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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  Rear DVD Leaks from rain - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By M. Walden - March 30 - 8:23 pm

  I had this vehicle for 2yrs and I had been several times back to the dealer for many recalls they broke my wind shield now my roof is leaking in the front and the rear where my DVD ent. sys. alot of water I immediately took it to the GM service they witness said they will fix it. I spent good money on this I shouldnt have been to the GM service so many times

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By cougerbuff - March 23 - 7:56 pm

  Just got the loaded up model, just an awesome vehicle, the lazy transmission is the only drawback to this vehicle. Learning to live with it in light of getting better gas mileage than the old pig Yukon I drove. Really nice fit and finish, GM really got this one right. Bought the carbon black and cant stop opening the door to the garage to look at it. Also found myself taking rides for no reason. Love the dash at night, looks european (audi like). Cool ride and glad I got one as that was a chore in itself.

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  Great Rental - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Rental Man - March 22 - 5:19 pm

  I rented a GMC Acadia this past week from Alamo - and ended up really enjoying this vehicle. We own a 07 Acura MDX and an 04 Sienna, and this SUV/crossover fell right in between on size, comfort, performance and mileage. From a size perspective, this car had more room with the seats folded down than our MDX. In terms of comfort, the leather heated seats, quad chairs and smooth ride were appreciated by the entire family. Performance-wise - its not as tight a car as the MDX,but it remains a competent highway and city cruiser. . Mileage was impressive, and its great to fill up on regular gas for a change. Would I buy this car -maybe - but would like to take the Buick Enclave first.

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  Very Good Vehicle - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By mongo1 - March 19 - 5:38 pm

  We bought a 08 FWD Acadia last year and really like it. Its been very reliable, build quality appears to be excellent (big suprise to me, I think GM has been making junk for years) and Driving dynamics are good such a large truck. No sqeaks, no problems whatsoever and we have 8K miles on it so far. Room is best of all the similar vehicles checked out other than mini van. Drove the CX9, the Ford Taurus X, Armada, Higlander, Pilot (real dissapointment), this was the winner. Only complaints, no backup camera (got aftermarket)and it really needs one. Cloth interior is wearing already and Mileage is not as advertised. Complaints about funky trany are overblown.

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  A Crossover with good mileage - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By HoustonPearland - March 19 - 7:13 am

  This vehicle is great. More than I could ask for.Great gas mileage compared to my previous V8 SUV. Outstanding 19 mpg. I needed a mommy car that didnt look mommy-ish and something Daddy would drive without compromising his manhood. The Acadia was attractive to both of us and fit in our budget nicely. Way to go GMC. I hope it is as reliable as its overseas friends.

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  this car stinks - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By sue - March 13 - 8:19 pm

  My husband bought me this car. Its been back to the dealer about 16 times in 11 mos. its been at the shop way over 30 days, Two days after picking the car car up it flooded out, so now my new car smells like a swamp. almost got myself and my children in an accident because it revs out to 8000 rpm in order to go to 40 mph. This car is dangerous, I get 6 mpg the water sprays in when its raining. the window switch has blown out 4 times tranny not working right steering colom replaced thrush washer replaced the head liner due to water damage but they cant find a leak This car is a $700. a month peice of junk!! I have to rent a car to go away with because this car unreliable & unsafe.

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  Awful gas mileage, beware - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Hillsmom - March 9 - 3:16 am

  I bought this car expecting much better gas mileage than my 2004 Ford Expedition with a 540 horse V-8 engine. Sad to say, my Ford had better gas mileage in town than this Acadia. I only get around 10 miles per gallon in town. I do quite a bit of stop / start traffic, but it shouldnt be this bad. When I drive, I try to excercize all the gas efficient ways to drive, ie. dont drive with a heavy foot, dont stop quickly say at a light, slow exceleration from a stop, no gunning it up a hill, etc. The transmission is a bit sluggish. It tends to be delayed when trying to go up a hill. I really like the car and its quite stylish, too!

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  Better Than The Rest - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By LJB - March 8 - 8:54 pm

  After test driving other vehicles in this class, including MDX, Highlander, Pilot, and Edge this vehicle had them beat for one reason or another. The kids 4 and 9 sealed the deal. The size, safety features, design, and toys (must have toys) were the best. I came out of a 2005 Escalade that couldnt touch this and the Acadia has more space in and behind the third row. Loving this truck!

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  2009 gmc - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By jason - March 4 - 9:39 am

  I bought this in early november to replace my tdi jetta i lost during a recent hurricane. Its very comfy, many bells and whistles, and a hell of a lot more rommier than the toyota highlander I test drove.

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  Love It - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By WLM - March 4 - 2:50 am

  Love the SUV. I am surprised how many heads have turned and asked what is that. Owned a Lexus previosly and did not get those kind of head turns. Ride is very smooth. Great Interior and craftmanship. great turn radius, plenty of room even in the 3rd row. love the dual sunroofs. 19 inch wheels make a big difference. great paint job on the outside. Great handling and fun to drive. beats van we traded in. almost same size as van as far as room. Only downside is fuel economy so far as been subpar. Only 12-14 mpg but just got SUV a week ago so still under 400 miles, heard it takes a while to break in vehicle.