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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  Awesome - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Carolyn - January 26 - 9:40 am

  This is by far the best automobile I have owned. I feel very safe and secure with what Acadia offers me and my family. It handles very well in curves and isnt top heavy like so many SUVs. I know it is a crossover but it is often mistaken for a SUV. The safety rating is out of this world.

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  Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By jfrosen000 - January 25 - 4:16 pm

  I had never heard of this crossover when I was looking to replace my 2003 Rendezvous, I had almost given up on current SUV models when I stumbled on this perfectly equiped Acadia on the dealers floor. Aside from the minor problem with the transmission downshifting, Id put this ahead of any other crossover on the market. Why doesnt GMC do more to market these?

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  Buyer Beware - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By DJB - January 25 - 9:16 am

  I purchased my SLT1 in January of 08 thats when my nightmare started. The transmission hesitation was terrible. The steering column was replaced after five months and the water leaks started. The vehicle developed mold and is still leaking and experiencing electrical problems.

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  Loved it at first, now not so sure! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By gina - January 16 - 9:35 pm

  We have had our Acadia 1 year. We have an engine noise that cant be fixed. Dealership has changed motor mounts, air conditioner compressors, drained oil from the new air conditioner compressor and still the noise is present. The car used to accelerate great but now you must floor it to get the car to go anywhere. Seriously GMC, a brand new car should not be in the repair shop for 17 days in 1 month! We are going to either just cut our losses and eat the fact that the car depreciated $16K in 1 calender year or try our chances with the lemon law. I knew we should not have bought American! Never again GMC!

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  Mostly love it, - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By LAURA ROBERTS - January 14 - 2:58 pm

  Mostly I love this vehicle. I had some problem with the skylight, leaked. Had it replaced, no problems. A few recalls, once the recalls were fixed runs well. Lots of room, looks smaller than it is. Back up camera, love this option. Mileage not as good as expected but its not any better than my old vehicle. I had a 1998 Safari van. I find that there are a few blind spots that I had to get used to. We had lots of snow recently, handles well in the snow and ice. I was impressed with that. Looks good, interior nice, lots of cup holders. I can even haul three hockey players one parent and equipment, including goalie equipment!

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  Disappointed - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Pat Martin - January 14 - 11:46 am

  To start out on the positive I love the look and the interior design of the vehichle. However, I am extremely disappointed in the drive. It has problems going up even the smallest of hills without downshifting. When you are trying to pick up speed and merge into traffic you have hesisation and downshifting. I have had it serviced and it improved the hesitation somewhat but the downshifting leads to the worst driving car I have ever owned. The gas mileage is also awful. I am only getting 13.9 around town. For a vehicle with a sticker over $40,000 I think GMC should be ashamed of itself!

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  Great Ride and Better than Highlander - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Farm Mom - January 8 - 11:36 am

  When my 01 GMC YukonXL was needed as a farm vehicle, began the search for a new family car. We loved the drive and comfort of our previous GMC yet no longer needed the size of the YukonXL. In addition, with a 62" all leg 14 year old and another boy growing, comfort was key. Looked seriously at the Toyota Highlander (family discount available). The boys tested both for legroom and comfort and Acadia far superior. Second row bucket seats have more mobility to move forward and recline than Highlander. Third seat easily accessible and comfortable to average- sized adult while not compromising space. AWD fabulous! In recent 3 snow, drove superbly. Overall a quiet, smooth drive.

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  Great for a family - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Wild Bill - January 1 - 11:29 am

  If you need room for more than four and dont want to drive a truck, this is the auto for you. We have truly enjoyed this vehicle. We traded in a Toyota Sequoia and we would never go back to that beast. The Acadia is much easier to drive around town and has enough room for our kids and our luggage. The mileage is as advertised as long as you go easy. The transmission does take some time to get use to, but after a while you stop noticing it. The backup camera is very helpful. The Acadia is great in the snow and has the best heated seats of any car I have owned. Extremely comfortable during long trips. The heads up display is great with the navigation system.

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  Dont Bother To Buy - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Mel-KS - December 29 - 5:52 pm

  This vehicle has the transmission problems of previous models. Ours had 3600 miles when it died in the middle of a busy highway. Towed to a dealership, and the dealership was unable to figure out what was wrong with the vehicle after nearly four days. GMC absolutely no help and not willing to honor the warranty or have the vehicle brought back to us since it died more than 350 miles from our home. Best they would do is provide a crappy rental car. I would avoid this vehicle--when GMC goes under, youll be stuck with a money pit your mechanic will love.

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  GM Quality - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By william - December 25 - 10:48 am

  We purchased the GMC Acadia for our retirement travels and we have taken 5 trips so far. We have driven in the mountains and in the desert and we are very Impressed with our 2009 purchase from GM. MPG is ,as stated, and better. I think General Motors can feel good about the 2009 Acadia. We sure do!