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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  Looks good, Poor quality - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Bridget Barry - May 3 - 8:11 pm

  I love to drive this car however we have experienced many problems with it. The most serious by the time it had 39K the struts were gone, the lights no longer worked on the radio, and the remote car starter no longer worked. We cant seem to get GM or the dealership we bought it from to be helpful. We leased this vehicle because we dont want to have to fix these types of issues with any car. It had to go into the shop a few times to also have the transmission looked at. It still shifts rather hard and is noisy. We have a bench middle seat, the seats slides forward to access the 3rd row. These areas that the seats slide on are not smooth and makes moving the seats very difficult.

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  Love My Acadia! - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Kat - April 30 - 6:28 pm

  I traded in a 2004 Saturn Vue AWD V6 for the 2009 Acadia SLT 2. I love driving it (and I do it a lot!) and my friends are very comfortable on trips we take to go to conferences. Ive gotten better than advertised MPG (22/26) with mixed driving. The Bluetooth is great and the sound system is better than any other car Ive ever had. I have XM Radio and I love listening to great music when Im on the road. I use the On-Star turn by turn navigation and that has been exceptionally useful. The seats front and back are very comfortable and access is easy. I have had NO problems with the vehicle.

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  Getting Rid of Mine - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By hasta lavista acadia - April 29 - 4:56 pm

  I have had the exact same problems as lemonowner and thankfully just got heard from our local gm rep that they are buying me out of my lease. I am not sure what that quite means yet and wont know until the outside company that deals with this issue contacts me (I was told within 2 weeks). I guess I should have turned around the day I purchased it and drove it off the lot and a strut went! My last problems were the steering column was replaced and the car had rust spots all over. DEFINITELY stay away from this model year. I really did love everything about my Acadia unfortunately, the headaches and inconveniences that these mechanical issues caused outweighed all the positives.

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  extremely disappointed - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By norma mercado - April 26 - 10:04 am

  i purchased my 2007 Acadia in feb. of 2010. granted it was a used car but had less than 30,000 miles. earlier this month the buttons on my radio stopped working. so now i have a cd i cant get out and if i want to change stations i have to use the dial. but the most serious was just this weekend when my car for no reason would just turn off in the middle of a busy street at a light at night when my kids were in the car with me. i was afraid some one was going to slam into me from behind when my car turned off and would start back up. after several trys it did only to turn off at another light. then it is making this weird noise and givind me messages having to do with my traction control.

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  2010 Acadia SLT - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By smith2409 - April 25 - 2:03 pm

  I have only had my Acadia for a short time. I really like everything about the Acadia. The ride is great and the gas mileage is better (about 20 in mixed driving) than expected. The Acadia is very confortable with loads of space inside. Handles great and does about everything short of driving itself and almost does that. At this point I would recomend the Acadia to anyone.

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  So Far, So Good - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Fidalgo73 - April 18 - 8:19 pm

  Great ride - smooth and quiet. Seats, Bose stereo, access to controls, all the bells bells and whistles on our SLE are great. Lots of room. Great safety features! Got 19 mpg on the first tank. Feels solid. Transmission shifts smoothly. Limited view out the back windows may be a challenge for towing our boat and backing it up. Maybe GM has finally turned the corner on quality cars and trucks? Overall, we are very happy!

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  Buy it back GM! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By rob619 - April 18 - 12:40 pm

  I had this SUV for about 3 yrs. and had nothing but problems from steering pump, oil leaks, stalling when it rains, and my 3 new transmission put in sense I had this car one of the worst purchase Ive ever made.

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  Hunk of Junk - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By lemonowner08 - April 13 - 1:43 pm

  This vehicle has leaking issues if you have the sunroof option. It has engine, air conditioning, heater, and electronic problems. The lumber and seat belt height adjusters are either broke from factory or break soon after. This is not a safe vehicle. GM will do very little to help and our local dealership couldnt and wouldnt do anything. We had to take it to another dealership in another city to get the problems and recalls fixed. We are still having problems and residuals of past problems like the headliner full of water rings from past leaks. Now we have a wheel bearing going out. 21,000 miles and a lot of problems. Just avoid this vehicle.

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  Love all but seats/headrests - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Jeff - April 12 - 4:26 pm

  My wife and I traded our 2000 4Runner for the 2010 Acadia. 2nd row captains chairs for our kids as well as easy access to the 3rd row were two of the main selling points. We like everything about the vehicle other than the gas mileage (16.5 MPG overall with much highway driving) and the front seats. The curve of the seat along with the forward angle of the headrest make it impossible to sit comfortably. Ive tried every adjustment possible and cant get my upper back and neck to stop hurting. Kids love it. Friends love the look. The seats are the only problem.

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  A GMC Home Run - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Scott McDermott - April 10 - 12:04 pm

  I have been absolutely thrilled will this vehicle. GMC really paid attention to style, feature, function and all around usability. The engine is nothing short of awesome. The power and pickup would lead you to believe you were driving a bigger V8, but without the sluggishness and bulky feel. The vehicle is very responsive, nicely and thoughtfully featured without being overstated. I buy new cars every 2-3 years and as my first GMC all I can say is that Im very pleased and impressed. Good job GMC!