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 (but not perfect) vehicle - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Scott - June 4 - 3:52 pm

  As another reviewer pointed out, the front seat headrest design isnt great. Fortunately, this is my wifes car. It replaced a Grand Caravan--AWD was a big selling feature, and did not disappoint last winter. Interior noise is surprisingly low. Gas mileage isnt great, but isnt that different from the Grand Caravan. If youre looking for a fuel miser, this definitely isnt the vehicle for you. The only other complaint is that the vehicle is so wide that many parking spaces are tight squeezes. This often leads to door dings.

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  So much trouble - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By smgarcia - June 1 - 5:24 pm

  This car looks great. The interior features are wonderful. The gas mileage is even good. I have had 3 air conditioning repairs, transmission trouble, sunroof leaks, an air intake valve broke and required major engine work, multiple overheating issues, a failed water pump, intermittent Stabilitrack error messages for no reason, the navigation DVD wont read more than half the time, drivers seat has developed an annoying squeak, and there is something rolling around under the floor board that shifts from side to side when you turn. I cannot wait to get rid of this car I otherwise love. Im almost crazy enough to say Id get another one. Doesnt qualify for Lemon Law.

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  Great car - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Danny Cal - June 1 - 5:43 am

  Ive had this car for 4 months and 3500 miles. So far everything is just outstanding. The power, the handling,the comfort and -lets not forget- its also a looker on red. I was so ready to buy the new Sienna and then my wife asked me to also test drive the Acadia. We were immediately hooked. Features like the navigation with Onstar, traffic,DVD, heated memory seats, dual moonroof, remote starter, etc. just make me feel like Im on a spaceship. It has completely changed my mind about American cars. Awesome job GM! PD: Why do so many praise minivans and crossovers that have such a low ground clearance that they hit the front bumper on everything? Just check a loaded Odyssey or Flex.

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  Hang On - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Schiebs - May 25 - 11:25 am

  I have read several reviews related to the vehicle rolling while in gear and this seems to be an issue with many reviewers. I grew up driving a stick, so I can deal with it, but it doesnt seem right that an automatic should roll free while in gear, even on a slight incline. The vehicle also rolls forward or backward up to 12 inches when removing your foot from the brake after putting the vehicle in park when on an incline. The driver has to be sure to ease off the brake until the vehicle comes to rest before passengers exit to void being knocked off balance when the vehicle rolls back hard. My dealer has told me "thats normal." Doesnt seem right to me.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By BettyH - May 22 - 9:35 am

  This is a very nice car. It looks way better than any other crossover that I test drove, but thats a different case on the inside, which is dull and ugly. Despite that, it is one of the best vehicles available. Driving American gives me a sense of pride to.

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  Good, but thirsty - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By wnydad - May 17 - 9:17 pm

  07 Acadia has been a solid perfomer for three years. Awful, awful gas mileage, but all else pretty good. Can be a bit truckish slightly smaller wheels might make it more refined, but probably not GMCs plan. Planning to trade down to a smaller size vehicle - the cost premium is just too much for the third row compared to the outstanding smaller vehicles available.

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  Matters Get Worse - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Bad Luck - May 17 - 12:09 pm

  I came on this site to see the reviews from other Acadia owners. Weve owned our Acadia for a little over two years and I estimate that the local Dealer has had our vehicle for about 10% of that time. We have had both front struts replaced, power steering unit repaired, master brake cylinder replaced, computer work done, water pump problem, and now we are waiting to have our transmision replaced. The dealer ship has been very good about repairs, but they didnt build the vehicle. If you are considering the purchase of an GMC Acadia I suggest you walk away. General Motors should have recalled these vehicles due to all of the power train problems.

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  So many Problems - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By wits end in NC - May 16 - 12:12 pm

  After 9 mths from purchase head gaskets replaced.Still making noise,they claimed one of the gaskets was bad and had to be replaced again.Now making a different noise. Steering struts, mounts,upper bearings/mount,all damaged and replaced.In Nov08 the drivers side wiper blew off.We moved to OBX aug 09, so using dif service dept. Wiper replaced due to being wrong size, head light blew. A/C stopped working.Discovered line had been cut when engine work was done,had radiator clamp holding it together. Part is on back order. They have no idea when it will be in. They claim they cant make just 1.GM cust service is involved but doing nothing.Dont know what to do from here.

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  GM beat me down with this truck - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By PJ - May 14 - 7:49 pm

  We have just over 60,000 miles this is by far the worst 9 new and roughly 7 used GM vehicles I have owned. For the most part we love the ride and performance of the truck but the fit and finish/everything else is the problem. To date we have had the following issues: -Power Steering pump (three times) -Rack and Pinion -Driver side seat track loose (took 5 trips to get it fixed) -When they fixed the "problem" with the sunroof then it started leaking inside -Center arm rest handle broke -Timing chain stretched(need to pull engine to fix) -Seat belt adjuster broke -Leaking steering fluid (replaced cooler) -Headlights at 20k (need to pull tires to change) -Center Console on dash broke

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  Love at first sight, but.... - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By tryUSAagain - May 10 - 1:50 am

  When we first got this car, we absolutely loved it. Yes, the transmission was a bit jittery, but overall we just loved the look, ride, and comfort of this car. As time passed, however, problems have continued to arise. Just today, for the third time we are getting warning lights about the airbags. We have a transmission leak (car not even at 28,000 miles yet)and the car has been to the dealer more times in the few years weve owned it than all of the cars weve owned in the last 12 years combined. I really wanted to believe that GMC had turned the corner and was building quality cars again, but this car has done nothing but sour me on them. Looks great,rides great,but is a pain to own.