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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  Junk so far - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Rodney - November 20 - 11:16 pm

  We purchased our Acadia new with 5 miles on it. The problems began 1week later by having to have a new engine put in it! then the battery went dead a few months later and the OnStar didnt work to call for help. The traction control quit working and had to be fixed, then the cruise control quit working, then the battery went dead again while driving at night so we had no dash lights and not much of anything was working, so after 5 times of being in the shop lets hope its all fixed, we should have a new car by now with all those new parts,oh wait, we did buy a new car. Comfortable ride when it runs, NAV doesnt work right, OnStar works sometimes, love it when everything works! Gimme a new one

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  I love my new 2016 Acadia SLT-1 with options - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By Linda - November 15 - 7:12 am

  The ride is very smooth, quiet ride and I wouldnt have one of these without all the safety feature added to it. This vehicle feels very large when driving it and I dont always park it correctly unless I get out and see if I am in the lines. I am getting better at it since I have had it for 2 months now. I drive half city and half highway to work and back and get average of 20 mpg. That is a fair amount mpg for such a large vehicle. I did purchase one with all the bells and whistles to alert me 360 degrees around the car for safety hazards. I love these features since there are blind spots and the features help provide a second pair of eyes around me when I am driving. This car fits nicely in my garage also! The materials and interior gauges, etc are excellent and should hold up for the duration that I will own this car. My only remarks on the cons, probably wouldnt have covered the rear view vanity mirrors with cloth and the captains seat belts in the second row is inward too much,,,,,,pushes on my hip when the seat belt is locked in.

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  Great Touring Car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Norman - November 13 - 2:43 pm

  Took delivery and left a week later on a 12 day 3100 mile trip from Northern New England to Florida. Drove through rain, sun, wind, snow and ice and the Acadia performed perfectly. It handles and rides wonderfully, and averaged 19.8 mpg. Just retired and plan to do a lot of traveling. Looked at SUVs, minivans and crossovers and liked the room, comfort and features of the Acadia best.

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  Happy so far - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Remfire - November 6 - 9:09 am

  Replaced 2011 GMC Acadia, better gas mileage, runs good, no problems so far

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  Nice car but misleading on gas MPG - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Dave C. - November 3 - 8:20 pm

  Here is the review after 3 months of ownership and 3000 miles. The review is based on the maxed out SLT2 AWD (w/Nav & DVD). Overall the car is great. Nice ride, great seating, and seems sure footed on the road. Two complaints: Fuel economy - Dont believe the hype! We do City/Hwy driving. Avg mpg is 12 city, 16 hwy. To me, thats terrible for a V6 and compared to what GMC boasts of 20/22. The other complaint is the nav & backup camera has failed on a few separate occasions. Went back to the dealer and they will replace it. To sum it up, the Acadia is a nice car, good overall build and quality, layout. But misleading on the gas mileage.

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  Its OK to Buy American - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By TJ in Philly - October 23 - 2:00 pm

  This is my first car made by an American company. In the past I owned Honda, Toyota, and most recently a 2005 Acura MDX. Before I purchased the Acadia I test drove a 2008 MDX (did not like the looks of inside/outside) Highlander (nice, but still not there), 2009 Honda Pilot (did not really care for the interior). I finally decided to take a look at GMs offering. Decided to test drive the Acadia first. Once I was in it, there was no looking back. The interior design and comfort of this SUV is amazing. Seats and ride are comfortable. The technology is also top notch, and I am a techie. Please, just because this car is a GMC do not make the mistake of not adding this car to your list.

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  Great family car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Jules - October 11 - 9:10 pm

  I have 3 kids and this car works perfectly. Has the second row captains chairs and an aisle to get back to third row. Fair amount of storage if third row partially collapsed. Fun to drive, much cooler than a minivan. Love having XM radio and OnStar.

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  Acadia Review - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Vinny - October 11 - 1:00 am

  Great crossover. GM hit this one on the button. Excellent car, lots of room, very comfortable. More room than the Toyota Highlander I had. Very smooth ride.

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  Great model for GM - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Tom - October 8 - 12:11 pm

  This is a great SUV. It has power, comfort, great handling, and also looks amazing. All features/controls are easy to use. It handles like a sports car and is extremely comfortable to ride in. Would highly recommend.

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  Love My Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By bill3 - September 26 - 11:50 am

  This is by far the best vehicle I have ever driven. I have always driven SUVs, but this crossover provides the best of both worlds. The ride is superb, and the interior has so much room and great features. We looked at just about every suv and crossover w/ 7 passenger seating. Nothing came even close! I was nervous buying a vehicle that was such a new model, but all of the reviews I read were very accurate. This vehicle is one that actually lives up to and even exceeds the hype.