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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  Sickening MPG - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Matthew - February 22 - 1:23 pm

  Boght the car with future plans on bigger family. Gas mileage and prices have killed that idea! Average about 12/16 city/highway in Hawaii. Love the truck almost as much as anything I have ever owned and never would think I could find a better designed or planned American built vehicle in this class. It sits in the garage most of the time however due to the very poor mileage but when we do drive it, it is almost as much fun than the actual destination. If you love comfort, space, quality and having peoples heads turn this is the vehicle for you. If you hate paying out the yang for gas, dont even entertain it.

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  I love it! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By tara - February 21 - 2:26 am

  This is the perfect car for our family. It is comfortable, easy to drive, and perfectly arranged inside. The fuel economy is decent for a vehicle of this size, and it drives so well. In the last month I havent been able to find anything about this car that I dont like!

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  Acadia Comments - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Larry Johnston - February 1 - 8:43 pm

  We only have 15000 KM/9000 mi This is a very comfortable vehicle and it handles very well on the road.The AWD is noisy when it engages to the point of annoying on slippery streets. The other feature that is very inconvenient is if you drive in snow or mud it collects on the inside of the wide rims and if it is below freezing puts the wheels out of balance. I have had to go to a car wash twice while travelling just to wash the rims out. the last time it viberated the car so bad I could not go over 40 mph. The sun roof also developed a leak after only 7000 mi.

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  Love it so far - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By don henrichsen - January 19 - 7:20 am

  So far I have nothing but good things to say about my new Acadia. Outstanding comfort and features. Fuel mileage great for a car its size. Love the heads up display, the sports car feel of the leather seats, the center row storage and movable arm rest, remote start and power lift gate. The only slight negative would be that the stereo sound isnt all that great. I have the ten speaker set up and though not bad it isnt as good as I would have hoped. Only time will tell on reliability.

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  Acadia- A solid hit - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By dketcham - January 5 - 2:06 am

  After 4500 miles we continue to be impressed with this cars comfort, room and style. It gets looks wherever we go. The blue-gold crystal metallic color is unique enough to have real eye appeal. Controls are easy to use, and fit and finish are higher than any previous vehicle we have owned. The towing package enables us to pull a 17 boat with no problem. Overall, this is a great car.

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  Exterior great-Interior terrible - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By L S - January 3 - 5:55 pm

  GM has seriously limited the interior color choices. No reasoning that I can understand on this. I particularly am referring to the choice of a coppery brown dash/steering wheel/side door panels 1/2 way down-with gray seats/carpet/headliner. These two colors just dont match. The only other interior color option for the SLT2 is black on black on black. Why is GM dictating to us on these interiors?? Its bad enough that you have to pay extra for almost any exterior color other than plain old white. Sure wish GM would listen to their loyal customers. I would have ordered what I wanted on the spot-but was told there was no other interior option for this model. I left the dealership and went straight to Toyota-I am now waiting for the 2017 Highlander to be released.

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  Just got it - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By colorado grandparent - January 1 - 6:16 pm

  We just completed our first 250 mile trip. I cannot find a thing to complain about and lots to compliment. We traded in our 02 Envoy with 80,000 miles. The Acadia is much quieter on the highway -about the same gas mileage (22 hwy). We have grandkids visiting and the 7 passenger seating is ideal - the back seat is comfortable. My grandaughter pointed out there is even a 120v outlet in the back seat for laptops and dvd etc. We are very pleased thus far.

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  Great, but... - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Skip - December 26 - 5:36 am

  After enjoying my Envoy for nearly 90,000 miles, the Acadia has been a great step forward in size, economy and ride. My only dislike is the transmissions desire to get into overdrive too early and wanting to stay there too long. This makes driving using the cruise control unpleasant with frequent agressive down shifting on even very small increases in grade. Two computer updates have helped significantly but the frequency of the shifting is still quite annoying. One other design flaw for me ,is the inability to open the rear gate window. Makes bringing long items home more of a challenge. It will be interesting to watch the developement of this vehicle over the next few years.

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  My first SUV - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Regina Spencer - November 23 - 1:00 pm

  Originally I wasnt looking for an Acadia. I took it for a test drive and fell in love with it. I purchased it the next day. This truck handles like a car. It has a smooth ride and smooth turns. I didnt realize until my 3rd month how well it is with gas mileage. I was only disappointed when my front bumper dislodged partially even though I didnt hit anything. I took it to the body shop and they were able to snap it back into place. I just love this vehicle. I love the spacious interior. It rides 4 adults very comfortably. I have no complaints about reliability and comfort. I give this truck 4 out of 5 stars.

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  1 week and love it! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Jdadams21 - November 12 - 12:13 pm

  Just purchased and love it! Comfort for our family of 5. Beats the heck out of a minivan! Loaded with features. DVD controls and wireless headsets a huge benefit for parents! Ride is great. Does need some transmission fine tuning from GMC. Super quiet drive. Remote start is fantastic. Looks superb!