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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  MPG not as advertised - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By phil - August 26 - 5:09 pm

  The Acadia is fun to drive and comfortable on 3 long trips we have made. It has lots of room for about anything, but the mpg we are getting is not even close to the advertised mpg. Made a trip to Canada and pulled my small aluminum boat and got only 12.25 mpg on 2500 miles. my overall mpg is now averaging 15.50. I only get 17 on the interstate with normal 65-70 speed. GM customer service did not seem to care what mpg we got, so just pushed me off and said sorry.

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  Great Car - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Evan - August 25 - 10:30 am

  I have had my Acadia for over 2 years now and I still really love to drive it. Gets good gas mileage for me ~20 combined, stereo is amazing, tons of room and plenty of power for getting around town. The only thing I will say is that even though I am meticulous about maintaining it, it is starting to develop some creaks and rattles and the dealer cant seem to be able to fix them. Nothing major but still slightly annoying for a $38K car. I have heard about problems with sunroofs and radios but luckily I hate sunroofs so I dont have one and my radio works great. Also for everyone that complains of it shifting alot, who cares? Its not like it noticeable since its so smooth.

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  Buying American - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Peg Cathcart - August 24 - 7:11 pm

  I have driven Japanese for years, but decided to give GMC a try, first with a 2005 Sierra Truck and now with the 2009 Acadia. I have never been happier. My 2009 GMC AWD Acadia SLE is fully stocked, including dual sunroof, LCD screen, folding sideview mirrors, back up camera, heated seats, Bose sound system, tri-coat platinum finish, luxury leather interior, bluetooth technology, remote start, and more. My Acadia is a beauty. We average 63 in my family. Amazingly everyone is comfortable - even on cross county trips. The Acadia is easy to maneuver, accelerates with easy, gives a quiet ride and epitomizes the best in luxury and savings.

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  FX-35 to Acadia - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By McClenna - August 19 - 9:10 pm

  After driving an fx-35 for four years, it was time for more room, but didnt want to give up the fun ride! Gmc has a winner with this one. Great spacing. Love the seating arrangement, sound system and blue tooth. Much quieter than the fx and smoother. Gas mileage is still in question, but so far am loving this crossover!

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  Used to be a Honda Owner - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Geoff Chamberlain - August 19 - 7:27 am

  We`ve just traded our 2007 Honda odessy for a 09 Acadia, great vehicle. Feels big because it is, fun to drive, good looks, roomy interior and the kids loike it too. Gets expensive very quickly if you aren`t careful with the options, in dash 6 cd changer should be standard as well as a back up camera. Overall ( so far ) a great choice and a much better value then the Honda.

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  2010 Acadia - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By jus10credible - August 18 - 3:45 pm

  Just bought the 2010 Acadia as a gift for my wife. We love the vehicle, it handles smooth, hugs the road, has a little get up and go when needed. Glad we added this vehicle to our garage.

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  leaking lemon - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Lemon owner - August 16 - 6:13 pm

  Car has been in shop with 4 SEPARATE leaks-sunroofs, windows etc, in first 6 months. Gas mileage considerably less than advertised. Stabilitrak kicks in, on corners locking up brakes. Car smells like mold. GMC very unhelpful refusing to do anything more than supply me with a rental for the 30 days its been in the shop. Going through arbitration process for replacement through lemon law. So much for the reliability I had hoped for in a brand new car. Shame on you GMC.

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  Best Car Ever by GMC - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By John - August 14 - 2:13 pm

  After having the Acadia for for 6 months still love it. Made 2 trips to NY from Flordia. was great too drive and was the most comfortable of all the vehicles Ive owned. GM definitely outdid all the competition with this crossover. Looking at getting a second Acadia when I trade My Pontiac GXP in early 2008. GM has put pride back in building and owning an American vehicle.

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  Love the vehicle - Bad milage-Ft .End - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By MWY - August 6 - 1:31 pm

  Purchased used w-15204 miles Aug.2008. Really enjoy taking a road trip in it. extremely comfortable, quiet w-great visibility, optioned out. Even has a console cup holder night light. Vehicle has had a constant front end problem-pulling to the right. Front end has been re-alinged twice and today dealer advises 2 front tire eaten up, 1 down to the core on inside edge (hidden)! Still at dealer attempting to find out what the problem is for 2 days. Mileage is not good even though recall and service bulletin issues have supposedly been fixed. Gets a little better after being serviced but goes back to bad days later. We love the car, but wish these two issues could be fixed.

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  Dont even consider this vehicle! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By acadiaregret - August 3 - 2:10 pm

  If you are interested in an 08 Acadia do yourself a favor and RUN! All the problems with the first year 07s just continued with the 08s. I was back to the dealership every month the first year of ownership with problem after problem. The biggest problems being 10mpg fuel economy as well as multiple water leaks that could not be fixed. please be aware that if you decide to purchase and have problems, the only thing you will get out of GM customer service is a free oil change. Please learn from my mistake!