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:

• 

  Very Happy! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Sweetbaby271 - November 10 - 12:40 am

  I got my 2007 Acadia 7-7-07, I am very pleased with this car. I read many reviews and took 2 months to decide on a car that would suit my family of 6. Children ages 4,5,10,12. This car is fun to drive, we get lots of stares and compliments from strangers. The kids really enjoy the DVD player, and the Sky Scape, I like the sunroof, and the auto headlights. Its super comfy to ride in. I got the 7 seating with 4 captains chairs so it would be easier for the kids to climb into the back, although you can slide the seats back and down, they usually get to the car before me and I didnt want to have a 3 rows of seats all muckied up by their footprints so this was better for us.

• 

  I Love My Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Laura - November 6 - 4:36 pm

  We purchased our 2008 Acadia last fall after owning a Honda Odyssey for 5 years. This vehicle is wonderful- by far better than the Odyssey! This is the first winter weve had it in Ohio and it handles beautifully through deep snow! The AWD is excellent. It is comfortable and fun to drive. Outstanding turning radius for this size of vehicle- very easy to maneuver. Lots of interior space and rear seats are easy to fold down.

• 

  Perfect - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Debbie - November 5 - 10:30 am

  My husband and I need the versatility of an SUV with a car like ride. The Acadia is both. Our 3 dogs are comfortable on longer trips. When they are not with us the cargo space is just what we need. With the trailoring package we can take our UTV up to our property in the north country with no problems. We have an extended cab 4x4 truck so the Acadia rounds our options for our diversified lifestyle perfectly. I would highly recommend this vehicle.

• 

  New car euphoria found in the Acadia! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By cpearson - October 19 - 1:23 am

  I dont know if its the smell of a new vehicle or that Im driving around town in an Acadia that has put a smile on my face! We sold our reliable, conservative Honda Odyssey for a bit of luxury in the fully loaded (minus Nav) SLT2 - Carbon Metallic with Ebony leather interior. Its a great looking vehicle inside and out, causing it to be a looker on the road and sitting in carpool! We bought the extended warranty to give us more piece of mind regarding reliability. Expected a little better fuel economy.

• 

  Wife and I love it ,kids too - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By NC in Memphis - October 8 - 4:06 am

  Well we got it last Saturday 8/20/08. Its been great. We got a silver 8 seat SLT-1. The ride is awesome plenty of room. I have 3 girls and they love to too. This is our first brand new car in 15 years. We had a 97 mini van and moved into the Acadia. Wow what a difference. I read all the reviews on this site and they were very helpful in making our decision. Were getting about 23 mpg not bad.

• 

  Could like the car - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By R.W. - September 25 - 7:01 pm

  Coming from a 2007 Envoy, the front seats come up short on the 2017 Acadia. The Envoy had very comfortable front row seats for all day driving. The front row seat bottom on the new Acadia is much shorter and only comes mid thigh. It would not be very uncomfortable for all day driving. Only other negative complaint I have about the new Acadia, is that in order to have the bodyside moldings painted to match the vehicle you have to upgrade to a Denali. Thats a lot of extra money for a nice paint job. The car handles nicely and the 3.6 L has power to spare.

• 

  Excellent - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Angie - September 17 - 8:53 am

  Love my car! Got a White Titanium with the gray interior with the 19 inch wheels. Beautiful! Have had lots of folks wanting to look at it. Drives easy on short and long trips. Very comfortable. Lots of room for whatever I need.

• 

  Just Another GM - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Old Stan - August 15 - 4:30 pm

  Too much plastic. Window gears gave up at 2100. Soft as a truck and hard as a sedan - pick one and stay with it if youre GM. Gave it back to corporate HQ before 3500 miles. Got myself another Taurus!

• 

  Acadia not for dirt roads - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Myrt - July 31 - 5:33 am

  We traded off my 2000 Durango for this 08 Acadia and I am disappointed in that the Acadia leaks in a lot of dirt on our rural roads, mostly around the liftgate. A lot of dirt collects between the two rows of weatherstripping around the 2nd-row doors, also, so much that you sure dont want to lean against that area with clean clothes on. I also do not care for the constant shifting of the transmission. My Durango had a 4.7 and I really miss it.

• 

  Mikes Overall SUV Reviews#11 - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Mikes SUV Reviews - July 9 - 2:53 am

  Major trouble with drive train and gas milage to low which lead me to trade for a toyota Highlander 4x4 four cylinder which has excellent seating comfort and engine gets about 27 mpg on long drives.