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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  2008 Transmission Broke!! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By sarah60 - April 25 - 7:02 pm

  Dont be deceived by its good looks! I loved the 2008 GMC Acadia when I saw it and test drove it. Had I known it would run so bad only after a few years we bought it, I would have never purchased the car. I have had several problems but recently the TRANSMISSION breaking has made me never, ever, ever, ever want to buy a GMC again!

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  Complete pile of JUNK - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By boaterdan - April 17 - 7:28 am

  I could not have possibly imagined what a complete piece of junk and nightmare this vehicle would turn out to be. Bought it certified, and under that warranty (before 55k miles) had the transmission rebuilt, leaking sunroof fixed (but it wasnt), water stained headliner replaced, engine control module replaced when vehicle wouldnt start, and battery replaced when it wouldnt hold charge. Warranty is now expired and I have about 70k miles. Currently have: Nav system quit working, only reads about 50% of DVDs, sunroof still leaks and water sometimes pours into interior, service airbag light on, powered liftgate pops when halfway up then closes making it unusable. One word - JUNK.

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  DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By spuerini - April 10 - 1:57 pm

  This car is a piece of junk. I was stuck on the side of the road with my 3 children in the car with a broken 35R clutch wave plate. Had to have the transmission rebuilt at 48k miles. The car had been driven less than 10k miles a year for 5.5 years. It is just 6 months out of warranty and GM is not honoring it. I would not recommend this car to anyone. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT???

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  Jeckyl and Hyde - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By bwilling - April 5 - 2:41 pm

  Decent ride, a bit underpowered but MPG ok. Very comfortable and tons of room even with three kids in the back. Seats take awhile to heat up. Big problem is with carbon monoxide. This vehicle sets off alarms in our house when started in the garage ( garage door open of course). Service dept is like a human rain delay in trying to get it fixed. Fot the 55k spent on top of the line we had many other choices, cant imagine them being any worse. When not thinking about the CO it rides nice.

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  Excellent reliability! Really. - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By ecanadian1 - March 25 - 3:22 am

  Ok, so we bought new in April 2007. After 150,000km our Acadia had pretty much zero problems! We have only been changing different oils/fluids (engine, transmission, power steering) and air filter. Breaks are still original - amazing! Only one problem in year 2 fixed under warranty: dirty sensor (vehicle pretty much shut down on highway). Will be getting 3rd set of tires this summer. So tire wear has been great. My wife mostly drives this vehicle, about 65% highway. Regardless, the reliability so far has been extraordinary! We also own a Toyota Sienna and Mercedes Benz E500 and Acadia has been most trouble free by far. Just thought would share given all negative reviews.

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  Steering and rear tail door - 2013 GMC Acadia
  By mfd33 - February 26 - 3:21 pm

  Turn the wheel all the way to either side and it clunks, they say its normal. It scared the heck out of me first time. This is not normal. Im sure therell be a recall in the future, there should be. Beware til they fix this problem, if they fix it. Metal to metal coming from rear hatch area when I go over bumps. Four days theyve been trying to figure that one out, they still have it. I wouldnt recommend it at this time. I should have stuck with my Yukon. 2013 has not been a good year for the Acadia, looks good but looks aint everything.

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  Not worthy of the Denali name - 2013 GMC Acadia
  By mustangchief - February 13 - 7:09 pm

  Downsizing from driving Yukon XL Denalis since 2003, I was excited to see the Denali trim in the medium sized Acadia. I tossed between the Benz 350, Nissan Pathfinder, Infiniti XJ and the Acadia. My Yukons never let me down, so I was a little biasd toward the GMC line. The Acadia is a very nice looking cross-over, but as they say beauty is only skin deep. I have driven it 1000 miles and all I can say is shame on you GMC. It looks Denali worthy coming up very short when you look past the exterior shine. I would give the car high marks if it were not in the Denali line.

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  Not worth your time or money - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By batesoh - February 12 - 8:56 am

  Bought the car new. At 20,000 miles engine was removed to repair the timing chain sensor. A/C broke on a trip from Cleveland to Chicago. Recall to delete the heated wiper fluid option (+$100 check). More timing chain issues at 36,000 miles. Rear liftgate malfunctioned: would not close/would not stay closed. A/C broke again on very same trip again. Transmission failure-after a month at the dealer, new transmission was installed. A/c broke for the 3rd time on a short two-hour trip at 58,000. I waved the white flag and bought a 2011 Land Rover LR4. Acadia had lots of neat features far to many issues and an under powered engine.

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  Smart & Sporty Drive - 2011 GMC Acadia
  By dmlarbus - February 5 - 8:52 am

  Love this vehicle. It is quiet, smooth and comfortable for all passengers. You get the perks of a sporty sleek look without the rough truck ride while preserving the practicality of a large SUV or truck space and utility.

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  Not for the snow - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By danbruin - January 27 - 12:41 am

  Bought this SUV as a family hauler. We live in the Pacific Northwest so AWD is great for the rain. Problem is that the Denali mode does not allow for snow chains...ever. This was never told to us at the dealership and now we feel pretty stupid for not asking up front but it did not occur to us. Dont know if models with smaller rims might accommodate chains but dont upgrade to the Denali model is you want to spend any time in the snow.