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:

• 

  Love it! - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By AZMom - January 29 - 8:56 pm

  My Highlander became too small and the Acadia is a great upgrade. I like the lines on the vehicle and it is a very practical people mover. I considered the Enclave but was turned off by too much chrome.

• 

  Sludge Build Up In Engine - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Randy - January 29 - 6:32 am

  I have sludge build up in engine at 70K miles. A GMC dealer says it is due to improperly maintenance. I contacted GM and they agreed. I changed the oil when the OLM indicator told me to. The dealership wants me to pay 7K for a new engine. I am in the process of hiring an attorney to help me with this. The dealer I purchased from went bankrupt and I can not get the maintenance records so GM is saying I drove the vehicle for 29K miles before my first oil change because I cannot provide maintenance records. The dealership who diagnosed the problem stated I should have changed the oil at 5K intervals. Why then did GM put OLM indicators on these vehicles.

• 

  Great Car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By DA - January 22 - 8:12 pm

  Best car I have ever had and I have had a lot of them. Had the car for 2 years, 41K on it. Never had a problem, never been in the dealership other than an oil change. Started making a whining noise it was just a little low on power steering fluid which was easy to fill. We love our Acadia.

• 

  Seriously!!??!! - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By cgwmom - January 15 - 5:56 am

  2010 Acadia bought brand new 12/31/2009 with only 108 miles on it. Exactly 2 weeks from the date of purchase and I watched it leave on a tow truck last night! I picked up school kids and then got a low oil pressure alarm (stop engine) on the display! The alarm would not stop and I pulled over in the nearest parking lot and phoned the dealership! Stranded for 3 hours with 3 small school kids because of my BRAND NEW CAR is not OK! I have wanted this car for over 2 years, and now I dont want it at all. Dealer says it is probably just a sensor". Guess what, I dont care if it is a sensor, or a gasket or a loose belt. New car on tow truck = me NOT HAPPY

• 

  Water and Electricity dont mix - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By David - January 12 - 6:38 am

  Bought my Acadia as a dealer leftover. Got home and the battery was dead, now after 6 months I am on my third battery. Dealer cannot find the source of the problem and I keep an emergency jump pack in the back of the car at all times. I too have water coming in the pillars and have had the drain tubes "enlarged" Gas mileage 16 city and 18 highway --no where near what the sticker suggests. Transmission seems to hunt for a gear when on cruise control.

• 

  best car i ever had - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By lshah72414 - January 10 - 7:48 pm

  My 2010 acadia is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Handling is excellent. It is very quiet. I love driving it. My only complaint is I wish I got better than 22 miles per gallon. My previous vehicle was getting 24 mpg.

• 

  watch out - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By drenee - January 7 - 11:45 am

  My acadia has been in the shop numerous times. 4th time for leaking sun roof- dealership says that water is supposed to run into the sunroof and as long as the drains are free (mine have already been clogged) it will be ok- who designs a car that has water coming into your sunroof? Ive had back bumper tightened, inside door panels tightened. Gone through 4 radios w/ nav already. Window clips have been forgotten to be put on at factory. Have had rattle in dashboard for over a year. Can not seem to stop the issue. Window are now rattling. DO NOT buy this vehicle. I love the look- I love the performance, but it is not worth the frustrations

• 

  Liking It - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By JD - January 7 - 11:31 am

  I like most everything about this vehicle. The one complaint I would have is the headrest does not adjust as much as I would like, but it is my wifes car. Had a Toyota Highlander LTD. for her which I rarely drove, I thought it looked like a station wagon or a grocery getter not exactly a mans car. Now I drive hers almost any time we go together it has a great look! On a 75 mile trip we had 6 adults riding very comfortably. In the snow it is amazing it just doesnt move off track. Like the interior very much just macho enough. The ride of this vehicle is fantastic. You can see for miles with the headlamps. 3500 miles no complaints yet. MPG ok observed 24 highway but it is big.

• 

  Great Crossover - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By berne1 - January 6 - 3:38 pm

  I got my Acadia in December, traded in a Yukon Denali. I find this vehicle superior in every way for my usage. It is very quiet inside, smooth and powerful. This is a much more compact package than the Yukon with better MPG, better performance, better ride quality, and on.

• 

  leaky acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Cincy Acadia - January 5 - 10:02 pm

  Vehicle has been in twice for a leak in the roof. If your car has less than 36k miles, make sure it is exposed to a heavy rain before you get outside the warranty. If I am not given an extension on my warranty I will be looking to unload this car and will never spend another dollar on a GM product.