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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  GM has a winner! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By DHL - December 8 - 8:30 pm

  We saw this car on the showroom floor, took it for a test drive and were completely overwhelmed with ride quality, comfort and styling. Its the most stylish vehicle weve ever owned with features we thought we would never be able to afford in an automobile. The dashboard and console are nicely designed with all controls at your fingertips. The dual sunroof is really cool, letting in plenty of light. Radio controls in the back are great for tailgate partys and theres plenty of space for storage in the back. This summer, we towed a 19 foot boat and a storage area full of gear from behind the front seats to the rear tailgate with no loss of power, handling or ride quality.

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  Transmission Flash Does Wonders - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Mike D - November 6 - 7:23 am

  To everyone mentioning the transmission, the 5/8/08 transmission flash is a must. You actually feel the 275hp of the engine and dont have to push the pedal down much. Its the way it should have been from the factory. Tons of room inside. I got the 2nd row captains chairs. Where can you get those outside of minivan? 3rd row better than most vehicles and has 60/40 which is great. Power liftgate and rear backing sensors are excellent. Stereo system (with XM) very nice. OnStar provides nice security. Stylish exterior and underrated style inside. Large tires and off-road capability. All-wheel drive is passive but there if needed. Dual sunroofs. The total package, IMHO.

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  Acadia is more bang for your buck. - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Scott G - November 6 - 2:46 am

  Originally wanted a Enclave, but we looked at the Acadia also. What an excellent vehicle. Drives like a dream and handles extremely well. A great vehicle and a great savings over the Enclave.

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  Love My Acadia!! - 2013 GMC Acadia
  By Kaydee - October 20 - 12:32 am

  Bought in 2013. Love the seating configuration and space inside. Love inside and out. Thinking it might be time for a new one. The only major con I have is the seatbelts. We have a GMC truck and the seat belts are great. This one the latch hitch is extremely hard and bulky. Reminds me of an older model. The part that is secured to the seat will not move hardly at all. It is so stiff that it can cause major damage when accidently sitting on it or trying to crawl through the back. Several gashes on the knees. The head rest curls forward to much. Wish that was a little more adjustable but understand it may be for safety purposes. Overall a great choice!

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  Good Looks - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Good Looks - October 12 - 8:13 pm

  Would like more hp when accelerating to get onto freeway or pass another vehicle, vehicle is a little sluggish in that area. Fuel economy is o.k., 17 mpg city. Otherwise overall excellent ride so far.

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  Awesome! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Jim - October 11 - 3:06 am

  We looked at all the current cross-overs, in the end this is the largest and in terms of efficiency, same or better as the rest. In comparison to imports, it runs on regular which is a huge plus, fuel econ better than MDX & X5. Versitility is tops; 2nd row captains and 3rd row bench easily accomodate adults and any kind of gear you want to store. Switched from smaller car, still adjusting to size. On the road, feel as big or bigger than minivans, but not as large as full size SUVs and some mid size SUVs. Getting 19.5 overall with a mix of 60% highway and 40% city. Driving close to posted limit, long highway trips getting 21, hope to improve once the AC goes off this fall.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Kurt - September 29 - 2:30 am

  I downsized from a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT All Terrain to a 2017 GMC Acadia SLT1 All Terrain. The new version of the Acadia (interior) is a smaller version of the Sierra. I love them both. Awesome vehicles. I have the upgraded version of the Acadia with the 20" tires/rims. Handles great. AWD feature had the Acadia handle well in the snow. Very comfortable leather bucket seats. Electronics sync with phone. Never have to touch the phone once its plugged in. GMC did a fantasic job with the downsized 2017 Acadia.

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  2008 Acadia Rocks - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By West Chester, OH - September 9 - 8:23 pm

  Got one of the first 2008 Acadias and we love it! Replaced a Chrysler Town & Country. GM has done an excellent job with this vehicle, it continues to exceed our expectations. One minor problem with the power driver seat motor, but I wont take it back till its time for the first oil change. Our gas mileage started out low - near 14 MPG but increased to near 18 MPG after 2500 miles. We have the AWD version. The heads-up display, nav and back-up camera work extremely well together. The sound system is also great. Only other wish was for bluetooth, but Ill add some aftermarket version - the rest of the vehicle is awesome, maybe the best vehicle weve ever owned.

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  A New Experience - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Shirlee - September 1 - 2:53 am

  We are overwhelmingly pleased with our new 2007 Acadia. After owning several new SUVs of different makes and models the Acadia surpasses them all! A totally different experience in the "SUV World". My husband drives a pickup and I drive the family SUV, but now when we go on an evening out, trip, etc., my husband jumps in behind the wheel of our Acadia. If we have friends that are joining us, he always offers to pick them up! What a switch! I wish everyone in the "SUV World" would test drive an Acadia. They would experience what I am talking about! The Acadia is certainly a new experience for us and I am sure we will continue to purchase them in the future.

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  So far, so great - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By robin - August 26 - 1:40 pm

  The title says it: So far, so great! We have loved the Acadia so far, and I really hope it stays that way! After buying Japanese for the past eight years, we braved the "American Front" once again! My only real concern is that there are multiple blind spots, so I am a little paranoid when backing up, and when changing lanes. You get used to checking a lot. We have loved the comfort, and always receive ooohs and ahhhs when people ride in the Acadia. Handles great, especially for the size, and you feel very safe inside, even in inclement weather. Good job!