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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  The best choice, but not perfect - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By JimM - January 4 - 12:14 pm

  When looking for a AWD SUV that can tow a boat, has enough height to get through the snow storms, a nice ride, 7 seats and easy access to the 3rd row, the choices are limited. We need captains chairs in the 2nd row. The traditional truck SUVs have this, but the 3rd row is either too small or doesnt fold flat. I also wasnt interested in getting 12 MPG or a truck-like ride. The only other SUV that compares to the Acadia is the Flex, but it has a small 3rd row, something we could be regretting when traveling with the inlaws. As you can see from my ratings, performance is ho-hum, but adequate. I havent loaded it up and attached the trailer yet. Best marks for style, utility and quality.

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  Still no remorse! - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By SO Cal Man - January 3 - 8:15 pm

  This car/truck is a very good vehicle for the money. I have not had any issues with features or functions everthing works as expected. My kids love the Acadia and I still gets double looks from people on the street. I looked at all the others Acura MDX, Mazda CX9, Lexus RX, Ford Flex and read all the reviews but kept coming back to the Acadia. The styling and features are very impressive.

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  Great Car To Drive...When It Starts - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Kelly - January 3 - 10:36 am

  We are heading back to dealer again for repairs on our Acadia which we have owned for only 9 months. We have added roadside assistance to our speed dial after having to call for problems with battery, starter, and fuel pump. This is our first and last GMC purchase.

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  Love my Acadia - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Iteach26kids - January 2 - 9:20 am

  Researched vehicles for a year before purchase & kept coming back to the Acadia. Had been a mini-van driver for 12 years. Loved the stylish exterior. Looks tough. Great acceleration and drives excellent on highway. Very smooth & quiet even a high speeds. Does have some blind spots but could be due to my 5ft height. My 6-ft husband thinks space is tight in the passenger seat, but loves driving it. LOVE the Bluetooth hands-free calling feature. After I got mine, 2 other teachers @ my school bought the same! All agree its their favorite car yet.

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  Excellent concept, exceedingly poor execution. - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By cmf - December 28 - 8:42 pm

  Bought car to suit family of 5 as better alternative to a minivan. Excellent seating arrangement for 7 adults or multiple carseats Unreliable from first weeks off lot. Car DIED while driving many times in 2 years until GM finally dug deeper and ended up completely rebuilding the engine! Traction control fails to control wheel spin, which GM considers normal. Balded front tires and never felt safe on wet roads. Transmission lags at speed that GM considers normal, making car feel unsafe during passing. This car was serviced by GM for no less than 20 days during our 2 1/2 year ownership. Interior has lots of plastic and lacks durability. Most expensive unsafe, unreliable car ever owned

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  Great SUV - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By William Daly - December 28 - 5:46 pm

  Traded in a loaded 2002 Trailblazer LTZ for the loaded Acadia SLT2. As much as I loved the LTZ, this one has it beat in every way (except the LTZ had the rain sensor wipers). Only 4 months old but the milage is better than the LTZ even with AWD. The headsup display is great as are the heated/cooled seats. Enough storage space with the rear seat folded down, but plenty more with the second row captains seats folded down. Really soomth ride with plenty of power. The Nav system is superior to my old Garmin unit. Not crazy about the plastic chrome interior trim. Looks cheap. Could use an upgrade in this area. All in all more than satisfied.

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  eh not bad - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By tom - December 25 - 8:42 pm

  pricey compared to foreign models with all the bells and whisles(4 runner, pilot). little things at $44k, like memory seats, tilt mirrors in reverse, anti hill roll, trailer tow, and navigation. I bought it because I did get good pricing and I liked the look. outward rear visability poor. I traded in a 2003 suburban I averaged 14.2 mpg. I am a shocked,7 model yrs later mpg is only slightly better. It doesnt sound solid when you close the front doors. close the front doors on a honda pilot, wow. I have only 400 miles so far so well see if it grows on me.

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  Look elsewhere - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By joe d - December 25 - 2:04 am

  A total piece of JUNK.Get on the hwy,step on the gas,no response.Transmission stinks.Back up warning system,rapid beeping when one inch from object.Not enough time for warning,might as well run over object.Warning light too high,cant see them.All buttons in dashboard area,too small, too many and too confusing.Radio hard too figure out how to use.Windshield wipers a dial,hard to find and operate.Foreign cars have a lever,for wiper,to operate,push up,push down,easy to find easy to use.Worst feature,engine response terrible.DO NOT BUY THIS CAR.

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  water leakage - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Denise - December 22 - 10:34 am

  We too are having problems with water inside the vehicle.Pretty embarrassing having passengers notice water is dripping from the dome light in the back seat and they get wet putting on their seatbelt. We have had it to the shop three times now, first it was the drain tubes, then they said it was the roof rack and now thirdly, its the sunroof. (they admitted fixing the drain tubes incorrectly on the first visit) Water dripped from the dome light, from the seatbelts, under the driver side soaking the floor board. We had it leak onto the dash board from the inside window. As much as we all spend on these GMCs this is unacceptable. We hope there is no long term damage. FRUSTRATING!!

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  An Uneasy Feeling - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Ro-Ro - December 17 - 11:03 am

  We owned the 2007 Acadia less than three years. First 2.5 were great. Only complaints were poor rear visibility and bad fuel economy. THEN, major breakdown with kids in car. The water pump went. 1 week in shop. TWO months later, another major breakdown with kids in car. This time they couldnt figure out what was wrong. Transmission and engine problems. ALMOST 3 weeks in shop. I have now lost all faith in the vehicle. Thank goodness it was still under warranty. Id never buy another.