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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  First time SUV owner - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By ysashacat - April 24 - 5:18 pm

  Down side: Fuel economy no where near advertized (12/20mpg), side view mirrors inadequate for viewing, poor visability out back (had to add after market camera),down shifts frequently in small hilly areas. Up side: good ride, roomy, large cargo capacity, heads-up display great. Added Sherwood wood grain kit to interior really makes the interior elegant.

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  Cautiously optimistic - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Dave - April 20 - 1:33 pm

  Bought this as a left-over. Second day the battery was dead in the garage. The electronics on the car are overwhelming and I took an extended warranty. 1st GM car Ive owned in 30 years.

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  I love my Acadia - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Lisa - April 14 - 10:16 am

  We have been Toyota owners for most of our life, because of reliability. One day I was driving and I saw this car that really caught my eye, it was the best looking car I had seen in a long time. So I followed it, it was a gmc Acadia. I researched a lot of cars on the Internet, and I always kept coming back to the Acadia. My husband loved it also. And we have loved it for the whole 2 months weve had it. It has a really comfortable ride. I fell very safe in it, it has 12 airbags, and 5-star safety rating. My 13 year old son loves it. 2 months is not long but I pray that we will have it for many years and it will be as reliable as all the toyotas we had in our lifetime. We hope America has done it!

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  Best Car! - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Mike M - April 11 - 8:32 am

  This is one of my favorite cars I have ever owned. Went from a Grand Caravan to this. With 3 kids the fact that they can watch a movie while I listen to the radio is awesome. The ride is terrific as well. Find the Navigation system is nice but has some funky routes every so often. Garmin hand held seems more accurate at times. I have the backup camera and dont know what I would do without it! gets you into spots nicely!

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  So Far, Pretty Good - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By So Far, Pretty Good - April 9 - 1:30 am

  Ive had the truck for only a couple of weeks so far, but Ive already noticed the gas mileage is way below advertised. Im only getting about 15 mpg! It looks great though, it rides smooth, and the kids love the sunroof and DVD player. The chrome trim does reflect too much sunlight in your eyes. Its my first GMC, so well see how reliable it is. It rides more like a sedan than a truck, very comfortable.

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  Love it! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Margaret - April 7 - 6:23 am

  Ive only had it for a little over a week but so far loving it. The only negative is the fuel economy. My kids love the dual moonroof and the DVD player. I love the way it handles. I loved my Honda Odyssey but I was ready to not have a "Mommy Mobile" and this fits the bill. I still have room to cart around my childrens friends without having to drive a van. I have never purchased American but so far so good. I was also deciding between Mazda CX-9 and Acadia and after talking to my mechanic he pushed me to the GMC. He said Mazda parts are hard to get and American made vehicles have come a long way over the last several years.

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  Not Professional Grade - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Shelly From Sheridan - April 4 - 12:36 pm

  The ride is exceptionally comfortable on short and long trips. Fits family of 5 great but wish middle seat had head rest. 6 speed auto works great around town and mountains. Have had no trouble passing on Interstate or in town. On down side, fuel economy is no where near EPA estimates for city or hwy: 13/19 for our vehicle. Been recalled for poor windshield wiper design in snow (Wyoming gets snow people!!!) and has had power steering leak fixed at 4000 miles. We now have clicking noise when taking turns in steering column that will need to be corrected. Overall, disappointed with reliability and not up to GMC advertised as being professional grade. Priced too high for value provided.

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  3 inches of water - leak recall - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Lemon-Owner - April 3 - 10:37 am

  I was so excited when we bought this vehicle, but it has turned into a love-hate relationship. I LOVE driving it, but the sunroof leaks and resulted in 3 inches of water under the insulation. After 5 months of back and forth into the shop without any luck in fixing it, the electric system has finally started to fail due to the water. GM has finally decided to negotiate a replacement. We are now considering the Honda Pilot. If we did get this car again, NO SUNROOF. Nothing but problems.

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  would be great without issues - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By k.t. - March 31 - 3:32 pm

  We loved our Acadia til the windshield leaked. When they fixed that, the back Windows leaked. Then the windshield would leak and then the back Windows would leak again. The ignition wouldnt work at times so you had to use the remote start to start the car and then the ignition would work. After numerous trips to our dealership, gmc did a buy back. Its a Nice car but they need to work out all the kinks in it.

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  Another fantastic American Automobile - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By ZL - March 30 - 10:04 pm

  The Acadia will put American car critics to shame. Exterior/interior styling is fantastic. It feels like an SUV but rides like a car which is perfect. Spacious and comfy. Great quality. Lots of technology.