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:

• 

  2017 Acadia Denali - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By 2017 Acadia Danali - March 4 - 5:10 pm

  had the car for a week and fell in love with it but cant stand the stop start feature. You cant turn it off either, what a shame! Wondering when the car gets older and exhibits extended cranking, what it likes to be sitting at the traffic lights waiting for your car to get started? Itll be embarrassing.

• 

  Awesome but not perfect - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By AJR - February 28 - 6:13 am

  I liked the car a lot. I wish the navigation was not so slow. It needs either more ram in the computer. Adding way points is very awkward as well. I found the Ford sync to be much faster and easier to use. I like viability. No blind spots. I like the large back window compared to the Buick Enclave. I dont seeing myself keeping the car long solely because of the navigation hesitation. I wish the car was a little easier to get in and out of

• 

  GMC is Tops in the Crossover Market - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Craig Turner - February 25 - 4:50 am

  We spent six months testing and researching all of the so-called top crossovers - Lexus, Hyundai, Honda, Mercedes,Ford Edge, Lincoln, and Mazda. None of them could hold a candle to the Acadia in size, gas mileage, comfort, versatility, driving ease, quiet, and ride. I was really taken by the smoothness and quick acceleration despite being a 5,000 pound vehicle and the ride reminds one of a large luxury sedan but corners exceptionally well and not the least bit sluggish. I strongly recommend the seven passenger configuration as the best option - Like a living room on wheels. Your neighbors will hate you when you pull it into your driveway.

• 

  Awesome Vehicle for the Money - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By DARREN - February 8 - 6:33 pm

  This vehicle has all the room and very reponsive on take off and on the interstate. Around town it looks good and very simple to drive.

• 

  Comfortable, Reliable & Looks Great - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Kalbo - February 2 - 10:03 pm

  Excellent ride. Remote start, power rear door great to have. XM, Four captain chairs make easy access to third row for adults a cinch. navigation and climate system contribute to the pleasure of driving the Acadia.

• 

  Nice car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Kevin & Laura - January 26 - 10:06 pm

  We really like our Acadia because of how it looks and it drives really nice, great turning ratio, very comfortable! We have 5 kids including 3 teenagers and we all fit in here with plenty of room. More leg and body room than our Suburban but we miss the storage room in the back. We have the FWD and are only getting 20 MPG and we drive mostly highway so thats a little disappointing. The vehicle is very doggy on hills unless you lay into the gas and then it wants to fly. Agree about the chrome on the dash, would be better to just make it the color of the dash as the sun does reflect off of it. We love the syling and people are always looking at it and even ask us how we like it, etc.

• 

  Excellent American offering! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By wilbret - January 2 - 7:20 pm

  The Acadia has a few strong selling points: -Quiet ride. As good as most luxury cars. -Space galore. Easy access to third row, easy to fold seats down. Just plain roomy. -Comfortable seating. Long periods in the car are pleasant. -Sound system is decent, with mp3 input on the dash. -Great looking vehicle! However, there are some kinks. -Transmission is sluggish. -Chrome interior trim reflects light into your eyes. -Height of rear window is hard for my wife to see out. -There needs to be open storage in the console, for pens, change, etc. Cup holders get used for this, and then you have no cup holders left.

• 

  Dream car... Nightmare repairs - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By KJ - December 29 - 2:27 am

  I LOVE this car, it was my dream car!!... But I HATE it... Transmisson replaces at 90,000 needs another at 190,000... Power steering went out 2 times... Liftgate issues (hydraulics and locking mechanism)... Sunroof LEAKS... Passanger windows stopped working at 100,000... Radio also stopped work8ng at 150,000... In general a MONEY PIT

• 

  Great all around vehicle - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By lakerfan - December 23 - 6:06 am

  This is an excellent choice if youre looking for flexibility. The interior volume and configuration options are excellent. Very quiet interior. Smooth driver due to long wheelbase, yet still has a tight turning radius. Drives like a car, with the space of a wagon, and the size and capability of a larger SUV.

• 

  GMC Acadia in IL - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By JeffS - December 22 - 10:46 am

  I purchased my Acadia after a long comparison period. I looked at Toyota, Nissan and Dodge. I picked the Acadia primarily on the gas mileage and the look of the vehicle. I am happy with the drive, however the transmission tends to lag on a quick acceleration. The internal comfort is excellent. My only negative comment is there is a "hum" that is audible when driving slow or at a stop light. Since I listen to talk radio it is easily heard in the gaps. I took it back into the dealer and they said the noise is comparable to the Acacda they had on the lot. It may be nit-picking, but the ride is so smooth and quiet its disappointing to listen to a hum.