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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  Crossover of the Year - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By dan - September 19 - 12:33 am

  I bought my Acadia in January, and I love it. The biggest surprise was the handling. It comes standard with stabilitrac, and you definitely notice how smooth the turns are. It has the room of an SUV but it rides like a Lincoln. If you are afraid to buy an SUV because of gas prices, Im averaging about 20 mpg city and highway. It only takes $55 to fill up at $3.15 per gallon so its doesnt hurt too bad. Another great feature is both the 2nd and 3rd row seats fold completely flat giving you massive storage room. ou can also move the 2nd row bucket seats back for more leg room.

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  GM got this right! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Sanman14 - September 18 - 6:50 pm

  The Acadia has more than lived up to my expectations. Handling is terrific, and the 6-speed performs better than anticipated with the software fix GM has applied. A fun, functional, and very comfortable vehicle. Turns a lot of heads!

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  The best GMC ever - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Ed @ Barrett - September 11 - 1:56 pm

  I have had GMC products for 30 years and have changed models due only to increasing or decreasing family size. From the GMC conversion van, to the Suburban, to the Yukon, to the Envoy and now to the Acadia. Without a doubt, this vehicle is the nicest, most well equipped, comfortable that I have owned.

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  Excellent Value, MPG, and Quality - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Marc Williams - August 21 - 8:03 am

  I bought this after comparing a Tahoe, Pilot, Edge, Sequoaya, Highlander, Outlander, CX-9, and Explorer. I cant be happier with my decision after several months. I got the brick interior, heads up display, and huge sunroof; it catches everyones eye. The captains chairs are nice and the third row seats are much more spacious than other full size SUVs. The fit and finish of the interior is finally on par with European vehicles. Forget the comments about the plastic, it is fine. The tranny downshifts sluggishly but that is to save gas. I average 20.5MPG with city/congestion driving. There are some comments about rust on the exhuast, this is the stainless steel discoloring

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  Love this vehicle - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Happy Builder - July 31 - 4:06 am

  Exceptional vehicle. Have owned Suburbans, Yukons and Envoy for the past 20 years. GMC finally got it right with this vehicle. I love the ride and comfort and it has all of the right compartment for driving. Without a doubt the nicest vehicle I have ever owned and the most confortable.

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  Great Family SUV - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By Tim - July 26 - 4:17 pm

  The key for me purchasing this car is that there is a true 3rd row that teenage/adult passengers can sit comfortably.

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  Has potential. Needs work. - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By bad tranny - June 27 - 6:56 am

  Great vehicle, howevver transmission is a disaster. MPG is bad. FM reception is bad. HUD (heads up display) works intermittently. Seats get uncomfortable on long trips. Hands free calling is poorly thought out. Bluetooth would be a better option. Turn by Turn Navigation downloads fail often.

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  Satisfaction! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Francesco - June 22 - 9:50 am

  I am glade that I choose the Acadia as my family car over a mini van the Honda Odessey that we drove over four years,and it is a super change for us have a secure, safe, functional SUV and is easy for the kids use the space and the confort the Acadia provide. Thanks to GMC for the bold and beautiful Acadia!

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  Great car - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By Liv W - June 21 - 5:06 pm

  After debating on a Yukon or Acadia I went with the 2016 Acadia Denali AWD. After owning the car for almost a year I wish I would have gone for the Yukon instead. The car is clearly made for young kids especially in the back seats! The captains chairs in the 2nd row need to be able to lean all the way back and they are quite tricky to try and fold to get people out of the 3rd row. They also need to be a tad bit wider for the average adult. The thing I hate most about the car is the cup holders! They were clearly built for little kids drinks so nothing large will go in them and if you do get them in and shut the car door it falls right out and then makes a mess!! The trunk space is also nice but if you have a car load dont plan on hauling much luggage! Another thing I hate about the car is when you are driving you can not type in an address in the navagation system. I do realize this is a safety feature but it can sometimes be annoying! The car sometimes seems like it has trouble figuring out when to shift and when you sit in the 2nd row you can hear it. The car is also quite heavy feeling so its hard to slow it down! The car also drinks gas pretty fast at 17 mpg. The overall look of the car is very nice and the chrome details really make the car. If GMC could fix the issues Ive explained the car would be absolutely perfect!

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  A Winner - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Nichole - June 18 - 7:03 am

  Overall, the 2008 GMC Acadia is a great vehicle. One thing I dont like is there is not a dome light when you exit the vehicle. Another downfall is the gas mileage, its not horrible but definitely not what they said it would be.They said it would get 18+, really I get 15- 16mpg, but the luxury is worth it. Everything else has been great for me, no problems with the shifting as I have heard others complain about. Also, the AC vents dont seem to hit me when I am driving. The vents are made for taller people. I am 56" so not too short.