Is GMC Acadia a Good Car? Expert Insights & Reviews

The GMC Acadia is a midsize SUV known for its versatility, performance, and comfort. Is it the right car for you?
The 2024 model comes with a powerful engine and can tow up to 5,000 pounds. This review will cover its performance, safety, and comfort.
We’ll look at the Acadia’s safety features, like Automatic Emergency Braking. It also has good fuel efficiency, around 21 mpg.
The price is competitive, ranging from $42,600 to $56,300. We’ll compare it to the Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Highlander.
This guide is based on over half a million vehicle surveys. It aims to show what it’s like to own a GMC Acadia.
We’ll explore its features to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Introduction to The GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia first hit the market in 2006 for the 2007 model year. It was designed with families in mind, being GMC’s first front-wheel drive vehicle.
Over time, it evolved from a full-size SUV to a more compact, versatile midsize crossover.
This change made it a favorite for families who want lots of space but don’t want to give up comfort.
The Acadia can seat up to seven people, making it great for larger families or those who need extra room for cargo.
In 2017, the second generation of the Acadia was introduced. It brought many improvements, making it both stylish and functional.
It kept its focus on being a family-friendly vehicle. Throughout its history, the Acadia has kept up with what people want.
By 2024, it remains a reliable and capable choice, making it popular in the market.
Overview of the 2024 GMC Acadia Features
The 2024 GMC Acadia has exciting upgrades for better performance and comfort. It comes with a new turbocharged 2.5-liter engine.
This engine makes 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, making it fast and fuel-efficient.
The design of the 2024 Acadia is impressive. It’s almost a foot longer than before, at 204 inches. It’s also wider and taller, making the inside roomier.
The interior features a big 15-inch touchscreen for entertainment and navigation. This is a big step up from the old 8-inch screen.
It shows GMC’s commitment to keeping up with the latest tech. Comfort is a big focus, with room for seven people and various seating options.
The second row has standard captain’s chairs. There’s also more space for cargo, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row.
This grows to 98 cubic feet when both rear rows are folded. Safety is also a key feature, with advanced systems like adaptive cruise control and emergency braking.
The Acadia offers a great mix of performance and safety for family trips or daily drives.
It also has luxurious touches and better materials for a more comfortable ride.
Is GMC Acadia a Good Car? An In-Depth Review
When thinking about the GMC Acadia, it’s key to look at its reliability and how owners feel.
The GMC Acadia is reliable, with a score of 84 out of 100 from J.D. Power. This shows it’s durable and a favorite among buyers.
Assessing Reliability Ratings and Owner Satisfaction
The 2024 GMC Acadia has great reliability ratings from experts. It has a score of 82 out of 100. Some models have gone over 230,000 km, showing it’s built to last.
Many owners say the Acadia is comfortable and roomy. The second row has lots of legroom, like bigger SUVs.
But, the third row gets mixed reviews on space. People like the design and tech, but some find the controls hard to use.
Consumer Reports and Feedback
Consumer Reports say most owners are happy with the GMC Acadia. The 2022 model got great reviews, showing updates have helped. Yet, some owners worry about the interior fit and finish.
The GMC Acadia is reliable and makes owners happy. People love driving it, but there are areas to improve. This helps buyers know what to expect from this SUV.
Performance Comparison: GMC Acadia Specifications
The GMC Acadia has made big improvements in performance. It offers great specifications and engine options for different driving needs.
This midsize SUV is powerful yet efficient, perfect for daily drives and long trips.
Engine Options and Power Output
The 2024 GMC Acadia comes with a strong 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. It produces 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque.
This upgrade boosts the Acadia’s performance over previous models. The SUV can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds.
It shows both speed and agility. The Acadia can also tow up to 5,000 pounds, great for hauling trailers and gear.
These features highlight the Acadia’s ability to handle various driving situations. It meets the needs of city and rural driving.
Fuel Efficiency Ratings
Fuel efficiency is key for many buyers. The 2024 GMC Acadia has good fuel economy: 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models.
All-wheel-drive versions get 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The Acadia’s 21.7-gallon fuel tank allows for up to 500 miles of driving.
This makes it convenient for road trips. The Acadia is a reliable and efficient midsize SUV.
GMC Acadia Safety Ratings and Features
Safety is key for families choosing a large SUV. The GMC Acadia shines with top safety ratings and cutting-edge safety features.
It’s a top pick for families, thanks to its solid performance in tests by IIHS and NHTSA.
This part talks about the Acadia’s advanced safety tech, making it a leader in family vehicles.
Overview of Safety Technologies
The 2024 GMC Acadia is packed with safety tech, even in the base model. Key features include:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
These features make the Acadia a safe choice for families. They ensure you and your loved ones can travel with peace of mind.
Crash Test Ratings from IIHS and NHTSA
The GMC Acadia has earned high praise for its crash test results. Here’s a quick look at its safety ratings:
Evaluation Category | Rating |
---|---|
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side | Good |
Moderate Overlap Front | Good |
Side Impact | Good |
Overall Structure and Safety Cage | Good |
Child Seat Anchor Overall Evaluation | Acceptable |
More details show the Acadia’s impressive safety:
- Peak force during roof strength tests: 20,415 lbs
- Front crash prevention ratings: Superior (with optional equipment) / Advanced (with standard automatic emergency braking)
- Driver injury measures: Good across categories like head/neck, chest, and legs
The GMC Acadia’s safety ratings prove it’s built for safety. Its strong structure and advanced tech make it a safe choice for families.
You can trust in its safety on the road and in your vehicle.
Interior Comfort and Cargo Space
The 2024 GMC Acadia has made big strides in comfort and space. Its redesign makes it more luxurious than before.
