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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  Our Acadia Views - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Anne P McLaughlin - July 10 - 1:53 am

  Traded off Honda Odyssey which did not add up to expectations. Started off with Yukon and decided on Acadia after test drives of both vehicles. In my openion this is a wonderful handeling auto with plenty of room and a very comfortable ride. Mileage is not the best in the world however if driven with "respect" one can live with it. Keep up the good work on the US made vehicles.

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  Drives like a Dream - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Joe - July 7 - 2:10 pm

  I am very happy with this Arcadia. It has a great ride, nice looks and is fun to drive. It gets decent gas mileage for its size. The interior seem to be of high quality. I have had it for two weeks and every day I like it more and more .

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  GMC Acadia SLT Is A Thrill To Drive! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By dalfire - July 1 - 4:40 pm

  This GMC Acadia had got to be one of the most solid vehicles built to date. From the luxurious interior features, sleek body style, and the powerful engine, the Acadia is a must drive for anyone. I got my Acadia 4 days ago and all I can say is wow! Just sitting behind the wheel lets you know you are in for a fun drive. This car performs and without much effort. The interior is gorgeous. Of course you have to get the SLT package. The dual sunroof is the coolest thing. I never had a power liftgate but always wanted one. No regrets there. The rear DVD entertainment system is very nice. The kiddo just loves it! You need to drive one of these very soon. You will not regret it!

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  The Big Terrain is a great family vehicle - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By John L - June 24 - 8:51 am

  We traded our 2013 Acadia Denali AWD for the 2017 comparably equipped. The first thing you notice is the cargo area is (somewhat meaningfully) smaller and the exterior looks a lot like the old Envoy (we viewed it as a downgrade vs the previous mode Acadias). From the exterior it looks like a super sized Terrain but is much roomier inside. While the cargo space was a hangup they did a great job preserving very comfortable passenger space in the first and second rows. The 3rd row is now 2 seats and tight but it was tight before and nobody would try to seat 3 people of any size back there anyway. There is a huge difference in the feel of driving this. It now handles like a crossover and not a truck. I think the transmission is smoother, it all feels much lighter and its still very comfortable on highway. The infotainment system is a revolution from the previous (and awful) GMC system. Apple CarPlay is intuitive, reliable and simple. Great interface, especially for navigation. Safety features are also a plus. The backup sensors vibrate the drivers seat if youre getting too close going either forward or backward and the forward parking camera is a good addition to the rear camera and cross-traffic sensors. There is also a red indicator on the windshield and seat vibration if someone brakes in front of you (or 2 cars in front) while at speed which is effective but subtle. While we miss the cargo room, lets be honest: at least in suburbia this vehicle is a kid-hauler and not a large cargo transport and you wont miss the extra cargo space 95% of the time. We do miss the heads up display (HUD) that was eliminated in the 2017. All in all weve been very happy with the redesign and love this car.

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  Pretty Much Perfect - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By GMC4LIFE - May 24 - 8:06 pm

  The Acadia is basically a good-looking, well performing, comfortable, reliable, stylish, fun to drive minivan, thats actually a crossover. Comfortable, back rows are surprisingly big, enough for an adult to sit comfortable for a 5-hour trip. It has been problem free, craftmanship: A+. So sharp looking, along with the brick red leather interior: A+. Fuel economy, great. The HID headlights, LED taillights, just make it seem like it is a good looking minivan (thats actually a crossover, so it performs like a car) made by a luxury brand. A+.

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  The Acadia Dream - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Mike Louy - May 12 - 7:36 pm

  Lots of leg room with the seating.Nice ride,beautiful car.

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  08 Acadia not delivering promised MPG - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By muddy1 - May 9 - 4:46 pm

  The Acadia is great in every way but MPG. The new EPA estimates are at 16/22 but unless you always drive downhill with a tailwind its impossible to achieve. Were stuck at 14MPG in mixed town/highway driving and can only get to 19 on the highway. Given the 6 speed transmission I dont understand why we cant get more out of it. I also would like to see the vehicle that the EPA drove to measure estimated MPG. It just doesnt seem possible.

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  GMC Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Lisa - May 2 - 11:26 am

  I love my Acadia. Super comfy, super safe. Had brand new Ford Expedition, only 1 yr old, traded in because Ford is not reliable. I also had a new Tahoe, not comfortable at all. This vehicle has a lot more space than youd think. I have 2 children in car seats, plenty of room. Bought the vehicle because it has 10 airbags. I get compliments all over the place about what a sharp looking vehicle it is. My only complaint is that I have no A/C controls for the back seat within my reach while Im driving. I have to stop and reach back to adjust it, which can be a pain at times. There should be controls in the front and the back. Besides that, I love teh Acadiaand plan on keeping it

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  Great SUV - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Jon Powers - April 29 - 5:00 am

  This car is beautifully designed and is a pleasure to drive. Although I would like it to have more power it does handle exceptionally well.

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  Best vehicle Id had - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By RS - March 29 - 9:13 pm

  So far, we love the Acadia. Fun to drive, comfortable, bells and whistles, and great to look at. Has plenty of power to get on the freeway. Smooth shifting and handles great.