GMC Acadia
Three-row crossover SUV · 2007–present. 49,178 units sold in the US in 2024
How it began
General Motors created it for its GMC brand. It shares its technical base with sibling models from Saturn, Buick and Chevrolet. The first generation's 3.6-liter V6 was developed at GM technical centers in Australia, Germany, Sweden and North America. For later generations, the releases name Rick Spina (executive chief engineer) and Helen Emsley (executive director of global GMC design) for the 2017 model, and Ben Zavala (design lead) for the 2024 model.
The first generation was built at GM's Lansing Delta Township plant in Michigan, which began production in May 2006 and was GM's newest plant in North America. The second generation moved to GM's Spring Hill, Tennessee plant. The third generation moved back to Lansing Delta Township, where it is built today alongside the Chevrolet Traverse and the Buick Enclave.
It arrived as an all-new 2007 model. The plant that built it began production on May 24, 2006. In MotorWeek's 2007 road test it started at $29,990 (front-wheel-drive SLE).
According to GM Authority, the name comes from Acadia National Park in Maine, following GMC's habit of using North American geography for its names. Note: it is spelled Acadia, without the r in Arcadia.
The Acadia was GMC's first crossover, with a unibody, meant to combine the capability of an SUV with the smooth, car-like driving of a sedan, with three rows for up to eight people and a low floor for easy entry. MotorWeek described it as GM's effort to move beyond badge engineering, with distinct GMC styling that set it apart from its twin, the Saturn Outlook.
Generation by generation
- Gen. 12007–2016 · Lambda
GMC's first crossover
Photo: DestinationFearFan · CC BY-SA 4.0 What changed. It was an all-new model: a unibody instead of a truck frame, front- or all-wheel drive and three rows for seven or eight people. It used a 275 hp 3.6-liter V6 and a six-speed automatic, and could tow 4,500 pounds. The upscale Denali arrived for 2011, and for 2013 it got a new front end, a 288 hp direct-injection V6 and a 5,000-pound tow rating.
The innovation. The 2013 model introduced what GM called the industry's first front center airbag: it deploys from the inboard side of the driver's seat and protects in far-side crashes. From the start it offered the Smart Slide second-row seat, which slides and folds so an adult can reach the third row.
If you buy one usedGM service bulletin 11340C gave special coverage for premature timing chain wear on the 3.6-liter V6 in certain 2007 and 2009 Acadias (10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever occurs first). Check these NHTSA recalls: 14V118 (2008–2013, seat-mounted side airbag wiring could keep the airbags from deploying), 14V266 (built April 2008 to May 2014, the front seatbelt steel cable could separate), 21V246 (2011–2016, side curtain airbags not properly attached) and 23V334 (2014–2017, the driver airbag inflator could explode). Ask for proof the work was done. Also check whether the VIN received GM’s January 2015 repeat-repair notice for 14030/14V118 work done during March–October 2014 that may have been performed incorrectly. Identified recipients needed a second repair; if the airbag readiness light or SERVICE AIR BAG message appears on a vehicle subject to that notice, the letter instructs stopping immediately and contacting GM for a dealer-arranged tow. Confirm the repeat work and current VIN instructions. - Gen. 22017–2023
Smaller and 700 pounds lighter
Photo: MercurySable99 · CC BY-SA 4.0 What changed. GMC made it smaller on purpose: 7.2 inches shorter, 6.4 inches less wheelbase and about 700 pounds lighter. It added a 2.5-liter four-cylinder as the base engine, a 310 hp 3.6-liter V6, and new All Terrain and Denali versions. The 2020 refresh added a 2.0-liter turbo (230 hp), a nine-speed automatic and the AT4 trim.
The innovation. It came standard with a rear seat alert that reminds the driver to check the second and third rows for forgotten items. It also introduced GMC's first Stop/Start system, which shuts the engine off when the vehicle stops.
If you buy one usedCheck the NHTSA recalls for 2017–2018 models: 17V516 (the right front intermediate driveshaft could fracture and leave the vehicle without propulsion) and 18V358 (the high-pressure fuel pump could detach and damage the fuel line, creating a fire risk). Look up the VIN on NHTSA's site, because other recalls apply depending on the year. - Gen. 32024–present
Back to big
Photo: Deathpallie325 · CC BY-SA 4.0 What changed. It grew again: 10.6 inches longer and 3.2 inches taller than before, with nearly 80% more cargo space behind the third row. Every version uses a 328 hp, 326 lb-ft 2.5-liter turbo with an eight-speed automatic and up to 5,000 pounds of towing. Production moved back to Lansing Delta Township, Michigan.
The innovation. It has a standard 15-inch portrait touchscreen and offers Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driver assistance, with trailering assist and automatic lane change. It was the fifth GMC nameplate to get Super Cruise.
If you buy one usedThe NHTSA bulk records retrieved on November 2, 2026 include recall 26V696 for certain 2026 Acadias: the front seatback may have insufficient welds at the recliner pivot mechanism. Look up the VIN on NHTSA's site before buying.
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Honda CR-V1995–present
Ram 15001981–present
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