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:

• 

  Love it! But look out for insurance rate - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Heather - September 24 - 6:10 pm

  Weve had our Acadia about 9 months and dearly love it. Gas mileage is about the same or slightly better than our supercharged Buick Regal. Love the extra space, Love the extra features, love everything! I would buy this again, for sure. For convenience, mileage for its size (although they need an E85 or hybrid option), features, pure styling (looks so beautiful!) and performance it gets a gold star.

• 

  Love It! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Carol - September 13 - 8:10 pm

  Picked up our Acadia in February and used it on several long distant trips getting between 22-26 mpg on the highway. My daughter and I (plus 2 young granddaughters) use it for our weekly grocery shopping - doesnt hold as much as her Tahoe but we enjoy the Acadias large individual comfort zones. We love XM radio, climate control keeps all areas of the vehicle very comfortable

• 

  Family Room on Wheels - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Jeff - September 11 - 8:14 pm

  We needed a larger vehicle as our family is getting bigger, and sold a Honda Civic for this family room on wheels. It fits everything, from baby seats, a dog, tons of luggage, coolers, and gets you from A to B comfortably. We knew gas would be more expensive coming from a 32 mpg Civic, but the size and comfort level are well worth the sacrifice. The funny thing is that people dont realize that these are like minivans on the inside, and can accomodate many passengers with the utmost comfort. The truck has taken up a bit more space in the garage than expected, but well get by. This will be in our family for a long time, and I would suggest this vehicle to anyone consaidering a minivan.

• 

  Not very happy! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By JLM - September 9 - 4:41 pm

  We bought in March, paying much more for this vehicle than another we considered. We mainly got it for the promised MPG. It has not lived up to my expectations at all. The gas mileage is horrible (12-14 in town, 19-10 hwy), and I am a very conservative driver. Its been in the shop about 5 times in 6 months (minor issues, but still!) The gold paint job is evidently not very good. There was a small scratch when we got it, which we touched up. Since then, it has gotten many more scratches from items that dont normally scratch off car paint. The AC doesnt work well when outside temp is 80 or below, although it is great in the hottest part of the summer (and we have black interior.)

• 

  Nice Car - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Tom Foley - September 6 - 4:24 pm

  A few weeks into the purchase and I find it a pleasure to drive. Though, I cant be sure if it still suffers a little tranny shifting issues like the 08 did. Im not really a car person, but doesnt seem as smooth in some instances. I wish I paid a little more careful attention to the plastic dashboard and other pieces. While at first glance the interior looks great, a closer look reveals all the plastic which will probably get scratched in the long haul. Its textured, so good luck getting scratches out. So far, its just a fine car.

• 

  Mt third Acadia - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By MARTIN NEMENYI - September 1 - 11:34 am

  This is my third one and I still like it quite a bit. I downsized from a Chevy Suburban since my kids were grown. This is a great size.

• 

  My Acadia experience - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Shannon Lafleur - August 25 - 10:53 pm

  I purchased the vehicle one year ago and still cant seem to get all the the bugs out. It has been in the shop multiple times for vauious reasons. The first problem we incountered was the seatbelts tearing, (We are now on the fourth seatbelt for the diver side and still having a problem). The second problem was the back compartment door that would not close. The sunroof leaks causing the passenger side floor board to get wet from a drain tube not installed properly, (still having problems with this). We also had the software upgrade. The preformance since has been alot better, but the gas mileage has dropped tramendous, 14 city, 19 highway. We are very disapointed with this vehicle over all.

• 

  Love this truck - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By paula - August 25 - 5:26 am

  Ive had the truck for 3 months and I love it. Very comfortable, very roomy. The gas mileage could be better but not bad compared to other SUVs.

• 

  This works for me! - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Wayne Whitney - August 14 - 10:11 pm

  Compared this car to several others, including the Audi Q7, and found it to be remarkably similar but for almost $20K less. The slight increase in power is noticeable as is the decrease in outside noise (better dampening). The electronic improvements sell the car all by themselves, especially if you use Apple products. The smaller cargo space is obvious but liveable. It feels sportier than prior years models - tighter and more nimble - without any loss in comfort. Overall, a good choice for anyone not wanting to spend a fortune but still wanting a quality vehicle.

• 

  Good choice for 3 row family car - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Minhong Yu - August 1 - 12:27 am

  Nice interior space. Performance, acceleration and technology are good for this new generation of Acadia.