The Acadia is now bigger, giving everyone more room to relax. The materials and seats are top-notch, making long trips a breeze. Everyone will enjoy the ride.
Technology and Infotainment System
The GMC Acadia’s tech is cutting-edge, with a 15-inch touchscreen at its heart. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to connect your phone.
You can navigate and enjoy music without a hitch. But, getting used to the controls might take some time. They can be a bit tricky.
Seating Capacity and Comfort Levels
The Acadia can fit up to seven people comfortably. It has second-row captain’s chairs and a third-row bench.
The new size adds to the comfort, but the third row might feel a bit cramped compared to others.
Here are some key specs:
Seating Area | Measurement |
---|---|
Third-Row Legroom | 32.1 inches |
Second-Row Space Increase | 37% more |
Shoulder Room | 57.9 inches |
Hip Room | 48.62 inches |
Cargo Space Behind Third Row | 23.0 cubic feet |
Maximum Cargo Space | 97.5 cubic feet |
The Acadia’s comfort and cargo space make it great for families and adventurers.
Pricing and Value for Money
Knowing the GMC Acadia’s price is key. It shows the car’s value and if it’s a good deal in the SUV market.
The 2025 GMC Acadia starts at about $42,900 for the FWD Elevation model. The top AWD Denali trim costs $55,900.
GMC Acadia has many trim levels, so you can find one that fits your budget and wants.
Base Price and Trim Levels
The GMC Acadia comes in many versions to meet various needs and tastes. Here’s a look at the starting prices and available trim levels:
Trim Level | MSRP |
---|---|
FWD Elevation | $42,900 |
AWD Elevation | $44,900 |
AWD AT4 | $51,200 |
FWD Denali | $53,900 |
AWD Denali | $55,900 |
Every trim level adds more comfort and tech to the GMC Acadia. The Elevation is a good all-around choice. The Denali is for those who want luxury.
Cost Comparison with Competitors
When you compare the GMC Acadia to the Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Highlander, it offers a unique choice.
It’s known for its luxury and practicality, perfect for families. The Acadia’s total cost over five years is $60,548, with lower maintenance costs than average.
This makes it a smart financial choice.
Comparing the GMC Acadia with Competitors
When looking at the GMC Acadia, it’s important to see how it compares to others.
This comparison shows what makes the Acadia stand out against rivals like the Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Highlander.
GMC Acadia vs. Chevrolet Traverse
The GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse are built on the same platform. But they differ in key areas.
The Traverse can fit up to eight people, great for big families. It also has more cargo space, which is useful for extra storage.
But the Acadia shines with its upscale interior and luxury features. It offers a more premium feel.
GMC Acadia vs. Toyota Highlander
In the GMC Acadia vs Toyota Highlander matchup, the Acadia has a lot to offer. The Highlander has a hybrid version for better fuel efficiency and tech.
But the Acadia beats it in interior comfort and tech features. Both vehicles meet different needs, focusing on safety, tech, and comfort.
Feature | GMC Acadia | Chevrolet Traverse | Toyota Highlander |
---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity | 7 | 8 | 7/8 |
Starting Price | $29,000 | $31,125 | $31,330 |
Maximum Cargo Volume | 98 cubic feet | 98.2 cubic feet | 87 cubic feet |
Horsepower | 328 hp | 310 hp | 285 hp |
Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
Infotainment Size | 15 inches | 12 inches | 9 inches |
Conclusion
In this GMC Acadia review summary, you’ve seen its strengths. The 2024 model shines with advanced technology and safety features.
Super Cruise technology makes driving hands-free, a feature many love. The SUV also offers spacious seating and an updated infotainment system.
This makes it a comfortable ride for passengers. It’s a well-rounded midsize SUV. But, there are some downsides to consider.
The third-row seating might be too tight for some families. The new engine’s performance is great, but fuel efficiency has dropped a bit.
Also, reliability and repair issues might make you think twice. You might wonder if it’s worth it compared to other SUVs like the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander.
Despite these, the GMC Acadia is a good mix of comfort and tech. It’s a great choice for many. Test-driving it is a good idea to see if it fits your needs.
FAQs
Is the GMC Acadia a reliable vehicle?
Yes, the GMC Acadia is known for its reliability. Consumer Reports has given it high ratings. It’s a great choice in the midsize SUV market.
What are the key features of the 2024 GMC Acadia?
The 2024 Acadia comes with a new turbocharged engine. It also has a 15-inch infotainment screen and an 11-inch digital gauge cluster. Plus, it has advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control.
How does the GMC Acadia perform compared to its competitors?
The Acadia has a powerful turbocharged engine. It makes 328 horsepower and gets 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. This makes it a good balance of power and efficiency.
What safety ratings has the GMC Acadia received?
The Acadia has done well in crash tests from IIHS and NHTSA. It also has many standard safety features. This makes it a safe choice.
How spacious is the GMC Acadia for passengers and cargo?
The Acadia can seat up to seven people. It also has a lot of cargo space. But, the third row might be tight for taller people.
What is the price range for the GMC Acadia?
The 2024 GMC Acadia starts at about ,600. There are also higher trim levels that add more luxury and features.
What are the standout luxury features of the GMC Acadia?
The Acadia has luxury features like upgraded materials and a big cabin. It also has a user-friendly infotainment system that connects to smartphones.
How does the GMC Acadia compare to the Chevrolet Traverse?
The Chevrolet Traverse can seat eight and has more cargo space. But, the Acadia has a more upscale interior and extra luxury features.
Can I expect high owner satisfaction with the GMC Acadia?
Yes, many owners are very happy with the Acadia. They like its comfort and roominess. But, some have concerns about the third row and infotainment controls.