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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  Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By mike m - October 10 - 5:36 pm

  Traded the 07 Caddy Escalade. Almost identical interior and options. However, the Acadia is better, more storage, easier to adjust the rear seats, back seats fold down. Miles per gallon, need I say anymore. Improvements over the Caddy, price,storage,double moonroof, rear seats move back an forth for taller passengers, amazing leg room for thrid seat passengers and easier to use options.

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  Like the Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Jim C - October 10 - 2:16 pm

  I expect the Acadia will sell very well because it has nearly everything a family w/ 3+ kids is looking for if you vehemently opposed to driving/owning a minivan. Most of the features of a minivan without the ridicule from your friends and family. Hard to put a price tag on that! We researched and looked at nearly every third-row SUV and kind of stumbled upon the Acadia and were pleased to find that it had all of the features that we valued. Roomy, enough trunk space with the third row up, easy-in and easy-out with the captains chairs, and better mileage than the very large SUVs. Overall, weve been very happy with the Acadia.

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  My Acadia Review - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Patti - September 26 - 8:06 am

  I enjoy driving the Acadia. My only faults with it is a few design issues with the interior. If you want to charge your phone you cant put anything in one of the cup holders in the front. Very little storage space as far as putting things away so they dont move around vehicle while driving, other than back only storage in between two front seats and dash board. I was shocked there was not in floor storage for headsets. I also has a few blind areas when driving hard to see if other cars are in lane on passenger side, perhaps it would help if you could sit up a little higher in the vehicle. Overall it is a nice car even with these few issues.

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  OK vehicle, on the open road. - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By R Jacob - August 27 - 4:20 am

  6-speed transmission is annoying. Constantly shifting in town and in country. Interior dash and door panels are cheaply made. Same material I have in my GM work truck! Interior surface is hard to clean. Exterior is time consuming to dry off after washing it. Many nooks and crannies. Nice to look at, a pain to own. We sold ours!

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  Satisfied - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By foxz - August 12 - 8:06 pm

  Drives well for the first 2000 miles, gas mileage 22 on the road,14 on lots of up and down roads in the NC mountains which is not bad. Comfort of seats very good with lumbar, lots of storage, removed 3rd seats and rear storage compartment (for the trip) which provides additional room for everything your bringing along due to added height (about 8")in the rear area. The optional method of shifting manually while in low range seems to work well in the mountains on steep grades. Fuel gauge seems to operate in correctly when parked on hills, giving false reading lower than it actually is. Once it is driven for a while it returns to correct operation.

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  First buying experience! - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Danielle Munoz - August 7 - 8:45 pm

  Fantastic car buying experience! The staff was absolutely amazing and made sure we drove away happy. The GMC Acadia Denali is THE BEST on the market with its incredible safety features and technology package!

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  OK - Ill buy another US vehicle - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By tony - August 3 - 11:26 am

  I have never owned an American vehicle, but really liked the looks of the Acadia. Incredibly, the other vehicle I was considering was the Mercedes C class. After 7,000 miles/4 months, I still have not heard one squeak or rattle, and the car drives possibly better than my original test drive.

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  Great ride! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Cahill - July 27 - 2:23 pm

  Much more room than my previous Envoy. Mileage has been tracking at 19.5 for 50/50 city /highway. Right at 22 plus highway only. The 6 speed tranny works smoothly on flat or downhill roads. Uphill it tends to shift up a bit too soon but it just takes a bit to get uesed to it. Its a minor issue considering the mileage performance. Very quiet ride.

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  GM nails it on the head! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Mike Walsh - July 23 - 7:33 pm

  This new SUV, CUV, or whatever you want to call it, is simply outstanding. I can only add my voice to the hundreds of positive reviews. Everyone wants to check out my vehicle and thanks to the versatility of this vehicle I can take 7 of them with me in comfort. Finally, real 3rd row seating for adults, or cavernous cargo capacity if required. Awesome utility aside -- the vehicle is gorgeous and has GMC "professional grade" all over it. Cannot recommend this enough. A true joy for both driver and passenger; the ultimate family vehicle.

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  Great Crossover - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Daryl - July 21 - 10:40 am

  Congratulations GMC, this car blows away the competition. The styling is excellent and unlike others complaints I see about inital gas mileage, I am averaging 20mpg in heavy Chicago area traffic where my average speed is about 17mph with many starts and stops. I am sure I could make it average a lot less like some of the complaints here, if I really tried by accelerating hard. This is a great alternative to gas guzzling large SUVs or mini-vans. The ride and quiet interior are better than the Acura we own or the Volvo we used to own. Best in class legroom for all three rows of seating without sacrificing cargo space.