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:

• 

  Totally Awesome - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Acadia - May 15 - 11:16 pm

  I drove the MDX, Pathfinder, Jeep GC, XC90, Tribeca, Tahoe and Explorer. None of them came close to Acadia. The capacious interior was second to none. The amount of interior storage is unsurpassed. I ordered one with everything and a second row bench seat and waited nine weeks. The rearview camera is a must since rearward vision is limited due to a small rear window. The transmission is still somewhat reluctant to downshift.

• 

  BadGMC - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By NoGMC - May 15 - 1:10 am

  Acadia in the shop 4 times in the first month of ownership. Finally got a New Transmission in a 400 mile vehicle. GMC would not buy back or help in any way. Sad b/c its a great concept with lots of room and decent gas milage to go along with its good looks.

• 

  Great car despite a few minor issues - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By jgibb311 - April 3 - 4:56 pm

  The car performed wonderfully for the first 4K miles, but since then has been nothing but trouble. As many others have stated, the car began to leak from underneath the glove box due to a faulty hose leading from the sunroof. The car was in the shop 3 times for a total of 27 days before the leak was fixed. The emergency brake also malfunctioned due to a faulty switch, which was replaced and works fine now. Overall, most problems were minor, but have been quite a headache to deal with. Besides those issues, the car has been a blast to drive. It performed wonderfully on a trip to Florida recently, with an average highway mileage of 24.5mpg, and comfortably seated 5 adults plus luggage.

• 

  Well Designed Vehicle. Homerun for GM? - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By CarFreak - March 25 - 3:40 am

  After looking at number of different CUVs / SUVs, we chose the Acadia. Partly because it is a new vehicle and American made, but mostly because we felt it was the best vehicle in the category. In case you are wondering, I do consider this vehicle to be in the same category as the XC90, RX350, MDX, 4Runner, and Pilot (all of which we looked at carefully and considered buying). The GMC name certainly does not carry the prestige, but the style, features, and initial quality of this car meets or exceeds them all (although time will tell in the reliability department). This is a great riding vehicle and has outstanding interior space (similar to Tahoe) for its deceptive exterior size.

• 

  Great Crossover - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Dan Pearson - March 17 - 4:43 am

  We traded in our 2005 Yukon for this vehicle. Were not sorry we did. The interior and exterior are nicely put together. It seems like GM is finally trying to do things right. It is fun and comfortable to drive. Overall, were pleased with the vehicle, but think some things can be improved on. First, the mileage, while better than the Yukon, is not what they advertise it to be. Second, the sun visors are useless for sun coming in from the side. These need to be longer or have an extender built in. Last, the Navigation system DVD is not perfected. The unit keeps freezing up. We have had out unit replaced twice now.

• 

  I Love My Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Acada Man - March 9 - 10:53 pm

  I love cars and have had a lot of nice ones. This is by far the best Ive had for some hauling, use of space, comfort, and quietness. For the first time in many years I find new reasons to drive somewhere. We also have a Mini S convertible, which is a very nice car, but Ill choose the Acadia to use over that. GM really did their homework on this car.

• 

  Disappointed - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By DISAPPOINTED - February 23 - 1:43 am

  I just took a 1,000 mile trip and was miserable. I kept hitting my head on the tilted head of the seat and had a crick in my neck my entire trip. The seats are so firm they feel hard. The lumbar support feels like it never releases and both drivers on my trip had backaches. The only positive was the front window has good visibility in the rain. I am sorry I bought this car since I travel frequently. The FM radio has poor reception so you must pay for XM. The car is slow and the gas pedal is hard to push and you must lift your foot at a severe angle to reach. I cant believe I read so many good reviews. This car is slow, eats gas, and is just plain uncomfortable!

• 

  Best Ive Ever Owned! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Norman - February 12 - 7:50 pm

  I am very pleased with the Acadia. I have owned two minivans, four japanese imports, and one German, and the Acadia is the best. I took it on a trip and put 2500 miles on it in one week and rode like a luxury vehicle. The options are comparable with luxury brands without the cost. The mileage is respectable, giving me 14.7 per gallon in mostly city driving. I love the XM and comfort of the seating, as I am 6 feet and over 300 pounds.

• 

  New Car But Costly Repairs - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By argentine - February 5 - 3:17 am

  For some reason, GMC autos have a problem with headlamps going out. These are not covered by warranty and are very expensive to replace. A few months ago I had to replace one headlamp at a cost of $357. Last week the passenger side headlamp assembly went out and the cost was $1,621! How GMC can build a car with headlamps that expensive to replace is a mystery and does not speak highly of the quality or design of their product. The car is comfortable on the inside; driver and passenger seating is comfortable. The car handles adequately for a front wheel drive car but is very underpowered.

• 

  Disappointed With Options - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Jim - February 1 - 3:36 pm

  I loved this vehicle when I first picked it up. Great ride, nimble handling, good in snow, great looks. Everything about it appealed to me. GM did a lousy job on design and testing the options. The remote start doesnt work from more than twenty feet away. The outdoor thermometer can be off by more than five degrees and you have to put the vehicle in "Park" to display more than five locations on the navigation system when looking for a gas station or resturant. They tell me engineering is working on the thermometer and remote start and the Nav sytem problem is a safety feature. How safe is it to pull over to the side of the Interstate to find a gas station?