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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  GMC Acadia. One of GMs best! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By T. PIERCE - December 23 - 2:16 pm

  As a 40 year veteran engineering manager at Ford, GM, and Chrysler I know a good car when I see one. I have driven GMC Jimmys since 1988 and held off replacing my 2001 until I could find a satisfactory replacement. Tried all the competition, Acura, Higlander, Honda Pilot, Mitsubishi, Volvo, Fords stuff, Dodge and Jeep. The Acadia outtrumps them all, even my wifes new MB ML350! Those who demean domestic carmakers need to go "looksee" and drive. Acadia is an excellent machine in every respect with just a few minor glitches, but great ride, handling, performance, quietness, interior, and content. Well done GM! As the Arnold would say, "Ill be back!"

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  Fun to drive - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Junior - December 23 - 1:34 pm

  Love this vehicle. We traded in 06 Buick Terraza and we had nothing but trouble with the Buick so we gave GMC another shot no regrets.This truck is actually roomier than the minivan but drives like a car. I dont have the 4wd, we just got 6 inches of snow here in Chicago and this truck has not yet got stuck anywhere. Its amazing. Not to mention how safe it feels to drive rain or snow the drive is smooth. I highly recomend this vehicle.

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  Great Ride - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Pat R - December 16 - 11:33 am

  Great ride, love the navigation, easy to use. Seems to shift strange. Mileage has not been as good as promised. Good looking and fun to drive. Have had many compliments on this vehicle from strangers in parking lots. Cannot believe that the back bumper is not real chrome. For the price of this vehicle it should be real chrome not paper.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By tony - December 15 - 4:39 pm

  I have owned it for almost two years - 22,000 miles. Not one problem and it rides better today than when I purchased it. I owned a Highlander and this is much, much better. My mileage has improved in the last year. When I bought it there where not squeaks or rattles - I hoped it would remain like that - not sure if its better but it couldt be quieter. Love this vehicle!

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  Sleep on it a few weeks first! - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By kerry - December 8 - 2:32 pm

  Looks great on the outside. The interior quality of the dash, seats, & doors, door handles, etc. was a letdown. Visibility out of rear window not great, you wont see a small car on your bumper. Sensors and backup monitor a must. Having to upgrade better quality leather seats, CD player, & install backup monitor due to visibility issues just two weeks after purchase.

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  Great Car, Great Value - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Kim - December 8 - 8:48 am

  I have been looking for a car for several months. We are a family with four children, two in college, two in high school. While we thought we could downsize with two kids out of the house, we found we still need space in a vehicle for when everyone is home, moving into and out of dorm rooms, hauling around friends, etc. This SUV is the perfect size for that...not too big, but with room enough to comfortably seat 6 of us and the dog. I shopped around a lot! Looked at MDX, Volvo, VW, Mercury. The GMC was the best price of all other models I compared to. I love the ease of use of all the controls, visibility is great as well. Not a luxury interior, but practical and well designed. Love it.

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  I hate this SUV! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By hsand54 - December 7 - 11:09 am

  In the less than a year that we have had our Acadia it has been in the shop 4-5 times! Its obvious that it was very poorly built. The drivers seat broke the 1st week, the wipers broke mid rain storm, the service airbag light, engine light, and oil light have all been on and had to be serviced. And there was a recall that had to be fixed! After all of this I finally get my vehicle back and hit a deer, which did $5500 worth of damage to the front end yet the air bag never went off and on-star never came on! The way it shifts is awful, the noise & vibrations when the windows are down is horrible and I am so sick of this vehicle. Now my tire pressure light is on- it is always something!

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  Love it except the poor gas mileage - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By John - December 7 - 4:46 am

  Took delivery a couple of weeks ago. We chose the Acadia over the Mazda CX9 because of the additional interior room and ease of access to the third row. So far we are very happy with the overall purchase except for the terrible gas mileage when compared to what is stated on the sticker. The first tank of gas which was a combined city and highway was 15 mpg. The second and third tanks were 100% city driving in Houston, Texas and we are getting 12 mpg; a huge dissapointment because we get this same 12 mpg with our Yukon XL and Ford Expedition; both of which are V8s. Hopefully this will improve.

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  Better vs Pilot or Highlander - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By JONATAN - November 24 - 1:46 am

  I had Pilot and Highlander, but when I bought Acadia I sold Highlander. Acadia is the best among them ride comfort, precise at speed driving, tech data like wheel base or 6spd auto or standard luxury like heated mirrors and wash liquid, auto hiding mirrors etc.

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  Acadia 08 SLT 2WD - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By M08 - November 22 - 2:05 am

  I love this vehicle. Everything is great about it. The look, the handling, the quitness at 0ver 80 mph (be creative), the options, etc.. But there still some small thing I wan to comment on. For a 40k car there is so much plastic inside. You expect it to be more luxurious but its not. Have bluetooth, for Gods sake we are in the 21 century. Premium sound system is so not premium, bearly giving sound. Guess they forgot to install the amp. The gas mileage is not so bad as long as you are babysitting it, but if you dare to push that pedal you will truly see the gas gauge is going down in front of your eyes, but that should be expected with a huge car like this. After all I still love this car