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:

• 

  GM screws us all... - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Jonathan - January 21 - 10:24 pm

  Second child is here and we need more seats, and some help in the snow. Never did we expect after seeing the style and clear quality of the Acadia that 2007 was actually the first year. Wow, we were stunned, and actually expected some kind of hidden problem since this truck had not only a whole bunch of options (Its the SLT-2 trim, after all), but met our needs and was well within our budget. It even had decent miles. They had to be hiding something... They were... Problem #1: The moonroofs/sunroofs/whatever "roof windows" leak. Both of them. Theyre made to allow a small amount of water to seep behind them, and then drain out via hoses. They both leaked making water come showering into the cabin whenever hitting the brakes too hard. This led to water somehow getting into the dash and blowing out the amp for all the sounds in the truck, and I do mean all the sounds including not only the radio system, but the door chime, warning dings, and even the clicking of the directional signals. Not a cheap fix, and GM KNOWS ABOUT IT for a very long time and done nothing but screw its customers. They released a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) that not only shows mechanics how to fix it, but PROVES THEY KNOW IT IS THEIR DESIGN FLAW. Problem #2: GM also is very aware of this design flaw. The wheel well liners are not long enough and do not protect the serpentine belt system from sudden rushes of water. Hitting a small puddle can render your steering absolutely useless and is VERY DANGEROUS! You have to go buy yourself new wheel well liners and have them installed at your expense even though the mechanic gave me a copy of that TSB also. Theyve known how dangerous it was all along, but are NOT willing to help. The positive things to note are that everything else runs as expected. The truck drives like a car and fits everywhere while having room for EITHER 7 people OR cargo. Its a solid machine with

• 

  Excellent Grocery Getter - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By TexasLonghornMike - December 1 - 5:06 pm

  We compared a number of crossovers and set our sights on the Acadia due to the combination of interior size, the availability of captains in the 2nd row, and its good looks. To date it has been an excellent grocery getter, capably hauling my wife and two kids from here to there with no issues. Its good to see GM producing first rate automobiles.

• 

  Acadia - Grand Slam Homerun - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Bill Sheridan - November 26 - 4:26 pm

  I researched everything out there, and landed on the Acadia. I needed a good family car with a towing capacity of not less than 4500 lbs. That shortened the list to the MDX and the Mercedes, and other GM Lambda platform cars. I purchased a loaded SLT2, and it seems great. Build quality is excellent. It handles extremely well. I believe GM hit a grand slam here. If build quality holds up, this car will compare very well against the MDX and others. And, the six speed tranny should give me an efficiency edge over all non GM competitors (until they adopt similar high efficiency transmissions).

• 

  Beware - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By tecteac - November 24 - 10:16 am

  We were impressed with all the supposedly included features until we actually bought the car and found out many of them do not function in all the models. ie the drivers information center on the base models. We felt the features could be changed to meet our needs. After having the car/truck for a week we have found out that while they are there and functioning they only function the way the engineers at GMC choose to make them function. In particular is the door locks. They lock as expected when you put the car into gear. The problem is they unlock automatically when ever you put the Acadia into park. ie, waitng at a train crossing in the worse part of town.

• 

  Fuel mileage not as advertised - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Donna - November 14 - 5:06 am

  The comfort of the car is outstanding, but it does not get close to the 26 mpg on the highway as advertised and it is extremely slugglish going up any type of hill or passing a vehicle. We did take it to the dealership, but they couldnt find anything wrong. Also the radio system, a Bose, is good but you cant distinguish the back speakers from the front. The folding down of the 3rd seat is really easy.

• 

  Acadia - MN Driver - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Geddyr - November 10 - 11:53 pm

  Outside of the couple off issues with the transmission this vehicle has ran great as it nears its first year and 12,000 mles. What impressed me most were the calls from GM and their engineers when they found issues with the transmission as one of the first customer to purchase. Best of all, this car has handles great and been 100% reliable in this very cold and snowy winter

• 

  Nice job GMC - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Timotheus - November 5 - 1:53 am

  After narrowing the choice down to either the Acadia, or the Mazda CX-9, we went with the Acadia - and we couldnt be happier! My two boys love the dual sunroofs and the DVD Entertainment system. Handling is outstanding and the ride comfort is better than expected. Minimal road noise allows for easy adult conversation while the kids are entertained. My wife loves the power liftgate and remote start features. We Havent had it long enough to judge fuel economy - still on my first tank ! This one can stand up to an import any day!

• 

  What I didnt learn from Consumer Report - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Al Bodeen - October 4 - 4:06 am

  Consumer Reports compares this vehicle to others in its medium class and gives the negative review of poor mileage. Really? Even though it has almost twice as much luggage capacity and 23 cu. foot more cargo capacity than the Highlander, more cargo capacity than the Mazda CX-9, Pilot and Taurus and more powerful engine than all except the Mazda, it still gets better mileage than all others named here or in its class. Moving and pulling more for less is a big deal. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is 6400 lbs and it beats its competitors there by 500 lbs. while getting a 16/24 mpg. rating. I love the way it drives and performs. You want to get one of these if you want the most for the miles

• 

  Mot the mileage on the sticker - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By WWO - September 29 - 6:43 am

  It drives good, could use more power. Nice size. Has had 3 recalls. When driving at noon the reflection off of the ac vents will blind you. I have 7000 mi and mileage is not what is on the sticker. Love the XM and OnStar.

• 

  Mysteriously appearing miles - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Bill Rodgers - September 19 - 9:50 am

  Our family loves the new Acadia, but it seems to be mysteriously accumilating miles. Our GMC dealer has been great, but since the transmission recall (campaign) the service department can not duplicate the problem. The problem appears to be in one or all three of the computers. GMC needs to figure this out fast. Until then, I would like them to buy back the vehicle.