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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  piece o poo - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By nomoGMs! - August 31 - 1:05 pm

  We bought this vehicle brand new, 2 yrs ago w/15 miles on it! Have been diligent w/maintanence. All I can say is thank God for the warranty right now. We have had to have the rack and pinion replaced, transmission gasket replaced, strut bars replaced. also, found out to replace a head lamp bulb will cost $300! They need to remove the entire front end to get to the lamps! the car is beautiful, drives wonderfully (when not in shop), but the very second I can sell it and not lose our butts, I am doing so. I only have 30,000 miles on it now. What a piece of you know what. NEVER will buy ANYTHING from GM, Dodge or Chrysler again. NEVER! Run away from it, fast!

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  2011 Not entirely a miss or a hit - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By nmydst - August 31 - 9:45 am

  Over all my experience has been fine. I have only owned my car for 3 weeks, however I did previously own a 2009 so I do have prior Acadia experience. The car seems to idle rough and doesnt switch smoothly into gears, as my 2009 did. I have many blind spots such as the second row headrests. You cannot see over them if you turn to look over your shoulder to check for cars. Your two back side windows are of no use to you with those headrests in the way. The seats themselves dont seem as comfortable as before and the car just seems to be bulkier and louder. I used to drive the 2009 like it was a car. This one I feel nervous, worrying that Im going to hit someone because of the blindspots.

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  Happy Acadia Owner - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Orlando Resident - August 29 - 10:25 am

  Im surprised at the problems others have experienced. We have had our Acadia for 2 years and 36,000 miles with no problems (fingers crossed). I love everything about the vehicle to include the look, feel, handling, interior room and features. We have taken 3 trips to the midwest and will soon take our 4th trip. The ride is comfortable and the kids love it! We have a 2 and 4 year old so we bought the model with captain chairs so that we can access the back seat easily. On occasion we have 6 passengers in the car, 4 adults/2 children, and have no complaints. We bought the vehcile for these reasons and because of its safety rating. If reliability isnt a future issue we will buy another.

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  Acadia vs Yukon - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By bill - August 23 - 10:24 am

  I traded my 06 Yukon for a 09 Acadia. At the time gas was $$ and I felt compelled to get a better mileage vehicle. Oops! I paid more for the Acadia than I would have for another Yukon (with the factory and dealer spiffs they were giving back then). Turns out my Yukon got BETTER mileage! The Acadia is O.K., looks good, reliable, etc, but it is more like driving a van than an SUV. My only complaint is the acceleration hesitation in wet and cold weather, which nobody can seem to fix. Other than that, no problems at all in the first 20k miles. But, next time around, Im back to a Yukon.

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  The Fuel Injectors Stopped Working - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By 15monthsapart - August 9 - 1:10 pm

  Ive had my Acadia for almost two years, come February. Two of the fuel injectors started leaking two weeks ago. The engine light came on at the same time my engine started smoking and hesitating in rush hour traffic. OnStar ran a diagnostic and reported the findings to me. I had it towed in to the dealer, they wouldnt tell me the problem until I told them that OnStar had already made it known to me. Four days later I drove my Acadia back home and fumes were coming through the air vents. I took it back to the dealer. They said the other fuel injectors had stopped working. Im not an auto mechanic, but this is bad, right?

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  Beware - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By isabel - August 8 - 1:06 am

  Do not buy it. It is not reliable. Too many problems and dealership will give you the runaround. Buy another make this vehicle will leave you stressed out.

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  Great Choice - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By JimM - August 7 - 6:21 pm

  We have had our Acadia for just over 2 year and have enjoyed it. Get as much as 26 MPG if I drive at speed limit and at my normal 75 get 22. Very comfortable on road, DVD, sun roofs, navigation are all well used. Recommend the Acadia

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  Still loving it after 2 1/2 years - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Gagirl - August 6 - 4:17 pm

  I am a mom of two and I have owned my Acadia for 3 years this December and I still absolutely love it. Handles well, has plenty of room for thing and people, smooth ride, interior is very comfortable. This is a beautiful car and I always get compliments on it. My friends repeatedly tell me how much they enjoy riding in it.

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  Great for trailering - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Rob S - July 25 - 9:47 pm

  Weve only had the vehicle for a few weeks now but were loving it. We checked out the Pilot, Pathfinder and Edge. The pilot had the 2nd row leg room but few options at our price. The other 2 didnt have the 2nd row leg room. We need something that tows a 3500 lb pop up trailer and this does that without a problem. I can even see over trailer with rear view mirror. Took some time to get the hang of moving the 2nd row seat to get into the 3rd row. Once you get it its easy.

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  Crap 2009 Acadia - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By fastestnascar - July 23 - 11:29 pm

  Crap Acadia Says: 2009 Acadia purchased from Andy Mohr Pontiac in Noblesville 4-22-09. Great ride and power for an SUV, however, very strange odor when first turning on blower motor, it simply stinks! Power door locks will not operate when shifting into park intermittently, has happened at least a dozen or more times when putting in park , dealer states it is a “loose relay” after visiting them twice now, and they state it is good to go now. Not a good feeling being trapped! I state it is good to go get my lawyer a call due to GM cannot fix this $41,000 piece of crap! Your Acadia power door lock system will also fail, just a matter of time!