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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  New GM purchaser - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By JJK - May 14 - 7:20 am

  Previous to this purchase, the last GM car I owned was 1963 Corvair given to me by my father. Since then, I have owned a Honda Prelude, a Madza RX-7, an Infiniti G20, and a Jeep Grand Cherokee (a very good SUV). This GMC Acadia is the best road vehicle I have ever owned and proves that Detroit is back on the block. Now, I need GMC to create a sports car for my short city drives, although I might consider the Pontiac or Sky.

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  Wonderful driving experience - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By SandiSanderson - April 24 - 5:43 pm

  I have had several high end Toyotas and Mercedes, this car has been one surprise after another. We get great gas mileage, it is extrememly comfortable (I have ridden in all seats). The performance is equal to our Solara convertable. We have taken several long trips and plan another around Christmas. My husband and I both love driving the car. I am stopped regularly and asked about the car.

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  Nothing to jump up and down over - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Miller - April 6 - 8:56 am

  Ive had my leased 2017 Acadia for a few months, coming off of a 15 year old vehicle. Build quality is not what I would expect from a 2017 model year. Hood/grille is slightly off-center, gaps between the grille and headlights, trim pieces dont fit flush, rear seats are uneven, and when the seats are folded flat in back, there are a lot of weird humps and bumps in the fabric. These are all kind of nitpicky, but these types of issues should have all gone out in the 90s. Driving the Acadia is a pleasure, it is very comfortable on the highway or in town. It does not feel like a full size SUV at all, much more svelte. All in all, if you can get an SLT-1 for about $35,000, I feel like it would be a good deal, but for something north of $40,000, Id look elsewhere. It feels like GMC spent way too much money on electronics and flashing lights in the cabin, and not enough money on the mechanical quality of the vehicle.

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  Love It - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By gmbeliever - February 17 - 3:23 pm

  Just took delivery of our new Acadia in the medium brown with black leather. Drives a lot better than our previous Pathfinder. If the reliability is there, I may have to continue with GM. The styling is great and the practical use of space is perfect inside. We were very close to getting the Buick Enclave, nicer style and more luxury inside, but my wife and I are just not ready to drive a Buick. Maybe in 10 years or so.

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  Engineered to be a True Crossover - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By sbestmann - February 4 - 10:13 am

  Changed from a H2 to this crossover. GMC listened to the consumer! A lot of storage comparments, sliding center armrest, well positioned cup holders, electric liftgate etc. The leather seats are very comfortable. Steering is height adjustable and telescopic. Very large rear doors allow for very easy entry to the rear seats. Driving this car is a blast. The interior is very luxurious and quiet. I highly recommed the HUD. Airbags everywhere! Sliding/reclining second row captain seats are awesome. You sit down to take command in this crossover and everything just feels right. It has a very attractive instument cluster. The exterior is very appealing. Go take a look! We love it!

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  Kimarys Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By TURNER - January 12 - 10:03 am

  Driving experience has been great. My wife and I love the vehicle, however the gas mileage has only been averaging 13.3 mpg. Had I known that I would have opted for the Suburban and put up with the cylinder shutoff stuff. However it has been a fantastic vehicle and I can only hope GM can keep building vehicles with the quality that this one has.

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Alex - January 6 - 10:13 pm

  I have had my Acadia for 7 months now, and so far I am very pleased with it. 2 months after we bought it, we drove to NY from Northern VA and it fitted 4 adults (my brother and I are 64"), 2 babies (in car seats), stroller, suitcases, stuff for the kids, etc, all inside, and we were ALL comfortable! Smooth ride, easy to drive (drives like a compact car), lots of great features and nice finish inside. Fuel consumption (after the trip to NY) has been between 15 and 17 MPG, not bad for the DC Metro Area (it has only 4K miles). Easy to fold 2nd and 3rd rows.

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  Phil & Mindy 6-07 - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By PhilMindy - December 19 - 9:16 pm

  We have enjoyed our Acadia and having over 1,000 miles we are ready for the road ahead. The engine noise a little noisy on heavy acceleration, the dash imperfection is anoying but I had the dealership take care of this. I could not have abuilt a better vehicle myself.

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  Family 4 life - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Carol Moreau - December 14 - 3:37 pm

  This has been an awesome family vehicle. With young children and activities this made the best SUV for school carpools, Volleyball tournaments, softball, parties and roadtrips. Now that my kids are all teenagers, it makes a safe ride for newbie drivers. Also great for hauling my son to and from to college.

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  Very Comfortable. A joy to drive. - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By GAR - December 4 - 9:50 am

  This vehicle is very comfortable and is fun to drive. The feel of the road and the handling is fantastic. I just cannot believe it is a 5000 lb vehicle. The gas mileage is good and the performance is better than I expected for the weight. I am impressed with how quickly it will move when I need it to. The shifting is smooth as silk and I continually am amazed at how quiet the interior is. GM did a great job on this one!