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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  Time to Sell...Maybe??? - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By joemerchant47 - January 8 - 9:04 am

  I have an 09 Acadia,well pleased.Had only one problem-rattle in A pillar.Dealer replaced trim-fixed.Headlight recall.No big deal.Bulletin/recall notifying possible stretching of timing chain.Took car in to reset computer for more frequent oil changes.I change more often than recommended anyway.Talked to mechanic,he hadnt gotten one back in yet for repair but said engine had to come out to replace chain.Power train warranty increased by GM to 100K.Heres my problem.We dont travel much.My car is just about to turn 26K miles so by the time any major problem occurs my warranty will have run out.Is it time to sell this car which is now in excellent condition?

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  GMC does not support poor quality - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By mddriver5 - January 4 - 3:24 pm

  Like everybody that owns a 2008 GMC Acadia, I have had the car in the shop numerous times. Broke down with transmission failure, power sterring column went. Just got back after 4th oil leak. I contacted GMC and with our TARP funds, they have a call center overseas to handle customer complaints. Very poor customer service with a car that is built by engineers and yet seems to have lots of common issues. It could be a good car if it did not have so many issues. be careful of 2013 model as it is redesigned and you could be starting over with issues lots of us have.

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  2008 GMC Acadia AWD - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By plugs01 - January 3 - 11:45 am

  We searched reviews before we bought and saw a number of negative reviews. I believe most people are more inspired to write a review if they have a negative experience. Weve owned ours for almost two years. Very pleased. We get about 21 mph when driving combined city/hwy. The manual instructs to use higher octane fuel, but we use 85 regular unlead since we are at high elevations -mechanic recommended. We bought a prebuy inspection by our shop. Only problems we have had: sunroof leaked once after sitting in heavy rain, but never while driving. Hasnt done it since. Also drivers seat fails to move about once every 3 months - we get it to move after playing with it...need to fix though

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  Pleased that GM Has Come Back Strong... - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By riogp - December 30 - 11:18 pm

  When I was a kid we had Packards ( Ask the man who owns one ) ...after that we drove Chevys & Cadillacs. In the 80s we switched to German iron since all the US auto makers fell flat on quality. My 2012 Acadia has revised my opinion of American quality. A very sophisticated work of engineering...very much on a par with the German product, as well as the Japanese...and at a more realistic purchase price ...and very much more reasonable service charges. The Acadia handles very precisely for such a large outfit. Mixed driving 20. 8 mpg. on the AWD version. I am very impressed.

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  A Dream Car to Nightmare - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By lina816 - December 27 - 6:23 pm

  We bought his car in 3/2008. I would like to declare lemon on this Acadia. Here are the lists of things that occurred to my Acadia: 3/09 Power Control Module, this one lock my steering wheel while I was on drive in the middle of the road all of the sudden without warning, this could have killed my family 5/09 - air bag wiring repair 2/23/10 - air bag repair again 7/10 head lights blown with recall 9/10 power steering remote replace 11/10 (on our Thanksgiving trip) Water pump and engine run hot 6/11 stability trac warning w/ master cylinder leaking break fluid 9/11 air bag connector replaced 4/12 power window issue 12/12 lost its smooth ride - stabilizer link and struts replace.

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  2012 Acadia SLT 1, AWD - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By lltautomobile - December 20 - 1:14 pm

  Ive now put 9,000 miles on the car after driving it for 9 months. Its performance is adequate, but can seem sluggish if you really need to accelerate quickly. MPG is below advertised at 19 highway and 15-17 in town. I do have the AWD so perhaps this is why. However my parents have the FWD version and they get 17-18/20-21 mpg which is also below advertised. My SLT 1 has heated front seats, but the passenger seat can only move front and back with manual lumbar support- it is obviously inferior to the driver seat, so if you plan on spending any time in the passenger seat, look to upgrade it.

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  Dont waste your time or money - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By motherof3nj - December 16 - 4:21 pm

  We are a family of 5 and my husband I wanted to purchase a vehicle that was not a minivan. With this in mind we looked for vehicles that had the 2nd row captain chairs and were in our price range. After searching we set our hearts on the Acadia. Sadly two days after purchasing the low tire pressure signal kept coming on. We had to return to the dealer for a spark plug to be replaced. However, when my husband picked up the car the next day all things went down hill. He left the dealership and the the car stalled. We were told that there was a problem with the transmission. Four weeks later and they were still repairing the transmission. Thats when we returned the car. So disappointed!!

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  Great car - 2013 GMC Acadia
  By jeroldh - December 15 - 3:04 pm

  Ive had my 2013 Acadia for about 4 weeks. Great car. Very comfortable and easy to drive. Intell-link easy to use with very short learning curve. Gas milage is slightly better than advertised. Much better looking than the previous Acadia. I would recommend this car to anyone!

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  Stay away! - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By see1 - November 15 - 8:24 pm

  We bought this car 3 years ago because of the comfort of the 3rd row seat and cargo space. We have had numerous electrical issues, seat belts and tire sensor issues and replacement of the rack and pinion steering. We paid $400 to have the headlight replaced! Within the last month we have had to replace 3 engine mounts that ROTTED (car is kept in a garage but mechanic says this happens to "all" cars!). 2 weeks after that the transmission failed. We bought this car because it was big enough for our family. Now we dont even feel its safe enough to put our family in. The steering wheel squeaks everytime you turn the wheel and the dash board shakes at high speeds. Awful!!

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  2009 acadia in cab air filter - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By karen105 - November 15 - 11:28 am

  Never have had such a bad experance before! Purchased this used SUV this last July from Gilbert Ford in Moscow, Id. Drove this car home and when I got on a country road, which is gravel the air conditioning started blowing dirt into the cabin. There is NO in cab air filter!!! Thus the whole enviorment, durt, allergens and fumes are taken into the cab with you. Complained to dealer and at this time still do NOT have a filter in place. After sale service is horrible at the above dealership. If your thinking of buying an Acadia older than a 2012 make sure there is an in cab filter if you want to be able to breath.