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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  Navigation and Trunk Release problems - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Al - March 2 - 11:34 am

  We have a 2008 GMC Acadia. In less than a year and a half, the Navigation quit working. We took it back to the dealership and they said it would cost around $2,000 to replace it. Now the trunk release is not working properly. This will be our last GMC automobile. We expected higher quality for the price we paid.

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  Almost bought an Audi Q5 - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By LLA - February 27 - 12:51 pm

  We stumbled across the Acadia on a whim after an Audi salesman was not forth right about the models on his car lot. The Acadia is a great choice for a family SUV. My daughter loves the second row captains seats because they are cozy and they even recline, I love the comfort and my husband loves the style. The ride is comfortable. We recently took it on a road trip that included going on some uneven dirt roads. It did an awesome job. When driving it feels bigger than it is. The safety ratings are also great. We traded our 10 year old Suburban for this car so I feel good about the longevity of a GMC product and I feel alot better about buying an American Car.

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  Run away from - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By DAVIS - February 26 - 10:52 am

  My acadia has been in the shop numerous times. Twice for leaking sun roof- dealership says (twice) it fixed will be ok- who designs a car that has water coming into your sunroof? Lift gate supports at (30K miles, road Miles) malfunctioned and when it fell it almost hit my 3 yo grandbaby, would have hurt her badly or worse. The rattle in dashboard has never been fixed. Now of the worse the steering gear had to be replaced at 45k miles. At 924.46.... Never in all of my vehicles have i had such a lemon.... i quote from another "DO NOT buy this vehicle. I love the look- I love the performance, but it is not worth the frustrations" buy something othere than GMC

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  Comfortable, well-built SUV - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Scott - February 24 - 7:55 pm

  I bought this vehicle used (15000 miles) and have had it for about 3 months (2000 miles) and am very satisfied. Lots of features (some things I havent even tried yet) and everything is well designed and executed. I got the Acadia to tow and it has the highest capacity in its class. The 3rd row seat is very roomy and with that seat folded, the cargo room is very large. The only disappointment is the fuel economy. Ive always got better mileage than advertised from vehicles Ive owned, until this one. Average MPG is 19 (80/20 highway/city driving). Other than that, I have no complaints.

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  leaking sunroof - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Bluechip - February 24 - 2:55 pm

  I bought my car in February 2007, we were in a drought no rain, then we had a heavy rain. We got inside the car and my floorboard was standing in water, the headliner was wet and water was pouring out of the airbag sign, I called the dealership, they told me I had left sunroof open which I never use. By the time I took it in to the dealership a few days later, they had other vehicles with same problem they fixed it in minutes no more problems with that. I think there might be a recall on the roof. Gas mileage poor, and now the driver side window doesnt always work. Very disappointed in the car, not the car we thought we were getting. I think GM needed a 6 cylinder suv and this was it

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  gas mileage is killing me - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By acadiastinks - February 23 - 8:29 am

  I have a new 2010 GMC acadia. It has 2000 miles on it. I get 10 mpg!!!! The wheels have no free roll. They always feel bound. The tranny down shifts hard and slows the vehicle from rolling. Try coasting at 60 mph and it winds down hard to 50 mph in 4 seconds. It causes you to constantly ride the gas pedal. IT STINKS

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  Buyer Beware - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By A Murphy - February 19 - 9:31 pm

  The 2007 Acadia started out as a great car. At 17,000 miles we lost our power steering. It spent months in the shop with everybody and their brother trying to figure out why we lost power steering ONLY when it rained. The dealership was great, but GMC was a nightmare to deal with. After several times being in the shop...each time assuring us the problem was "solved", we would have another close call when the steering would suddenly go out without warning. GM finally screwed a shield to the bottom of the car and added aftermarket parts to correct the problem. We NEVER feel safe in the vehicle & drive a rental more. Now, at 40,000 miles, the transmission failed with the family in the car.

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  Looks great! But not a reliable vehicle - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Sistersami - February 5 - 10:48 pm

  Transmission has blown after 81,000km - not impressed. Tonnes of electrical problems. Tailgate malfunctions every winter & needs to be replaced. Windshield wiper motor failed. I LOVE the look of the vehicle, but it is a LEMON... STAY AWAY!!!

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  Nice look.....poor interior quality - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Boss Lady - January 31 - 9:59 pm

  I purchased my Acadia brand new in June 2008. I love the way the exterior is made and it is a totally fun vehicle to drive. I hate the fact that the interior of the vehicle was made so cheap. The rear floor vent covers keep coming off, the middle bench seat has never operated correctly since I drove it off the dealers lot. Additionally, the driver side window will intermittently just stop working for periods of time. Unfortunately, the window never seems to act up when I take it to the dealership. I also hate the carpet material that is on the back of the seats, because over time it starts to look awful and is all matted. I live in Michigan, and the vehicle does not handle well in the snow

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  LUV THIS CAR!!! - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By EAS - January 29 - 10:32 pm

  I purchased this car after trading in my Honda CRV. I drive 50,000 miles a year for my job. I wanted something that was a bit bigger then the CRV and more comfortable. These Acadias are sharp! I have only once been able to get 20mpg but it has been so cold out it is hard to get the good mileage so I am waiting for the warm to see what I get. This is really comfortable and I love this car!!! Ive noticed that when I put the car in Park out of drive it seems to roll forward a bit far after you take your foot off the break, I just have to get used to that. I have been recommending this car to lots of people.