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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  GMC is back from the forest with a winner - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Tom Retnauer - April 30 - 6:06 pm

  Just took delivery of my new 2007 Acadia. The brick leather is stunning and is really shocking people at first. So far the truck is a dream. Havent figured out all of the electronics yet. (read the manual!) Ride is quiet. Fit and finish look great. Dealer was superb. Highly recommend. Cost was a bit high, but it looks like it is worth it.

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  Best Cross-Over Out - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Robert - April 20 - 3:50 pm

  I have been looking at this vehicle for about 6 months, but the price compared to other vehicles always kept me looking for something as good but cheaper. Unfortunatly I never found that vehicle. I ended up purchasing this vehicle because it offered everything and more than any other similar vehicle out there. All the little things that it has over the competition ends up making this car a value buy from the low end model to the high end. They really hit the nail on the head with this vehicle. This is such a quite and comfortable vehicle. It is as roomy and a mini-van but still give you the feel of not driving one. Love it

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  Best SUV Weve Owned By Far - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By CPPhotoDude - April 14 - 12:36 pm

  As I thought about it more, I thought I could give you a little bit more color on my experience with the Acadia. As I said, the topline summary is that I love it, but here are some more details about my experience: Very quiet -- probably the quietest car at freeway speeds that Ive ever owned. Powerful drivetrain -- for a car of its size, it really gets up and goes. You have to be careful, because with how quiet and powerful it is, you can be going 80 MPH and it feels like 65. Comfortable -- this is a personal thing, but for me, it works great for long trips. I drove back from Utah in a day, and was comfortable the whole way. Gas mileage -- I get about 16 to 25 MPG depending

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  Excellent value for the money - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Mike C - April 7 - 2:10 pm

  I looked at several vehicles before settling on the 2017 GMC Arcadia. Im a very flashy guy and have been driving the 2013 Cadillac XTS. However after having two small kids and needing the hall things from time to time it was time to grow up and get something more family from friendly. however after having two small kids and needing the haul things from time to time it was time to grow up and get something more family friendly. I looked at for something stylish and full of tech features. And I found that and the Arcadia is not too big not too small it seems to be just right. I got the Captain chairs in the back my only complaint would be that my two year old can fiddle with the rear heat and air conditioner controls in the back. It seems like everything is too easily in his reach. But thats the nature of having the two year old. But for the money and my budget this truck does his purpose is not a MDX or Cadillac XT5 but is well worth the money.

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  A High Miler with High Praise - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Don K - March 14 - 5:36 pm

  I am a high-miler business traveler and typically trade about every two years at 100,000 miles. Have lots of experience with minivans through SUVs. Thought about another Jeep G. Cherokee, but gas mileage is a problem there. The MDXs were good vehicles although dont pretend they are problem free (transmissions at 50,000+ miles). The Acadia fits my needs very well. In comparison to many vehicles on the road today there is a lot of vehicle here for the money. My late father-in-law was a career engineer for GM, but this is the first new GM vehicle Ive purchased in my life (age 54). The Acadia is impressive to drive, beautiful to look at, and clips along at 70 MPH at about 1800-1850 RPM.

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  Acadia car is deathtrap RUN from it!!! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Dawn - March 11 - 1:26 pm

  2007 Acadia AWD is Junk Run from it. The car broke down after 20 minutes owning it. SPent more time in the garage then with me. Then started to shut off while I am making turns on the highway for no reason. Got a replacement car which we paid more for and this car is doing the same thing. We are lucky no one got killed yet and GMC will not refund our money and they know this car is a death trap and I have 3 children endangering their lives by driving this crap.Unbelievable!! They put the new updates on it now the car is worse Keeps hesitating like its going to shut off then you get whiplash when you put the gas on. Some kind of hesitation.

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  SLT 2 - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Sanford Scholton - February 24 - 10:40 pm

  Great car. 2000 miles on it so far. Seats 7 very comfortably. Good if not great power. Gotten 25 mpg at 70 mph. Lots of attention to detail. Interior is very nice and comfortable. GMC has a real winner

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  Mixed Review - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Mixed Reviews - February 21 - 1:40 pm

  I was torn between the MDX and the Arcadia. By the time I built similiar features there was only a $2000 price difference between the two . I believe the resale value will be an issue. The Arcadia rides very well but doesnt carry the prestige. You hear road noise and the transmission stinks. They dont have full leather seats (fabric on the corner of the front seats). The gas milege in the city is really bad. On the highway its much better. Ive only had the truck 2 weeks and wake up every morning questioning the decision.

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  Terrible Mileage - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Martin - January 7 - 9:46 am

  Right after purchasing vehicle drove all the way to Cancun, Mexico via Baja California (5,050 miles). Good points: Comfortable ride, lots or room. Two things very bad; First: average mileage was barely 17 miles/gallon. Second: Using cruise control 6th gear only works when highway level. At the slightest incline car shifts into 5th gear hurting overal gas mileage. At altitude (Mexico City) car clearly underpowered.