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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  Beware-Transmission Problems - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By khubb - April 5 - 9:35 pm

  I loved this vehicle up until recently. I bought this vehicle brand new, now at 53,000 miles, it is currently in the shop because my transmission needs to be rebuilt. I am so disappointed and the warranty will not be extended. This is my first and last GMC vehicle, because I no longer trust the vehicle. I also know someone who has the Outlook and they needed a new engine at 40,000. OMG, when I pay this baby off, I am going back to Honda. Do not walk, but RUN AWAY from this vehicle.

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  Born every minute - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Oh Well - April 3 - 1:37 am

  Window sticker mileage is not factual. It is way too high. Even with cruise I am lucky to get 22 MPG. If there were ADA requirements for cars this one would fail. The traffic reporting is tied into the XM radio at a stiff renewal fee. I will hate to see what the On Star renewal fees are. There are hand held GPS providers that include traffic for free.

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  Uncomfortable at any speed - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By julian lupenski - April 2 - 3:47 pm

  Drivers seat lumbar feels like someone is poking you in the back. Uses a piston instead of bladder so Im told by dealership. Passenger seat has more comfort. Sluggish at takeoff when cold. Muffler and other components are ripe for damage. Placement below frame. Do not recommend anyone to buy.

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  Duped - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By douped - April 1 - 11:17 am

  Very little good to say. Interior needs a handle at the drivers door for those of us that are mobility impaired and way to many little buttons to be pushing while driving. Dash is very distracting and confusing. Interior size is the best feature. I would not buy another one!

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  Love my Acadia - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Nikki Johnson - March 25 - 2:02 pm

  Previously I owned a GMC Envoy & loved it, but the Acadia is Awesome!! I love the power, the look & comfort!! My family is loving this vehicle!! Thanks GM for a great vehicle!

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  Looks nice but many issues - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By bwhite - March 24 - 4:45 pm

  When I first saw and drove the Acadia, all seemed great. The first year was great, but soon after nagging issues started to appear. The most serious being the transmission. I seems sluggish with no power when trying to accelerate. I has been to the dealer several times, with them always saying that they could find nothing wrong. In fact its in the shop right now with "NOTHING FOUND". We also had a mysterious oil leak that took 4 trips to solve. They are usually nice at the dealer but I still drive away with a unreliable car.

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  From Yukon to Acadia - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Mike - March 23 - 5:57 pm

  Just came back from 1500 mile trip everything with this car was great ride comfort plenty of pep, will take some time getting use to 6 speed trans, handled great on highway. Minor changes to int. So far so good hope its as good as 2007 Yukon.

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  I wish I bought a Pilot - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By John - March 21 - 12:14 am

  I had a Honda Pilot for the last 7 years. I loved that car. We bought the Acadia because we really liked the look of the outside. Now that we have owned it a few months the feel of the car has taken a toll. The interior plastic features are really cheap and the doors are not solid like they were in our Honda when you close them. I dont know why they used chrome trim in the interior it is a constant distraction when driving. The back seat floor area is a great crumb catcher for my two girls. I think the passenger seats gave up comfort when they made them slide and such as they do, nice that they slide but comfort was given up in our opinion when GMC did this.

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  Worst new vehicle I have driven - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By sky1701 - March 19 - 8:48 am

  As I read through the other reviews, my issues are about the same, water, electrical, engine, trans, steering, computer, etc. The worst for me is the random not starting (because of the water in the fuse box, replaced 3x already). Anyway, extremely poor mileage and quality issues all over th place. NOT reliable, OVERPRICED and frankly, a dud! Meeting a GM rep next week - see what they say. My guess is not much. A company in this bad of shape should be way ahead of these problems. Too bad, I always loved GM vehicles, but this has turned me away. Do NOT buy the Acadia - all smoke and mirrors, glitz and no substance...definitely not up to to the GMC reputation!

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  Sad to see it go... - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By miacadia - March 18 - 8:46 am

  I have leased this car for 3 years and am sad to say goodbye to my Acadia. It has been a great family car - my kids loved the pull-down movie screen and my husband and I loved the headphones for peace and quiet! With fold down seats, plenty of room for transporting large items, but then you can only seat 2 people. Little storage space when all seats are up. We went on vacation last summer out east and had some difficulty fitting all our luggage in the back! Some complaints - low gas mileage 14-16 city, 22 highway, not enough storage space up front for driver - purse, office files etc..., lots of blind spots, when playing a movie, cannot put the sound only in the back, very loud up front!