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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  Defective Transmission - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Twiggy - July 3 - 11:50 pm

  We purchased the Acadia in Feb 2007, and 2 1/2 years later, the transmission failed! The dealership admitted to a bulletin being issued about the transmission. We had a recall repaired with the transmission like most a few years ago but it is now completely shot. Thank God for the extended warranty because GMC is not willing to repair or replace this defective transmission in my two year old car. I am disappointed to say the least. The radio is defective as well, they have replaced it twice. I loved this car even though it was in and out of the shop for recalls but this is a lemon.I will be speaking to attorney.

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  Acadia AWD is a friendly car - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Bob Kirschner - July 1 - 7:30 pm

  Before you take a trip, read all details in the manual. Lots of buttons to learn about before you push them. Do not rely on the Park Assist horn to warn you. Watch the amber lite and stop dead when three lights are lit!

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  very upset - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By conniea30@sbcglobal. - June 24 - 9:00 pm

  i had an acadia since 2/2009 it has been in the dealer shop for one month total on and off the battery keeps draining my truck such beutiful not to be countent to be used...

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  I love this car!!! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Ford Girl - June 24 - 8:24 am

  I have always been a Ford Girl and have driven an Expedition for the last 10 years. When gas started going up, I needed something more fuel efficient. Test drove the Acadia, and fell instantly in love. Love the features, the interior is so roomy, and the exterior is beautiful. Wish that it was slightly more powerful, but overall, perfect. I would reccomend the Acadia to any and all who asks about it.

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  DO NOT BUY--RUN TO FOREIGN - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By lemonowner08 - June 23 - 8:14 pm

  This has been the most disappointing brand new vehicle in all my 52 years of ownership. The sunroof has been "fixed" 3 times and still leaks. A natural gas odor comes through the ventilation system. The driveline is noisy and when you make a tight turn is sounds like the wheels are falling off. The engine is sluggish and hesitates. Poor fuel economy and all over poor engineering. The worst part is poor customer service from the selling dealership. They wont do a thing. Just dont buy the Acadia. It might look nice, but it has a long way to go before it can become a low maintenance vehicle. Prepare to have it in the shop often. Just dont buy it.

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  Diamond in the Ruff - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By bigwes3 - June 11 - 8:22 am

  Owned for 6k miles and could not be happier. Fun to drive and handles great with exterior styling to die for.. After ten years of Full size SUVs No roof issues or tranny issues as previous year models. I have found the perfect auto for me. Not a boat but not a low riding car. Not worried about GM being there, car well hold up until they remove the cloud over their future. Waited for three years after intro so GM could address any new product concerns. Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander dont come close to measuring up. This puppy is a winner!

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  Great Vehicle minus the gas mileage. - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By fastrevmd - June 10 - 6:22 pm

  We have had this vehicle for 3 years and love it for soccer mom duty and ever family trip. The gas mileage posted on our window was 28mpg highway. Which is not even close. I was say 22 at best and we have the front wheel drive only version. We average 16mpg. The stated towing is 6000lbs. We tried towing a 5000lbs trailer once, this vehicle could not do it. I will never tow with it again. The transmission is a little shifty also but this was improved with an updated last year. We do love it, and it is one of the best vehicles we have ever owned though.

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  Love my Acadia - still after 2 years! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Love My Acadia! - June 9 - 10:43 am

  I have been driving my 2007 Acadia for 2 full years, and I still love it. I commute 30 miles one way, and spend a lot of time in the vehicle on trips. The comfort and features make it a joy to drive! I had it in the shop only one time before warranty expired for very minor issues and one recall, and it has not needed any other repairs. I get 18+MPG in town, 24+MPG on the highway - very close to what is promised. I prviously drove a 98 Oldsmobile minivan, and a 2003 Chevy Tahoe. This Acadia has as much room as the minivan, but is much more stylish and comfortable, and it is much more roomy and functional than the Tahoe. Highly recommend to families with small children or teenagers!

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  Acadia Borders on Excellent - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By sidewinder - June 8 - 9:00 am

  The 08 Acadia is one solid XUV that met all my expectations and justifies the title, Made in USA (got rid of my German cars that had lots of reliability issues). The pitbull-like stance/exterior, interior design/ergonomics and handling are first-rate and deserve consideration by those looking for pax space and who dont want to drive a van. It feels like one solid block of wood no matter what the road surface is (I opted against the 19-inchers, w/c felt more jiggly and AWD, as my FWD felt quicker during the road test). The engine does have its work cut out for it when prodded lightly but moves the Acadia with authority when you step on it. Cornering ability is impressive.

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  Can you say Jackpot ? - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Big Wes - June 7 - 1:55 am

  G hit the jackpot with this puppy. This vehicle is a joy to drive and sports very stylish looks. At 6 feet 3 inches I am astonished at the interior roominess. I can even ride comfortably in the third row seats. My last vehicle was a 2007 Yukon and the third row seats were a joke. Car has lots of bells and whistle and the nav and sound systems are fantastic. I only wish GM would have used better quality plastic on the interior appointments given the price of the car. The engine is very responsive and the ride is very smooth. I test drove the 2009 Acura MDX and the Lexus RX 350 before buying. Both were nice but did not come close to the Arcdia in space, technogoly and smooth ride.