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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  No Engine Breaking - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By K22 - October 7 - 5:09 pm

  I recently purchased a 2010 Acadia, and it is already in the dealership. I noticed that when I am going up a hill and in drive, release my foot from the brake, the car rolls continuously backward without stopping. Same thing when I am on a decline with the car in reverse, the car rolls forward. The dealer said that this was "normal" however when compared to another acadia it did not do this. Also, the dealer also said that there is no engine breaking available in that model when it is in reverse. I consider this a pretty big safety hazard considering I have to floor it to get up a hill without hitting the guy behind me.

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  Acadia Transmission Failure - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By GBS123 - October 7 - 12:01 pm

  I purchased one of the earliest Acadias (April 2007)--the top of the line version with all the features--AWD, etc. Truck was great for about 8 months, and then I had one of the software updates applied, and it changed something about the transmission in a significant way. I could tell immediately upon picking up the vehicle. Car cant find right gear to be in, sluggish up the slightest hills, poor gas mileage (13mpg max), poor acceleration, wheezing. Well, 2 weeks and 3 days ago, at 37,800 miles-- THE END. Tranmission crapped out with my whole family in the car. Guess what? No Acadia transmissions available at all because GMs suppliers have cut back production. Who knows how long Ill wait?

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  Acadia revies - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Tufford - October 6 - 9:33 pm

  We purchased the Acadia after the birth of our first child. This was an excellent purchase. The set up of the interior is excellent for hauling a baby and all of the things they require. The privacy in the back with the tinted windows allowed me to feed her in privacy when not at home. The regular plug in also worked well for the breastpump. We have the 2 captains chairs and the bence 60 40 3rd row seat which is very easy to fold down (with one hand) to instantly create more cargo space,plus the automatic hatch opening is great when your hands are full. We have had no problems with it and really enjoy driving it.

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  Finally fixed - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By jus10credible - October 3 - 9:52 am

  This is my third and hopefully final post. My Acadia is finally out of services. It spent 16 Days in the GM service dept. My stability system went down. The dealership didnt know what the issue was. After 16 days I was told that there was a pinched wire. Not sure if that was the case. But the vehicle is running smooth now. I hope that this will be the last of my issues with the vehicle.

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  So far, So good...wait, So GREAT! - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By jcavfish - October 1 - 11:14 pm

  My wife, baby boy, and I shopped for our new vehicle for about a month. We test drove Lexuss, to Toyotas, to Volvos, etc...you name it, were were there. We were in the market for an SUV/Crossover. After driving them all, we found the Acadia to be the clear winner on all fronts: great & smooth ride for a large vehicle super spacious great gas mileage for this size of car (dont agree w/ other folks who are voicing their concerns about the true MPH?) and all the functionality one would want w/ a car in this class. We have had the car for two mos and are 100% satisfied w/ our purchase. Should n e thing go wrong, the 100k warranty should cover us...A+ caroh, 5 star crash rating too

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  Nice crossover - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By GMC Driver - September 30 - 8:30 pm

  I just have purchased my new Acadia three weeks ago and love to drive it! It has tons of room and is fun to drive. My previous car was a Yukon Denali which was very comfortable but was to large to manuver in parking spaces, the Acadia was a nice replacement for this problem without having to sacrifice comfort! My children love the rear seat entertainment system!

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  Dangerous Care - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By bill1947 - September 28 - 10:15 am

  We had 3 engine failures in about a year’s period of time. For no apparent reason the engine would just stop. It didnt matter if we were in traffic, on a major highway or making a turn. When the engine quits you no longer have brakes or steering that the average person could use. We ask GMC to get us into another Acadia since our lives were being put at risk in this car but all they did was offer to extend our OnStar.

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  Good family vehicle - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Scott - September 27 - 2:19 pm

  Traded in 2001 Yukon for 2009 Acadia. Similar passenger and storage space as Yukon. Occupies roughly same garage space. Acadia ride more comfortable. Similar turning radius. More visible plastic on interior, particularly dashboard and doors. Unlike Yukon, Acadias 3rd row seats fold flat. Would recommend to others with children looking for family vehicle but interested in SUV rather than minivan.

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  Best thing about it.. its not a minivan - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By hya - September 27 - 3:50 am

  I live in Canada, and have 3 very active boys who all play hockey. So l bought this SUV for all of us to travel around from arena to arena lugging around hockey equipment. Was pleasently suprised on the ride and the preformance. The interior has too much cheap looking plastic for my liking, but since it is getting alot of abuse, it seems to hold up to it. Gets decent gas milage for a vehicle its size. Had a issue with the defrost when l first purchased it. Dealer had to change whole venting system, but other than that, nothing. Tires are very hard to find for it.

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  new transmission after 25k miles - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By rossman - September 26 - 2:03 pm

  I have some serious quality concerns regarding the reliability of my Acadia as it accumulates miles. First, the odometer failed and just got it back from the dealer...had to replace the transmission after 25k miles. Plan on trading it in for a more reliable brand/model.