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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  Grandpa & neema enjoying gmc Acadia slt2 - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By Big Ben/Nebraska - September 17 - 2:00 am

  After deciding we wanted to have a vehicle with more people/cargo room, we traded in our 2008 Impala LTZ and ordered our new 2011 GMC Acadia SLT2. Although we have only driven it for 3 weeks now and have 1000 miles on it, we can see it is everything we wanted/needed in our "new wheels". Ride is fantastic, gas mileage is close to the window sticker suggested mpg highway and city. Has volumes of cargo space with rear seats reclined (although we still havent gotten the knack for dropping the center bucket seats completely down). Enjoy the heads-up display and navigation system. Rear backup camera a must! We have always owned GM products and so far this Acadia meets & beats our expectations.

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  Best SUV ever! - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By GMC Acadia - September 13 - 2:00 am

  For the price, this is the best value SUV product on the market today. I simply love to drive my Acadia. The exterior design is very attractive. The interior is awesome and has the right space for the kids, entertained with the DVD in the back, plus the extra 3rd bench seats for friends. On long trips we just fold down the 3rd bench for a spacious luggage area. Even then, we can store luggage on the roof rack. Great SUV, great ride and great design. Congrats to GMC.

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  Would not buy another - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By JimCalgary - September 12 - 2:00 am

  We have had the vehicle since new. The transmission hunts excessively when the car is going up hills. The dashboard rattles. A trim piece fell off a seat. A number of power steering components were replaced. Vehicle makes clicking noises from front end. In slushy weather the Service Stabilitrack light sometimes comes on dealer reprogrammed the software but the light still sometimes comes on. You have to come in under the fenders to change the headlight bulb! I had to have a shop replace it, cost me over $100. Odd tire size, few choices for replacement in OEM size. Nice ride and roomy inside, but I find the vehicle uninspiring and I cant think of a reason to buy another.

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  Access - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Access - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Experience has not been good. Gas mileage is low. About 5-7 mpg less than bragged about. Dealer said that it is within range. Other brands have not lied as much as GM has. I drive for mileage, all it does is get worse. Access for one who runs around with disabled veterans plates is terrible. I would not recommend the Acadia to anyone who is disabled. God help us if this is considered to be a good product.

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  Worst Vehicle Ever! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Jeff Wilhelm - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Purchased to replace a mini van. Huge mistake, has been in the shop several times, about once every 6 weeks for repairs. Biggest issue is with the AirBags, have had to have it in to service these 7, yes 7 times. GM says that they cannot and will not give a guarantee that the airbags work, if the lights not on assume that it works. Apparently safety not an issue with GM. We have had leaking windows, pw motor replaced, steering column squeaks, wipers dont work, fuel economy is terrible, brake line clips that have come off, lunges when you accelerate up a hill, the list goes on and on. Worst vehicle we have ever had. Should have let GM go under!

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  Not worth the money $$$ - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By HSEFPSO - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Acadia for 2 years and had more trouble for what its worth. I have had it in the shop for too many non-routine repairs then desired. Big thing is that they are leaky which can cause lots of problems with the electronic systems. It is too bad because the $$ you pay for these SUVs should represent a quality product. After my lease is done so am I with the Acadia.

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  Love this car!!! - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By dave583 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I felt the need to report since I read these when deciding what to buy. This thing is awesome! really. took our first good trip this weekend and this car handles and drives incredibly. 80,90, 100mph no problem. It floats at all speeds. 100 mph was deceiving because it handled so smooth. twisty roads were also gobbled up with ease. plenty of room for the kids and our stuff. Love it! Well be keeping this for a long while

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  Better then I excepted - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Steve Johnson - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used 2008 SLT 2 AWD with every option on it for 29 K the vehicle had 37000 miles on it. Ater reading the reviews I was worried about the automatic transmission and water leakage so I had the dealer pull up a car fax and all the GMC service records, all recalls were taken care and only oil change and tire rotation in the service records. The vehicle runs great, good ride and the styling is awesome, I got a 5 year 100,000 bumper to bumper on it because of all the bells and whistles. After a month no complaints, a great GMC product.

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  No Problems with my 2007 Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By outlaw - September 1 - 1:39 pm

  I have noticed quite a few write ups about issues with the 07 Acadia. I bought mine new and now have 65000 miles on it and the only two issues I have had is changing one burned out headlamp and the other was replacing the belt. Other than that the vehicle has performed above my expectations. Keep in mind I did not purchase a vehicle with sunroof. The only engineering changes I would like to see is having a larger rear window so as to be able to see better backing up and a rear window which pops open instead of having to always open the tailgate style rear. Overall I am pleased with my 2007 Acadia. I am happy with mine.

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  Fun - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By Bryan - August 31 - 5:20 pm

  Love it. The only drawback is Im trying to upgrade the speaker system and there is not a lot of info out there. Sometimes when driving the sun reflects off of the interior chrome which is annoying. Handling is great and the 7 passenger capacity is very comfortable. The visibility is compromised but nothing to be alarmed with.