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 It! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By sebl - December 2 - 5:23 pm

  What more could you want from a vehicle? Better gas mileage (mine averages 21) than SUVs yet with the same amount of space (actually the Acadia has a longer wheelbase than the Yukon). All the extra features you could ask for and comfort, visability, space, etc. The cars message screen actually tells you "Ice possible, please drive with care" or reminds you that the blinker is on. All for less than $40k...try and get a Tahoe loaded for that!

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  Very nice! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Chris - November 16 - 11:00 am

  I was very concerned buying a new GM vehicle after owning a Honda Pilot for the last 4 yrs, and picked this over the new MDX. This vehicle is much quieter on the hiway, is larger inside, more HP, and same gas mileage as the Pilot. Love the dark carpets even with the taupe leather, very comfy seats and hidden receiver hitch, chrome door handles. Wish I couldve purchased front moonroof only. Tranny cant decide which gear to pick on hills at hiway speed, nature of the 6 speed beast. Highly recommend backup sensors due to small tailgate window.

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  Not so impressed - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Larry Francis - November 10 - 6:36 am

  I find that this vehicle rides ruff and has a lot of road noise. I also find that it has a lot of cheap plastic in the cabin. This is the third GM product I purchased and for the third time I was disappointed, I think Im going to buy a Ford or Toyota next time.

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  Weird Transmission - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By bkcm251 - November 8 - 2:23 am

  Were very pleased with our new Acadia in all respects except for one - the transmission shifts weird, especially under light acceleration. It seems to shift too early under light acceleration which then has a negative effect on acceleration. The shifts almost seem like it is skipping a gear. RPMs will go from over 3000 down to under 2000 in a single shift resulting in a significant loss in power. It doesnt seem like the transmission utilizes the 270hp fully, typical of a GM product in my experiences. It acts like it has a 100hp engine unless you put your foot on the floor and then it takes off like a spring chicken. Mileage has been respectable for this size of vehicle, 21.5 hyw.

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  Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By marvin - November 5 - 7:30 pm

  Great SUV. Has plenty of power and great fuel economy. Has more interior room than our Navigator did. Much quieter and rides great.

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  Probably My Favorite Vehicle Ever - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By JMH Maine - October 31 - 2:33 am

  I drive 40K/yr for business and pleasure. I need cargo room to haul large dogs and show equipment, and reliability. This car is roomy, comfortable, and fun to drive. Its quieter than any car Ive owned, and feels like a luxury car, not an SUV. The gas mileage isnt great, but what do you expect from an AWD SUV? The onboard navigation, OnStar phone capability, and great sound system all add to the enjoyment of driving it. Quite simply, I love this vehicle!

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  Best car I have driven, ever - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By ritz - October 27 - 12:06 pm

  My last car was the Cadilac SRX. The new Acadia is vastly better in all aspects. I can not emphasize how much I have enjoyed driving the car in the first 30 days of purchase. The only correction that needs to be made is the acceleration at high speed and initial fuel economy. Going in for an adjustment this week. GMC has made a car that my friends call a big Lexus 350! Top quality and a great ride

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  Great Automobile! Car is so responsive. - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By G S English - October 24 - 2:06 am

  This is my third new GMC Acadia - the reliability is exceptional, extremely comfortable ride, abundant amenities and great storage space for travel.

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  Nice Job GM! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Pete - October 17 - 5:06 pm

  Weve had this for 3 days now. Its a very nice car/truck. My wife had a BMW 528i wagon, and was a little leery of trading down to a GM. After a few days shes over that. It drives very nice. All passengers sit nice and high so theres great visibility. Theres a nice feel of security in this vehicle. It drives like a car but has the road presence of a truck. And it feels like its put together very well. Heated seats, mirrors, great stereo, parking assist... Its full featured and gives off a great confidence. GM is back with this one!

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  Love it - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By LewisG - October 12 - 1:43 pm

  Had our Acadia about three weeks now, and love it. After having Expeditions and Suburbans it was a shock to go down, but the car is great. Seats are all very comfortable, and so far the tranny hasnt been an issue for us. Kids love it too. Have to agree with folks on the cupholders and outlet up front. They need at least one more plug or even two on the side of the console so you can plug things in without blocking the front cupholder. Mileage is about what we expected (15 so far with heavy city driving) Great car.