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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  Traded My Tahoe For This - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Connie A - November 28 - 6:30 pm

  I was intially drawn to this vehicle by the great styling and looks. Loved my 2005 Tahoe, but was looking to save gas money by trading it off-not happening. Finally convinced my husband to take a test drive. Loved the seating, dual moon roofs, and great room. Made the purchase 6 months ago and it is very aggravating. When the warmer months come around, I roll down my back windows-you cant do this at all in this vehicle! The vibration is so awful it is like you are directly under a helicopter. Made a complaint to GMC, told it was a design issue. The transmission shifting is more than awful! Overall a nice vehicle if they change the transmission and noise issues, but miss my Tahoe.

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  GM hit a home run - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By carguy - November 17 - 4:36 am

  Quiet, safe, lots of useful space, refined, decent on gas, drives like a car, great looks.

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  I love this ride - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Lordward - October 2 - 11:36 am

  I have had my Acadia for only two weeks, but I love everything about this vehicle! I researched many vehicles in this class, but the Acadia surassed all of my expectations! Everything about the Acadia was so well designed. It looks great, the ride is powerful and smooth, and our five children can easily be seated with plenty of room. The V6 engine is very responsive and has plenty of power. I have not expereinced any lag or hesitation. The cruise control function is easily accesible and actually assists in better gas mileage, which for a vehicle of this size, is quite excetional. All conrols are well designed, easliy reached, and the upgraded Bose stereo system is awesome!

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  Leasing 2017 Acadia Denali AWD - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Pete Romano - September 30 - 3:47 am

  Leasing a 2017 GMC Acadia Denali. Have had it for a month, and for me, l love the new size (Similar footprint to a Pilot, Highlander). GM really has infoitainment down. It is dead simple to use, the combination of touch screen and hard buttons is intuitive, and terrific to use. Also has both Apple Car Play and Android Auto. The safety features all work as promised. I looked at most of the competition (Pilot, Highlander, Explorer, XC90, MDX, Pathfinder), and the combination of near luxury feel, great in car technology and the new styling just for me put it ahead of the competition. I really liked the XC90, but was hesistant to get into a first year Volvo model, and the large touch screen I thought was not as intuitive as advertised. This is my first American car in 30+ years (Coming out of an 08 MDX), and have to say the Acadia Denali is a great alternative to the mass Asian/Koreans, and the near lux competitors. If you still need the larger size, GMC is selling the previous body style as the Acadia Limited, and you can still opt for the Traverse/Enclave. Areas of improvement would be more exterior colors, and the use of real wood versus the fake veneers. I also would have preferred more interior leather colors, but I guess GM needs to maintain separation between GMC and Cadillac.

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  Nice ride - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By high5rowan - September 21 - 10:23 am

  We were trying to downsize and I glanced over and saw this vehicle. As soon as I found out it seated 8 with center bench I told the dealer to bring it to the house. My wife wasnt sure at first, but after driving it and seeing the Acadia in white she loved it. We ordered one which took 6 weeks but was worth the wait. What a class vehicle. Before buying an import do yourself a favor and check this one out. The only thing we left off was heads up and nav system. I will use a portable nav. Had a Z71 sub and this drives like a Cadillac in comparison.Our first road trip is coming up will keep posted.

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By JC - September 20 - 1:50 am

  This vehicle has it all. Comfort, performance, fuel economy, workmanship and styling. The 2nd row bench seat (which I elected to have vs the standard Captains chairs), has unbelievable leg room and can be reclined slightly to give even more room. The 3rd row seats fold flat and are easy to manually operate. The vehicle feels solid under you and entry and exit is easy.so forget about running boards. MPG has averaged what GMC advertised, and with this vehicle having 270 hp I find it remarkable. Performance is always there. On the highway, the vehicle is quiet and interior craftsmanship is excellent. I find myself looking for excuses so I can go drive the vehicle. GMC has a winner.

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  Bestest truck ever! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Lisa - September 8 - 4:56 pm

  I really enjoy it and hope to stay in the GMC family for a long time. This pretty much summed up all I wanted. It has the space of a full size SUV, yet the class of a luxury car and the styling of a sporty SUV. Like i said everything I could have possibly asked for!

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  Pretty impressive for a 1st effort - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By ncvwrx - August 27 - 10:56 pm

  We rented this for 4 days, and I must say, GM has come a long way from my Dads 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. This one had pretty much everything except navigation. Drove very nice, Good acceleration, but the transmission seems to want to shift up too quick. Radio lacks treble. Build quality could be better, some really badly aligned panels on side of seat (rubs console when moving seat). Remote start wouldnt work consistently. Fuel economy seems low, used about 3/4 tank in about 200 miles (a/c on always). Handles good for a large car. Too much chrome inside, looks a bit cheap. Ugly Tail-light design (like the LED though). 2nd row seat folding design seems fragile, may not last.

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  Roomy and Fun to Drive - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Amber - August 12 - 9:23 am

  My Acadia drives wonderfully, better than the other 2 SUVs I have owned. I love the body style the the fule mileage is great for the size of the SUV

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  Car of the year for 2007 - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Jim - July 9 - 3:50 pm

  I always want a car with style of Lexus, drive like a Infiniti, capacity like a Tahoe, price tag like a Chevy and fuel efficient like a Toyota and Acadia is the closest I can get. Got my Acadia on Feb 17, my whole family just cant have enough of it. Totally in love with the style, size and power. Oh yes, dont under estimate this 3.6L V6 engine. Lot of buttons is true but they are all well placed. Im getting 16.5mpg on my first tank of gas since most of my driving are local. Japanese and European car manufactures, are you scared?