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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  2nd opinion - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Martin - December 16 - 11:21 am

  Have now driven the vehicle 20,000 miles, nearly all in Mexico. Good news is that I have had no mechanical problems at all and the car is very useful for hauling people and baggage. However, gas mileage remains unsatisfactory. Even at sea level, averaging around 55mph, mileage never goes over 18 miles per gallon. Have had the vehicle checked twice for gas consumption, with the computer showing no problems. I cannot believe other, much higher, mileage reports. Local GMC dealer confirms that real gas mileage does not come close to advertised numbers.

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  Frustrated Husband - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Frustrated Husband - December 13 - 2:54 pm

  Wifes car fully loaded AWD. In the shop too much! 47K on it now. Left wife stranded at least 4 times & 2 times so dead onstar wouldnt work. In shop over a month straight on 1 occasion. Thought problems were due to the sunroof leak, so accepted that as final fix around 30K. At 37K back in the shop, again at 40K, 44K & 46K. Intermittent DVD problems since 8K, figured it was certain DVDs, after warranty expired got worse. Last problem water leaking in car at side windows, fix was $110 to adjust the alignment on doors & car has never been off road! Key wouldnt come out of the ignition, chaffed wire $150. Car wouldnt start, faulty engine sensor, $250 not under power train warranty.

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  Just bought the Acadia - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Kris Rowan - December 9 - 7:28 pm

  I wanted to be sure to comment because one reviewer stated the problem with the Acadia rolling backwards while "DRIVE" only occurs in FWD version-- that is INCORRECT-- the Acadia DOES ROLL BACKWARDS WHILE IN "DRIVE" IN THE AWD VERSION, AS WELL-- I know, because I have the AWD and it rolls backwards on a hill while in "DRIVE" (just like a stickshift car) Other than this strange little quirk, I love this car. I test-drove many of its competitors and kept coming back to the GMC. The very best asset: its VERY comfortable 3rd-row seating. In my opinion, it is the only SUV that has a comfortable, roomy 3rd-row where you dont feel cramped.

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  Nice looking with good ride, bad quality - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By slderos - December 7 - 12:21 pm

  Initially everyone looking at this type of vehicle will love the Acadia. Nice looking vehicle with lots of amenities however I have never had a vehicle with this many issues. The roof leaked into the car and we had to take it to the dealer several times to get that fix, it needed bigger drainage tubes. The timing cover had a leak and needed replaced, the tie rod end link was replaced. Its in the shop right now because the engine sounds like a diesel with the lifters ticking like crazy and the power steering pump is loud and needs replaced. Anyone need a slightly used Acadia?

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  I think I made a mistake! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Judi - November 27 - 5:21 am

  My 2008 GMC Acadia, has had excessive sunroof leakage on several occasions. After being wet so many times, there were water stains on the ceiling and it began to smell moldy. I had traded in my 2007 Acadia (with the same issues), thinking because GM was aware of this problem, it would have been corrected before the 2008s came out. Well, that did not happen. For what I paid for this vehicle, this is very frustrating to me when I was told that it was due to the drain lines being plugged from leaves, etc. My car did not sit under any trees. I was worried about future electrical issues and assumed GM would have corrected the problem before the 2008s came out. Not the case!

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  recalls & rattles - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By rainman - November 18 - 10:19 am

  V ehicle started out with issues and they havent stopped. Latest was stering column needed to be replaced since may fall out (bad welds). Now there are rattles in the front end which no one can find to this point what is causing them. Good looking car bad fuel mileage

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  Love It - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By NoMoreMiniVan - November 18 - 5:20 am

  I love this car. It handles great, super roomy and comfortable. The seats are easy to fold down/up. Very pleased with purchase!

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  MPG Explained - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By Victor G - November 16 - 12:02 pm

  Acadia can archive 30-35 MPG under certain conditions, but in city driving it gets 10-15 MPG only. In 1st week of owning I found it has 2 driving modes: power and efficiency. Efficiency is activated only when cruse control is ON, otherwise it is in hungry power mode with loud engine noise, feels like driving a truck, but after a week you stop noticing noise. In cruse control transmission shifts into higher gear to keep engine at 1500RPM (2000RPM at 65mph), and ODBII scanner shows instant MPG 35+ at 40mph, 30MPG at 65mph and slightly less at higher speed. With cruse control off on the same road it shifts into lower gear, RPM increases to 2000, engine noise gets louder and MPG drops 50%.

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  Lovin it - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Lisa Tyler - November 13 - 2:36 am

  The perfect car for a mom who refused the minivan stigma but needed something easy and cool for three kids and a husband. Worried about first year model, but after test driving and reading these reviews, we bought and have no regrets.

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  Fantastic car - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By a.v. - November 8 - 6:47 pm

  Ive never owned a GM before -- always Fords or Japanese cars. But this is a great car, just the right blend of size, versatility, fuel economy, and luxury. It is a pleasure to drive. The electronics are extremely well designed -- responsive, intuitive, functional. We chose this over the Honda Pilot, Kia Sorrento, and Ford Explorer, mostly because we liked the styling and the use of space. Were really happy with it.