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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  Love This Car! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By momof3 - February 15 - 12:27 am

  I bought this car in June of 07. I transport my own three kids to and from school every day and often take a few extra to sporting events, music lessons etc. The kids love the space, the lift gate, radio/AC controls. I love the way it drives. It looks and feels sporty. The extra gadgets/gauges are convieniently placed. The road noise is low. Long road trips are actually fun with this car.

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  Love it - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Tammy Denfeld - February 10 - 10:41 pm

  I purchased my Acadia 3 mo. ago and love it. We drove a 2 day trip from Texas to NYC with 4 kids was a little cramped. Do wish it came standard with hitch and luggage bars. Most people travel and this would be helpful. Paint does tend to chip easier than my old Envoy XL but, overall I am very happy with my new car. Had to make emergency trip for medical reasons and must say we got up to 125mph and was smooth as could be and handles like a dream. If your thinking on buying jump on it. I love mine.

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  Great to own - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By david gray - February 10 - 11:36 am

  The car has lots of road holding to the high way as you drive. Feels very safe as you drive and cars around you. Great wide windshield to see what is around you

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  Enjoying my Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By NOLA GIRL - February 7 - 2:24 pm

  After driving Volvos for the past 5 yrs, came back to GMC, worried about reliability, but the Volvo was also unreliable and expensive to repair, so here goes. Enjoying it so far. Opted for the 60/40 second row bench and am happy about that. Unless you are carrying a bunch of folks, the back seat goes unused anyway, so I either fold it or leave it up. The kids cant run between the seats either! Daughter is enjoying the DVD option and the rear controls are easy enough for a 4 year old to operate!

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  2008 Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By TeagZach - February 7 - 10:13 am

  We purchased a 2008 Acadia on January 31, 2008. We have had nothing but problems with the front end, brakes, and the engine hesitating. The vehicle is comfortable overall except for headrests that stick into your head. The interior is stylish with nice accents and we like the red lights on the interior components. The vehicle handles well. The 6 speed transmission is less than desirable with consistent lag and hesitations. The vehicle cant stay at a constant speed as the engine cuts out and when driving and attempting to accelerate the vehicle hesitates. This is a major safety concern when merging on the highway or trying to accelerate to get out of the way of potential dangers.

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  Love it except for the low gas mileage - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By nparsona - February 7 - 5:36 am

  I love this car! I can convert the seats easliy to carry cargo or the kids for carpooling. I can leave my cargo in the car and still carry 5 kids. Very versital and fun to drive.The low gas mileage is an issue, but the space and handling make up for it. If you need a minivan, but dont want to drive one, buy this car! It has the space and features of a minivan without the stigma of it.

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  Good Choice - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By JB - February 5 - 11:36 am

  Weve had our Acadia since May 07, and we love it! Everyone who rides in it loves it as well. Our Acadia is comfortable and has a smooth ride. There are so many great things about this car that they far outweigh any negatives. The chrome accents in the interior look sharp but do sometimes reflect sun into your eyes. Initially had sluggish transmission, but GMC had software recall and since has been shifting much better. Gas mileage has improved since update as well however, not as good as sticker rated mpg. Overall great choice. Were so pleased GM designed this vehicle. Great family car. Plenty room with sporty look and feel. Go test drive and youll be hooked.

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  Great car whenit starts! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By cardozatwins - February 4 - 12:52 pm

  I love my Acadia but Id love it a lot more if it was dependable. We bought this car to be the new family ride but 2 weeks after purchasing it, we started having problems. The car wont start at times and we need a jump to get it going. Once started runs fine. This is not a cold start problem and the battery has been replaced, and it still has problems. The dealership has been great trying to solve the problems but the manufacturer rep. and the car itself have been a little difficult. We have named our car "Sybill" and are now considering the "lemon law" to get it replaced.

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  Great family vehicle - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By love this car - January 26 - 10:22 am

  Traded a 1996 Suburban(that I loved) for the Acadia. Gave up a little room in the back for storage, but havent really missed it. Our kids love the captains chairs in the second row, and there is plenty of room in the third row for our teenager. Plenty of cup holders, and I like the seperate radio option for the back (headphones required). Many compliments on this vehicle. Looking forward to taking a long trip.

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  My GMC Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Jo Randall - January 24 - 7:44 am

  We found this vehicle to perform great in snow. It is a comfortable ride and has plenty of storage space. I like the fact it has plenty of room to get into the back seat. The wheel well is not located forward. The only item I can see that needs adjustment is the seat belts for the center person. They should be able to fold down after applying the seat belt. They stick right up straight into your backside making for an uncomfortable ride. Other than that the vehicle is perfect in every way.