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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  Superior Vehicle - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By n1020m - August 3 - 10:26 am

  Our 2009 Acadia is the best vehicle we have ever owned. It is smooth, quite and very comfortable. As for mileage, it does better than the sticker numbers of 17/24. On a trip to the Indiana. I held the speed at 65-67 and averaged 26.3 mpg with the air. OT was 99 degrees in Macon, GA that afternoon. Returning, 70 MPH and averaged 25.4 mpg. OT low 90s returning. I have yet to find even the most minor thing wrong with our Acadia. And for me, that is saying a lot, as I am a retired engineer and can usually find something wrong with everything. But not this vehicle! We are totally satisfied. I congratulate GM for a quality build and for designing and producing this great SUV.

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  Very Disappointed - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Disappointed - July 26 - 5:35 pm

  I bought 2009 Acadia in March 2009 and have had nothing but problems. The dealership has tried to fix the air conditioning and pick up with no resolve of problem. LV is very hot and w/o good air, it is impossible. Freeway driving is terrible when a Prius passes you up with no acceleration. Car has been in shop several times with no fix. I would not recommend this car if they all drive the same way. No one wants to actually fix the problem. It may be a LEMON. GMC does not seem to care. So GM cars with all their problems may best be avoided to buy until they resolve to take care of customer problems or replace their LEMONS. Milage has averaged less than 17 miles to gallon more like 15 even HWY

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  Best Thing We Ever Did - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By NamrehCA - July 22 - 3:59 pm

  My wife and I have had this car for almost a year and we absolutely love it. We had a baby last fall and travel back and forth from Lansing, MI to Western New York (425 miles one way) several times a year and this vehicle has enough room for all three of us our Yellow Lab and all our luggage. Its a dream to drive and with the cruise set at 74 mph I still average 23.2 mpg. When the rear seats are folded down you have more cargo room that you can imagine. Ive hauled lots of office furniture with it. I even towed one of my other cars (that broke down) from London Ontario back to Lansing. It towed like a dream too!

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  Many many repair issues - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By neecee - July 21 - 3:15 pm

  We have had numerous repair issues with the ignition, sunroof leaking, windshield wiper motors replaced several times, lumbar supports, power locks, power steering gear box and today electronics with brake light beeping and park assist malfunction and cruise out. Buyer beware not a long term reliable vehicle from our experience

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  Good Car. - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By telusmore - July 16 - 4:47 pm

  After testing several other cars including the pilot, highlander, and CX9 we chose the Acadia because it had the best internal room / design and it also handles pretty good. 3 Row space is good as well and access through the captains chairs that fold is really easy.

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  Not a Honda - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Joe D - July 13 - 11:30 am

  Buttons,too many and too small.Back up sensors,rapid beeping when your 1" away,you might as well hit the object.Sensor lights,too high in rear of truck,you have to bend down to see them,then you cant see out rear view mirror.Windshield wipers,a dial,stupid,should be arm,as on foreign cars,easier to use at night.Controls on steering wheel,too close to wheel hand grips,radio changes when you dont want it too.Worst feature,transmission doesnt downshift quick enough at high speeds.You step on the gas,NOTHING,poor and slow to no response.Worse with AC on.Overall,too many features not though out.

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  Great comfort, not great gas mileage. - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By neal64ss - July 13 - 3:00 am

  Great aesthetic inside and out, super build quality, plenty of power. Without a doubt the quitest vehicle I have ever owned, virtually no highway or engine noise. Powerful engine. The 6-speed transmission sometimes cannot find the best gear between 20 and 45 mph, this may get better with more driving, currently have only 1800 miles. Gas mileage is averageing only about 17 mpg city/hwy combined. This is not anywhere near the advertised mileage. Poor gas mileage my only complaint. Interior has ample room and easy to get in and out of.

