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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  Multiple mechanical problems - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By ddoan - July 14 - 1:30 pm

  I researched this vehicle for several months before making the purchase. In the 1 yr that I have owned the vehicle it has been in the shop multiple times for various reasons. The first 3 times was because the passenger side floor board was flooded because the drain from the sunroof was not installed and when my dealer did install it it was done incorrectly. Then carpet had to be replaced. Transmission in the vehicle is not what it should be. I had the software update, but car continues to shift up and down with little regard to terrain Now it is in the shop related to what they say are body seam cracks. I love this car, the way it rides, the looks, and the interior comfort.

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  My Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By siamese133 - July 14 - 10:43 am

  I absolutely love this car. I dont feel that its a big vehicle, even though it is quite large. I recommend this car to everyone that has a minivan and hates them.

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  Love it (for the most part) - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Philip - July 1 - 8:39 pm

  Excellent ride and plenty of room. Have all electronic features except back-up camera, and find them all useful. Major complaint is the number of bugs that had to be worked out on the 2007 model. Average mpg is around 20 with significant highway driving. Cannot drive above 40 with rear windows down - vibrations feel like car is going to shake apart. Major flaw in otherwise great sound system is that it has only a single-CD/DVD player

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  Horrible Fuel Economy - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Michelle - June 30 - 4:08 pm

  The car is very comfortable and I feel very safe - 2 of the reasons I purchased the vehicle. However, the main reason I purchased the vehicle was because of the advertised fuel mileage which has turned out to be a bold faced lie. It is supposed to get 16-24mpg and we are lucky to get 12- 18mpg! I have taken it in to a dealership and called GMC on 2 different occasions with no resolution. They basically just say they will "document my concern". A lot of help that is! My next car purchase will definately not be a GMC!

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  Great Crossover Vehicle - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By R Hansen - June 28 - 12:43 pm

  I switched from a Toyota Sequoia to the GMC Acadia. This Acadia give me 28 mpg at 65 mph. I added a Fitch Fuel Catalyst to gain 4 mpg. The quality is great, ride is comfortable, plenty of cargo room. A quiet engine, comfortable seats. OnStar is super. The instrumentation is excellent. Excellent vehicle stability. A great value. GMC has a winner with the Acadia.

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  Outstanding - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Mitchell White - June 18 - 11:29 am

  This is absolutely the best overall vehicle we have ever owned. We have owned this vehicle one year now and have put just over 14K miles on it. Our gas mileage on the highway is 26, city 18, with an average of 23 combined.Please note, we did not begin to see a significant increase in gas mileage numbers until around 10k miles. The room inside is great. You can haul just about anything you want in the Acadia. I would like to see the tilt steering wheel improved. Other than that I just cant think of much to change.

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  Still a great SUV after 10 months - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Hung - June 17 - 4:30 pm

  It has been a great SUV with spacious, smooth, sporty look. I have been happy for the decision that I have made to purchase this crossover SUV over "soccer mom" minivan. My whole family, especially my kids loving it. They dont want to ride on other vehicles exception this one. My kids ususally have nice sleep and they wouldnt get tired when wake-up after a long trip. I got average 16-18 in city and 22-24 on highway. I really dont like its 6-speed transmission shiftings. It easily gets into low gear at high RPM when going up hill even at 10 degree upward. It has made me feeling that there isnt enough power.

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  1200 Miles and Going Strong - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Martin - June 12 - 9:33 pm

  2008 SLT-2 purchased in March with high hopes and have not been disappointed yet. Has most of the bells and whistles and cant wait to get behind the wheeel (when the wife lets me). Kids all love it and made them forget the old car (Expedition) pretty fast. Pretty much an around the town type of car, but planning a longer trip this summer.

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  24 MPG average - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Love My Car - June 12 - 8:37 am

  Ive had my Acadia for close to a year and a half and still absolutely love the vehicle. For the first year we were extremely disappointed with the mpg. I drove a country road to work - with one stop two stop signs on it-18 miles,and about 10 miles driving "in- town." I now keep my speed under 60 mph out of town, I dont pass anyone unless theyre driving under 50 mph (like farm equipment), I accelerate slower and coast when approaching a stop sign, I always shut the car off and walk-in(no drive-ups at the bank, McDs, etc.)and wow what a difference! Ive gotten on average 24 mpg, in two months its been between 22 mpg and 28 mpg. A savings of 4 gallons per week - You do the math!

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  The GMC Acadia is Awesome! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Jeff - June 7 - 2:50 pm

  We just picked up our loaded GMC Acadia Friday night and are extremely happy. The vehicle is well built inside and out and is a pleasure to drive. Lots of bells and whistles to keep you occupied in your spare time. Im 62" and I have more than enough room. This vehicle drives so smoothly, it feels like your driving 55 when youre really going 85(oops!). Handling is superior to other vehicles weve owned. Its a real head turner when your driving down the road. I saw numerous Envoy owners trying to catch up with us to get a peak. The Acadia will be a real winner for GMC. The motor has more than enough power to get up and go. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. Watch out Soccer Moms!