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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  Almost Perfect - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Dennis - April 2 - 8:16 am

  I was considering a truck or truck based SUV, but high gasoline prices made me consider the Acadia. So far my mileage is just shy of 21 mpg for the first 3000 miles based on a 50/50 city/highway mix. Handling is much better than in previously owned SUVs; passenger/cargo space is also much better. This is a big, heavy vehicle that feels nimble and has reasonable performance.

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  The Jurys Still Out - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Kara Pompano - April 1 - 11:45 am

  We like our 2007 Acadia. It would be love if not for the annoying vibration of the steering wheel/column and the constant "whiny sound" coming from the transmission or steering wheel. Gas mileage is terrible, even worse after we had the computer software update. Moving east and will soon be shopping for AWD. If GMC doesnt get its act together with this steering column/transmission issues, the Honda Pilot might be our next new vehicle purchase.

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  2007 GMC Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By ThorPower - March 31 - 2:35 pm

  Traded in a Yukon SLT for this vehicle. Very happen with the driveability of the Acadia. Mileage is not as advertised nor all that much better than a Yukon. Drives more like a car than a truck. Have had mini vans, this has almost the same amount of storage space. Have had seals replaced on transfer case already for leaking. Also had a time on freeway where I had to kick it down to passing gear and absolutely nothing happened - could have been a potential hazard. Update to vehicle electronics afterward may have rectified problem.

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  Great Family Car - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Patti Mott - March 24 - 7:14 am

  We wanted a fun and stylish car with lots of room but without the big SUV feel and poor gas mileage. We found it in our Acadia. Its a perfect fit for our family and is super for road trips.

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  Nice appearance but ownership cost disaster - 2013 GMC Acadia
  By TC Bode - March 10 - 1:33 am

  Expect to have a high cost repair while owning this vehicle. There is a reason other car manufacturers have better warranties, they are confident in their cars performance. GMC is confident in their cars having issues soon after the warranty expires. Update: I recently sold this car as I was disappointed in the rising cost associated with repairs. Purchased a QX60 Infiniti to replace vehicle.

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  Not so sure - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By not sure - February 29 - 1:55 pm

  My wife loves the car but I am still not sure. I am a large man and I am not very comfortable in the driver seat. It is somewhat cramped and I have to lower it down and slide it all the way back to get any room. There are some issues with the front tire sensors constantly saying check tire pressure or icey roads may occur even when it is warm and tires are inflated properly. Our oldest child has very little room in the third seat and it is not easy to get to the oil filter when servicing. Also a little big for the transmission, seems to shift very frequently or seems to be under a load constanly. A/C is not up to par

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  GMC Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By ploc36 - February 24 - 12:28 pm

  The ride & handling of this SUV is not as good as my previous SUVs, ie the Honda Pilot or Landrover Disco II, but the interior space & layout more than make up for that. This is an SUV built more for the riders than the driver. The engine is a bit lacking in power due to the weight, & an average of 14 mpg city & 17 mpg on the hwy is a bit disappointing.

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  Buying another GMC Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By buying another - February 24 - 11:45 am

  I am looking now to buy another. Fuel economy 19.7 in town 24.3 on highway. Simply a pleasure to drive and not afraid to move 6/7 people. Have not had one problem with Acadia. Would suggest staying with front wheel drive after driving first winter, no traction problems and better mileage. Quiet ride and have to watch the speed as it likes to get down the highway very good responsiveness.

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  Think twice before you buy - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By jh08297 - February 22 - 9:48 pm

  I really like this SUV because of the size and special features. We did have the power steering pump replaced within the frist three months, Which wasnt really a big deal. In the fourth month of ownership, this SUV became demon posessed. Brake light comes on with a very loud beeping that does not stop and the park assist light flashes that the park assist is off. Three trips to the dealership and they still cant fix this problem! The only way to stop this is to pull off the road, set and release the park brake. the plus side to this is that it only happens when it rains. four resets in one trip from NJ to NC. There is also water in the passenger floorboard when it rains.

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  Very Nice Vehicle - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By tommer - February 19 - 11:13 am

  An excellent family hauler. I love the remote start feature where it turns on the heater and seat warmers or AC depending on the temperature. Drives great, rides great, excellent steering, nice interior touches and the great exterior appearance. Very comfortable seats. Tows our camper with ease, but there is always a need for more HP and torque.