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  Great car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Rick - July 12 - 12:16 pm

  I drove a Honda Pilot for 2 years and needed a larger SUV, but had to keep mpg in mind. I have found that the Acadia has more room and is getting 2 to 3 additional mpg. The only thing I have found wrong with this car is the clothes hooks, instead of being at the back door they have been installed at the third seat and is impossible to hang clothes or reach them. This is the only car I have ever seen this in. I have had this car two month and just turned 7000 miles. I have not had a chance to see out the car tracks in snow.

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  *UPDATE*- BEWARE - ENGINEERING PROBLEMS - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Steve Keizer - July 6 - 10:22 pm

  Update: BEWARE - Some NEW Acadias are having problems with vehicle vibrations and shuddering while holding a steady throttle. We have been in for service 5 times, on the 4th service, our entire drivetrain was tore apart and the torque converter clutch/TCC was replaced. Well.. it didnt solve the problem. We now have a copy of a GMC #PIP5488: Vibration, Drone, Flutter, or Boom Noise at 1500-1700 RPM When Vehicle Is In AFM (V4) Mode Bulletin, dated March 23, 2017, and there is no current fix - but, I should feel good because GM Engineering is investigating the issue. UNBELIEVABLE, a $50,000 new vehicle purchase with this problem, with no ETA. BUT WAIT, it gets better - have been dealing with GMC, and they told me today that they would NOT be able to offer us a buyback option, but that we had to wait for an update/fix. Hmm.. Dealership said it could take up to two years... I wont even get into all of the other rattles throughout liftgate and cabin, chair squeaks, raddle through dashboard from fuel injector solenoid (NO FIX), improperly installed interior and exterior trim - QC on this vehicle is a JOKE!! https://www.repairprocedures.com/bulletins/document/pip5488/4755310.html AND TODAY, the check engine light came on - per OnStar remote diagnostics, its an emissions code - PO430. One more issue for our never ending list!! Sixth service appointment next week Tuesday! Original Review: Coming out of a new purchase, 2014 Chevy Impala 2LTZ, which was a great car - we decided to stay in the GM family of vehicles and were drawn to the all new 2017 GMC Acadia. We quickly loaded this vehicle with options and wound up going with the AWD Denali option, our most expensive SUV purchase to date at over $50,000. (Previous new SUV was 13 Ford Explorer). This vehicle has been in the shop three times, next week will be 4 - I will focus on the MAJOR flaws with this vehicle. BEWARE, per the dealership and GMC, this vehicle will ride rough (shudders, and is getting worse) at any steady speed between 20mph and 55mph due to its flawed "TCC", torque converter clutch, but because its not throwing any error codes, were told theres nothing wrong with it - service advisor rode along and felt our concerns - this is how we learned of the "TCC". There is also an annoying high pitch frequency that comes on that is audible outside of the vehicle after it is shut off - this lasts anywhere from 30 seconds to 6 minutes. AWESOME! Squeaks and rattles with second row seating, gaps with interior molding, missing fender trim clips, rattles in lift gate (I think with the window seal)... I know, right? Shouldve stuck with Ford, but we loved the Impala so much and preferred the infoSystem of the GM over Fords mySync. Well, just over 4,000 miles now, a GMC Case number thats about 3 weeks old and off to a different dealership next week. Great job GMC and Longhammer of Waterford - really appreciate the quality and support. I would NOT RECOMMEND the 2017 GMC Acadia to anyone - this will be our last GM product, ever.

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  I love my Acadia but - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Stacy - July 6 - 3:20 pm

  I love my Acadia. I love the remote start on cold day and how the lights stay on for a minute or so in order to make it to the house. I am disappointed in the gas mileage. I have a noise coming from around the left front tire, it makes a popping sound similiar to perhaps it is misfiring. The dealership says nope it is the ABS setting. Other than the popping at take off no problems and I hope once it breaks in the fuel economy will get better. I would recommend one to anybody wanting a SUV and room to boot it has it and it does not look like a mini van in the process. I plan on keeping it for many years.