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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  Great size & very comfortable - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By bolina - July 7 - 8:46 am

  The Acadia is very comfortable and smooth drive. The 7 (or 8) passenger seating is a great option. It feels big but I was quickly able to adapt. The mpg is great for a vehicle of this size. It is a little sluggish on take off but it is a big, heavy vehicle but it does get decent mpg. Im very happy with this vehicle and would definitely recommend it.

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  Love our new Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Jon - June 25 - 3:03 am

  Just bought my wife an Acadia and I have been looking for any excuse to take a ride. We have three kids and mother in law who all fit very comfortably in the car. It is a smooth and quiet ride and the smart slide seats are easy to maneuver for the kids. The perfect car for large families and long trips. Love both interior and exterior design. My only complaint is the chrome trim on the interior gives off a high glare in the sun.

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  Regret this purchase - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By smith - June 24 - 5:30 am

  We were so happy when we bought our Acadia. Great looks, power, and felt solid. After we bought the car we learned how bad the fuel economy was. I also noticed the hesitation up hills. Throttle response is terrible if you step on it. At 8,000 miles check engine light came on. Service center told us fuel cap and camshaft problem? Camshaft? Only 8,100 miles on this car.

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  Wow - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By kenny Bruck - June 12 - 5:20 pm

  What else can I say but wow . What an awsomwe driving experience. This vehicle handles like no other Ive owned. My wife drives this daily and this is the car we load the 4 kids and ourselves in on the weekends. (all kinds of room) The only thing I can say is that my hat is off once again to GMC for coming through with another winner. My family and I thank you.

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  The best SUV - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Lovin the Acadia! - June 3 - 5:26 am

  I bought my Acadia after test driving vehicles for over a year. I rode in Toyota, Lincoln, Lexus, BMW, Ford, Dodge, Nissan and this was the best ride by far. The price was reasonable as well. I put on some highway miles for my job and feel very safe knowing that I have onstar and AWD for these harsh Canadian winters. I am happy when I drive down the street and see people checking out my SUV. I get so many comments on it and have already had a few Lexus and BMW drivers interested in switching to the Acadia!

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  The Perfect "Mom" Car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By ajhdaisy - May 21 - 11:50 am

  GMC couldnt have designed a car any better than this one! The interior is roomy and comfortable and it doesnt have the top-heavy feel of most SUVs and is very easy to park. The parking assist is also handy (the back glass is up high and you dont have the best view of the back). Gas mileage could be better but what do you expect, it is an SUV...well worth the room in my opinion. This is the perfect car for moms...plenty of room and easy access to all seats (captain chairs & third row). I couldnt have designed it any better myself!

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  Great Vehicle...if built by Toyota/Honda - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Rafael Torres - May 17 - 3:23 am

  Nice looks, spacious interior,decent mileage for the size. But it is poorly built with many reliability issues. From water leakage, break pedal sticking, Traction control and Stabilitrak problems, rear gate issues, and cruise control would not work. Ive been more times to the dealership with this car in 7 months than with all my previous four Lexus combined (over 12 years).

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  2007 GMC Arcadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Luis R. - May 13 - 5:26 pm

  I was very impressed with the drive and style of my new Acadia. I feel that the transmission would run more efficiant had it been larger. Sometime the transmission dosen"t know what to do. I took it for a 15 hr one way road trip to Tampa, Florida and it drove great other than giving me the advertised fuel mileage. Overall I get many looks of impressed people when I drive it. GMC has to be commended for a job well done, makes you want to keep buying American.

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  One of the best from GM ever - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By pmp - May 13 - 5:16 pm

  Love my new Acadia. Fit and finish was excellent. Engine is powerful, smooth and refined. My car does not exibit the acceleration lag reported by others and which I personally noticed when I test drove another Acadia and the Outlook. Wonder if Im lucky or GM reprogrammed the transmission. The car turned the head of my brother in law who swore off American cars as well as the neighbors. The interior is so nice most could not believe it was a GM product. Ride is smooth and it handles extremely well, especially given its large size. Much more fun to drive than a minivan and significantly more refined than a SUV. Plenty of leg room in all 3 rows and and still room for luggage in the back.

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  1st. GMC - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Gramps - May 11 - 10:16 am

  Handles great, comfortable to drive, quite and rides smooth. So far the fuel economy is unfortunately poor at around 15mpg. on the Highway. Too soon to pass judgement on the mpg. and expect it to improve.