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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  Great Product - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By CTucker - July 9 - 11:33 am

  This is our 4th GMC and first Acadia. So far I am very impressed with the vehicle. While the mileage is not great, you have to consider what you are getting and giving up in mileage. Performance is good for the v6. Interior space is outstanding compared to competitive models while it doesnt feel like a big ship when driving.

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  Interior is going wrong! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By GMC OWNER - July 4 - 8:40 pm

  Ive had the acadia over 2 years. I love it! Well recently Ive had some problems with the interior. The hydraulic arms to the back door have also gone bad. The larger seat in the middle passenger row wont move. The seat belts in the back are not comfortable (latches), they dont give at all. Good if you are tiny and can fit between them. Im just disappointed in the problems going wrong right now. Sunglass compartment on dash also sticks. Nothing mechanical (cross your fingers). Wish the tires were a normal size so they didnt cost so much to replace! Love the car though!

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  Beware of brakes - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By cindy - July 3 - 6:53 am

  I bought this SUV and within a month the brakes went out. The vehicle is in the shop with no repair date available, the part to fix the brake problem is on national back order. I have never owned a GMC product. Apparently from what the mechanic @ GMC said this is a problem that GMC is aware of. The dealership is nice to you when they tell you they have no ideal when your SUV will be fixed. I wish they would buy my ACADIA back. I bought this car thinking It would last for years. Very unhappy with this GMC.

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  Happy with purchase - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Cory H - June 30 - 11:05 pm

  About 3,500 miles in 3 months on my AWD SLT 1 and am thus far quite happy with the purchase. Am getting just over the EPA rated gas mileage (mostly city driving) but mileage goes down quickly if running stop & go errands. Still, this is a large vehicle that gets far better mileage than many Crossovers and SUVs of similar size. Great interior design with exception of the complaint in suggested improvements. Biggest complaint is the shifting. Prior year models had issues, so 2010 was reprogrammed. It still needs improvement as it hunts at slow speeds. Engine braking is very noticeable when downshifting at slow speed. My prior GM vehicle did not have this issue.

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  Major AC and sunroof issues - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By 07acadia - June 30 - 10:16 pm

  We bought acadia with low miles still under warranty. We have had nothing but trouble with the ac. Took it to local dealer, not dealer we purchased it from and have gotten nowhere. They say they cant duplicate the problem. Well, warranty has run out and problem is still there with just over 50,000 miles. There is an obvious problem with these vehicles. If you visit the website acadia forum there are many others with the same unresolved problem. We have gotten nowhere with GM customer service either. My spouse has grown to hate this vehicle. Paying every month for an expensive vehicle with ac problems.

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  Would Buy Another One - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Naples - June 22 - 7:20 pm

  Could not be happier. Bought 2 years ago and four trips to Florida each year - 4,800 miles a year. Fabulous road car - very comfortable ride, plenty of interior space and feel very safe. Somewhat sluggish when pulling away from dead stop but just give it more gas. Absolutely no mechanical problems in two years - great quality.

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  Good vehicle with quirks - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Ernie - June 21 - 8:33 pm

  So far so good very comfortable. Why would they build a car that rolls forward on a hill when car is In reverse? I noticed today vehicle does not roll free it is very noticeable then I read a posted review here that mentions the same observation.

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  Must Get Rid Of - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By KeithGP - June 17 - 4:21 pm

  I hate to do bad reviews about this GMC vehicle that I own since I have had 2 GMC vehicles before this that were absolutely wonderful, but I must finally give it what GM deserves. My experience with my Acadia has been horrible. There is always something wrong with it and now everything that seems to be wrong with it is NOT covered by the powertrain warranty. I would like a powertrain warranty that kept the vehicle running at least and GMs does not. I have had my vehicle in the shop at least 8-9 times since buying it brand new. It has soured my taste for GM so much that I do not know if I will buy another. I am going to research the newer models to see if there are the same complaints!

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  If it can go wrong, it will with this car! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By hk - June 9 - 12:18 pm

  Have had the car 3 years. Done every scheduled maintenance & recall notices. Was ok for 2 yrs. 3/09 started shaking on acceleration, check engine light on, traction turning off warning bell. Dealership advised needed 3 fuel injectors replaced. Didnt fix problem. Different dealership sd needed 3 more fuel injectors replaced. On 4/6/10 towed b/c over heating,oil leaks, coolant leak and water pump was broken.4/12/10 A/C went out, lines replaced for $960. On 5/20/10 transmission failed,towed again. Still at dealership now, 3 weeks later.With min rental insurance + towing costs + flushes needed due to leaks, this car has cost me $774 + the monthly car payment for a car I cant even drive. Dont buy!

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  Pure Awesomeness - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By DannyCal - June 8 - 1:52 am

  I got the top of the line SLT2 and Im very satisfied with it. I got 3500 miles on it.