth ride. Little rattles here and there but otherwise a tight ride.

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  2011 Acadia - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By Fenderman - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car overall. I wasnt planning on getting the Diamond Tri-Coat White, i.e. pearl, color, but glad that is what I wound up with. I have gotten several compliments on the color, it really looks good in the sun. The leather seats are wonderful, but the headrest is driving me crazy. It is tilted forward to help with crash stability, but its hard trying to get comfortable. The sliver around the cup holder can be distracting in the bright sun. Good room for the family, will probably get an after market rear console and maybe running boards for the kids, GM seems pretty proud of those accessories list price.

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  Beware - Transmission/Throttle - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By SLC David - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Good feature set. Zippy engine. But throttle lag and inability of the transmission/engine to hold on even the slightest slope make the car dangerous. If stopped on a slight slope the car will drift back - while in D - unless you are on the gas or brake. Its like driving a manual transmission. And throttle lags on takeoff. So if youre not very diligent you may find yourself drifting backward into whatever is behind. Never had an SUV (of many over the years) with this problem. Took it to dealer and they said this was not a defect - all Acadias are this way. Tranny is also easy to "panic" if you floor it, the thing panics to a low gear often beyond the power curve so you end up going nowhere.

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  Disappointment - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By acadia4me - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Very disappointed in my 2011 Acadia in the month that I have owned it. Gas mileage: Far from the 16/23 state MPG I have averaged 9-11 MPG, and had a whopping record high of 14 MPG with 200+ highway miles (on cruise control!). When I contacted the dealer for service they told me it just needed to be broken in for another 1000 miles. AC: Initially the AC cooled well. After a few weeks however it just isnt getting very cold. Contacted the dealer and they said the temp is within spec. Everyone who sits in the car in our 90+ degree weather asks if I can turn the ac down to make it cooler or stop it from blowing lukewarm air. Alarming "clunk" after reversing about 10 feet.

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  Love it - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By dave583 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Loving this car. Very impressed with the ride, the power, the options. This vehicle handles amazing for what it is. We are very satisfied so far. Love the Bose too

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  6 month progress report - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Kevin - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Love the interior and exterior design. Plenty of room for 6 adults on long road trips. Can fit 8 people on moderate length trips. Smooth ride w/very good handling on twisty roads. Lots of creature comforts. Very quiet interior. Needed easy access 3rd row with room for adults, so no Q7, MDX, X5, Highlander, CX9, XC90, Touareg, Tribeca, RX350 Came down to the Acadia and Pilot Honda Pilots handling was less precise, had more body roll, and much more road noise. Access to third row was more difficult in the Pilot as tested by my 70+ yr old dad. Mileage, Best: 21.5 mpg(hilly highway driving) Worst:16 mpg (mostly city) 7k miles, only issue has been with cord to get the middle seat to lie flat.