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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  33000K miles and happy - 2013 GMC Acadia
  By Chris Macy - October 5 - 11:46 pm

  Consumer Reports noted that this year and model could have climate control problems. In the three summers we have had the car, we did have to have the rear compressor replaced. It was covered undr warranty, so we were happy. Otherwise, we have really enjoyed having such a sturdy and safe car for our family to ride in. It is a blast driving the AWD in the snow!

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  8 Year 170K mile review - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By clearwatereq - May 23 - 5:17 pm

  And I can honestly say Id buy another. My red jewel SLT2 has every option available for 2007. Its been a reliable vehicle overall, not 100% problem free though. I replaced the transmission at 60K, steering rack at 50k, water pump at 67k, struts at 80K, and other regular wear and tear items that are normal (ie-brakes) Its been amazingly trouble free for nearly the last 100K. It still looks and drives much like a new vehicle.

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  Dont believe all the bad reviews - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Nick Schoendorf - March 12 - 8:49 am

  Purchased my wife dream truck finally now that the price has come down a bit. I havent had many issues at all with it and it has 160k miles on it. i replaced a cv axle and the eval solenoid. I do all my own work i never ever let anyone touch my vehicles. the headlights are not that hard to change people whine too much. the truck rides great, drives great and has been very fun to drive.

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  Glove compartment light - 2013 GMC Acadia
  By Gerald Roy Longbottom - March 4 - 8:08 am

  Is it even possible that in 2013 a vehicle can come with no light in the glove compartment. Could this be a factory omission or cost-cutting. I need a flashlight at night or I must to exercise my sense of touch!

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  Scared to own the Acadia anymore ! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By envoyment - December 1 - 12:57 am

  Got abt 60K on my Acadia 2008, then I sold. During ownership, I liked Acadia, and so did my family, space, comfort, features were irresistible.Never the less, my family did not know how much care and scare this vehicle consumes.It started with sunroof leak, no good fix at the dealer. strange messages like (Check gauges) when hit parking brakes or open glove box! (Service traction) for unknown reason. Engine mounts & front suspension can go easily and quickly on slightly rough roads, I heard many complaints from Acadia owners & seen many on the repair shops but when trany started to hunt for gears on cruze control & AC started to consume more power. I gave up and sold it

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  GMC $129 month! - 2012 GMC Acadia
  By serafino - November 1 - 7:08 am

  $129 a month lease with no money down since I used my GMC points on credit card...bumped up to $3000 plus other incentives such as conquest cash, and change of styling for 2013. So, Ive been driving a the AWD SL model the cheapest model made, but it has the same drivetrain as the Denali $40K+ model. 30 months later not one problem, no squeaks or rattles, great in snow as RWD BMWs couldnt get out of their way. MPG average 17 mix on regular gas. Rides smooth and feels heavy, absorbs potholes. Dislikes: Plastic body works too much. The brakes starting to show wear at 24K feel vibrations. Seats not too comfortable lack support. Steering not precise. $129 cant complain.

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  Had to give it up - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By 2practical - August 1 - 9:40 pm

  Purchased it used as a family car in 2011. Loved it. The look, its features. It fit my family of six well. I have performed all routine maintenance. But after a little less than three years of ownership and over a dozen trips to the dealership for repairs not under warranty and thousands of dollars spent and four major repairs in a matter of two months this year, could not justify keeping it and loosing another dime. Its a shame. Its like a good looking person with an ugly attitude. Who wants that?! I will never own a GMC vehicle ever again.

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  Nice but buggy - 2014 GMC Acadia
  By soutex - July 29 - 9:55 am

  First off I like everything about this car. Ok, well not everything. I have owned it for 10 days and on day 3 it was back to the dealer to get a massive oil leak fixed. Cheap Chinese oil filter housing cracked and allowed oil to leak past the filter seal. The remote start works maybe 50% of the time. The gas gauge wanders from 1/8 tank to just under 1/2 full which causes the distance to empty to wander from 50 to 120 miles. The drivers seat moves back for easy exit even though I turned that feature off. Now, my main gripe is I am only getting 13.8 mpg in town. I have been driving this car like an old lady and I can not improve on that number after two tanks of gas.

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  Pleasure Ride - 2014 GMC Acadia
  By drivetrain1 - June 10 - 4:35 pm

  Only have had my new Acadia for less than a month but have thoroughly enjoyed the ride! Smooth ride but wish it would come in rear wheel drive instead of front wheel drive. The jury is still out on the mileage however I only have less that 1,000 miles on it but for city driving I am averaging about 16-17 mpg. Exterior design is better than the ugly Terrain. Why cant whitewall tires be an option? It really adds some style. Black wall tires tend to make vehicle look bland and cheap. The same is true about pin striping. I added pin striping and WOW what a difference. I remember when cars came with pin striping and whitewalls.

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  Great vehicle with a few minor shortcomings - 2014 GMC Acadia
  By kentbob - May 5 - 8:56 am

  Overall a very nice vehicle which meets my needs. Great interior space, and comfortable ride. I prefer a truck-based 4-wheel drive SUV, but couldnt find one that provided as much versatility and space in the mid-sized category, so I opted for the Acadia.