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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  honeymoon is over - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By xoxomyass - June 25 - 12:39 pm

  This car is crap, I bought this car less than 6 months ago. I loved it and the space, features, look, feel etc. The car lot I got it from in st peters, missouri are crooks!! Ok so the engine blew all 4 pistons. I took it to a shop to get the engine repaired (4800.00) when they finally found a good engine which was not easy to do they ran diagnostic, there was a very very long list of code errors from the tranny. They said a bunch of wires had been cut underneath it and the transmission transfer case was cracked (600.00) This was the 4th acadia they had to replace a engine in the last month. It still runs like crap, cant wait to get rid of it like a bad boyfriend. DO NOT BUY GMC I NEVER WILL!

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  8 Year 170K mile review - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By clearwatereq - May 23 - 5:17 pm

  And I can honestly say Id buy another. My red jewel SLT2 has every option available for 2007. Its been a reliable vehicle overall, not 100% problem free though. I replaced the transmission at 60K, steering rack at 50k, water pump at 67k, struts at 80K, and other regular wear and tear items that are normal (ie-brakes) Its been amazingly trouble free for nearly the last 100K. It still looks and drives much like a new vehicle.

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  Worst GM Car Ever and Last - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By gmfannomore - April 2 - 11:20 am

  I bought this Acadia new off the dealers lot at the end of 2010 and thought I got a great deal. It now has 70K miles. Between recalls and service bulletins its been in the shop close to 15 times. Since December alone, its been in 5 times. First, for a Service Bulletin to replace a timing chain, then every two weeks since for some other trouble code or fault. GM should be ashamed to have their logo on this car. Ive asked for a full refund due to the failure of the engineering not living up to the "Professional Grade" motto, but been laughed at. Ive been a GM fan for 40 years and am now selling everything GM I won because GM has failed to make this right. Never again.

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  Never expected this from General Motors - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By chris2314 - April 1 - 8:47 pm

  I purchased my 2008 Acadia brand new and was very pleased, until the transmission went out, the roof started leaking, head lights malfunctioned, etc. The vehicle is not worth the price you pay, and GM WILL NOT stick behind their product. Every attempt was made to void any warranty work on my transmission, and the process is still continuing today. Rebuilt transmission has been in for 16 months and is failing again. No assistance from GM. I am being told it is my fault the transmission is going out. I have been a proud GM owner as long as I have had cars, but the service and support from GM has changed that. I will never own another GM product.

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  Lemon many times over - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By jjh92212 - March 17 - 6:30 pm

  I am not usually one to write reviews on vehicles, and I find it ironically funny that many people have the same complaints about their GMC Acadia that I do. I purchased this vehicle on a "deal" which I should have never done. Now looking back on it, the 2007 was probably the worse year for this vehicle. I have already replaced my transmission, the power steering has gone, had to weld the exhaust twice, and also had the rear-windshield washer hose leak all over the fuse box causing the entire vehicle to short out basically. So I laugh at people who write dont believe the reviews..... Well... you are wrong my friend. This vehicle should have been pulled off the market many times over!

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  Dont believe all the bad reviews - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Nick Schoendorf - March 12 - 8:49 am

  Purchased my wife dream truck finally now that the price has come down a bit. I havent had many issues at all with it and it has 160k miles on it. i replaced a cv axle and the eval solenoid. I do all my own work i never ever let anyone touch my vehicles. the headlights are not that hard to change people whine too much. the truck rides great, drives great and has been very fun to drive.

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  Glove compartment light - 2013 GMC Acadia
  By Gerald Roy Longbottom - March 4 - 8:08 am

  Is it even possible that in 2013 a vehicle can come with no light in the glove compartment. Could this be a factory omission or cost-cutting. I need a flashlight at night or I must to exercise my sense of touch!

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  Dealer has had our car longer than we have - 2014 GMC Acadia
  By mmww328 - January 11 - 6:45 pm

  We bought our car and we decided to take ownership even though the ground effects were installed wrong and the blind spot and FCA system were not working. Big mistake - the car is still not working right. Also I would have expected a bit more giddy up and go.... its kind of a dog when it comes to off the line performance.

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  2012 Acadia SLT-2 AWD (Love it!) - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By grandprixman - December 20 - 10:48 am

  Pretty much every option besides the rear DVD system. Been driving this vehicle for just over 2 years. Ill have to say, its the best riding vehicle that Ive ever owned. Havent had any mechanical issue with the vehicle, and Im over 38,000 miles. There have been a couple minor recalls, but nothing that would prevent me from giving it a great review. Power is pretty good. The only thing I dont like is the gas mileage. It gets what its suppose to, so I cant complain too much. And this thing weights over 6,000 lbs. Smooth ride, great interior, and no mechanical defects. Who could ask for anything more.

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  Scared to own the Acadia anymore ! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By envoyment - December 1 - 12:57 am

  Got abt 60K on my Acadia 2008, then I sold. During ownership, I liked Acadia, and so did my family, space, comfort, features were irresistible.Never the less, my family did not know how much care and scare this vehicle consumes.It started with sunroof leak, no good fix at the dealer. strange messages like (Check gauges) when hit parking brakes or open glove box! (Service traction) for unknown reason. Engine mounts & front suspension can go easily and quickly on slightly rough roads, I heard many complaints from Acadia owners & seen many on the repair shops but when trany started to hunt for gears on cruze control & AC started to consume more power. I gave up and sold it