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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  What A Pleasure - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By James Casey - June 11 - 6:06 pm

  This has been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned, and to my surprise I cant get over how much my wife enjoys driving this big cross-over vehicle. It seems when ever we are either stopped or parked there is always someone looking at and admiring our Acadia. We look forward to our 1st long trip with our new Acadia in Jan. when we travel to Florida for 3mo. Thank you Gen. Motors.

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  Outstanding and Refined - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By desertprince - June 9 - 4:13 am

  This vehicle is heads and shoulders better than the Yukon it replaced. Much more sophisticated, beautifully engineered, and a pleasure to drive. I specifically ordered bench seats to increase cargo capacity. Its huge. Ive been driving GM vehicles for more than 40 years, and this is by far the best. Vehicle has a solid and steady feel to it. Interior is well laid out although small buttons take getting used to.

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  GMC Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By JOE88 - June 8 - 3:46 pm

  The car handles well on the edges, and you can feel the sporty ride on the highway and the braking system is actually great. The car has a very attractive exterior and my brick red interior with the entertainment system, navigation, dvd, rear camera and many other options and luxury makes driving this crossover far better than any other.

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  I love this vehicle! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Legaldiva1 - May 21 - 7:36 am

  I really love this vehicle. It has everything I have always wanted. I wanted the room of an SUV, but didnt want a gigantic beast to drive. This is perfect for our family and it looks great. I have had numerous people ask me about it. I feel very much in control of it when I drive. Tons of room!

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  Great choice for larger Family - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Mini- - May 12 - 1:40 pm

  After driving a mini-van for 10 years, we were ready for a new vehicle to fit us and our 4 kids. We looked at the Ford Freestyle, Saturn Outlook, Chrysler Pacifica and accidently ran across the Acadia. It blew them all away. This vehicle has it all. Style, function, power, class, convenience, room for the kids and their stuff. We took it on a long road trip and it handled superb on the highway with minimal road noise and good gas mileage. The ride was smooth and comfortable for everyone! We used OnStar to help with navigation and loved it. GM got it right with the Acadia.

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  Awesome Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By bmasch - May 4 - 4:50 pm

  I was looking for a crossover for over a year. I first started with an Acura MDX. After seeing the Acadia on HGTV I researched it to death along with the Outlook. When it was time to buy I went back to look at the MDX and room wise there was no comparison. Although everyone said the Acadia and Outlook were the same the Acadia is a little beefier. We got all options and use all of them. My husband says I am driving around in my living room. We are more than pleased with this vehicle.

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  Happy Customer - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Ted Hornaday - April 24 - 10:40 pm

  Very pleased with our Acadia. Upgraded from VolvoXC70. Looks great (summit white) and a real pleasure to drive. Bigger, better layout and way more interesting than CX9, Highlander or Pilot. They really got the suspension right on this vehicle and steering is light and handling is crisp. Good balance of power, not minivan like and not a big V8 SUV nor does it cost as much as one. Integrated entertainment package w/wireless headphones sans NAV system is sweet. Back seat and front seat can finally listen to what they want (XM, MP3, DVD, etc.). Transmission/Power gripes in other reviews are overblown. Six speeds are going to shift more. Works fine for us.

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  2016 GMC Acadia Denali FWD - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By Shelly Bean - April 8 - 10:19 am

  Total comfort in a classy looking SUV! Though the Denali is on the high end of the price tag, it makes up for it in style, comfort, and beauty. The options in the open road package make it worth the money if you enjoy all the technology upgrades as well as the extra comfort perks.

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  Like my car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By kMac - March 5 - 10:43 am

  I traded in my Excursion that I loved for this car. While its not a truck I sure like the car so far. Tons of room and a really smooth ride. Fuel mileage is getting better the more I drive the car. I am very pleased with my purchase.

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  Towing - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By mike tornichia - March 1 - 9:13 am

  Just drove to FL from NJ towing 2 jet skis. Mileage suffered but not a problem with acceleration and handling. Two guests that drove the car are selling their SUV and Caravan to buy one. Comfort was excellent and the interior space was great. I would highly recommend this car. The total mileage on this trip, towing and not was 5400 miles and not a problem. I would recommend larger mirrors for towing.