GMC Acadia Review - What the Auto Press Says

The 2012 GMC Acadia ranks 10 out of 23 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 73 published reviews and test drives of the GMC Acadia, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Reviewers praise the 2012 GMC Acadia for its competent performance, spacious interior, roomy third row and aggressive looks. Still, buyers looking for a three-row SUV at a bargain-basement price will want to look elsewhere.
Reviewers say that overall, the GMC Acadia is a great vehicle for families who need a lot of space but can’t bring themselves to buy a minivan. Though its starting price is more than others in its class, reviewers say the Acadia is worth the extra money. The Acadia has more interior space than some larger, truck-based SUVs, along with better fuel economy, a more comfortable drive and an attractive, aggressive exterior.
Critics do have a few bones to pick with the Acadia. Some test drivers take issue with the Acadia’s six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission’s gears help the engine get better gas mileage than many competitors, but this also makes it more difficult to harness the V6 engine’s 288 horsepower when you need to get up a hill or merge onto the highway.
Still, reviewers encourage shoppers in the market for a three-row SUV to take a long, hard look at the GMC Acadia. "One of the best of these modern family haulers is the 2012 GMC Acadia, a large crossover that boasts a refined ride and an enormous cabin that can fit up to eight adults,” writes Edmunds.

Other SUVs to Consider

If you love the GMC Acadia but can’t justify its high base price, check out the Chevrolet Traverse. It costs about $3,200 less than the Acadia, and you won’t have to sacrifice the Acadia’s class-leading cargo space or adult-sized third row because the two SUVs share a platform and many interior, exterior and mechanical elements.
For better fuel economy, take a look at the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The Highlander Hybrid also includes three rows, and four-wheel drive models get 28 mpg both in the city and on the highway. It will save you about $920 per year in fuel costs compared with the all-wheel drive GMC Acadia, according to the EPA. Plus, it only costs about $3,500 more than an all-wheel drive GMC Acadia SL. You’ll make up the difference in fuel savings after less than three years.

Details: GMC Acadia

The Acadia’s five trims include the base SL, SLE, SLT-1, SLT-2 and top-of-the-line Denali. All-wheel drive is optional on all trims, and adds $2,000 to the sticker price.
The Acadia sees only minor changes for the 2012 model year. SLT and Denali models both get blind-spot sensors and hill-hold assist standard, all trims add an accessory power outlet and GMC has shuffled around some color options.

• "Acadia is tailor-made for buyers who need a minivan but don't want to drive one. This Best Buy crossover is dynamically capable, comes standard with a host of safety features, and offers several unusual and useful options.” -- Consumer Guide
• "The Acadia Denali caters to (its occupants) in nearly every way possible. And in a parking lot full of big crossovers with ho-hum looks, the Acadia Denali arrives looking for a fight. One that it will most likely win.” -- The Detroit News

• "The Acadia successfully combines the appearance and capabilities of an SUV with an added measure of practicality and efficiency. It seats up to eight people, has ample room for luggage or cargo and offers good fuel economy." -- Kelley Blue Book

Acadia Performance - 7.4 (Good)

Reviewers say that while the GMC Acadia won’t be setting any records at the track, it performs well enough for most drivers. Read More

Acadia Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)

Reviewers say that the 2012 GMC Acadia looks attractive enough, and some even say it looks aggressive. Though most say the Acadia blends in with the rest of the class, its flashy (and pricey) Denali trim may be too much for some. View Photos

Acadia Interior - 7.7 (Good)

Reviewers say the 2012 GMC Acadia’s interior is surprisingly classy and spacious for the class. Plus, adults can fit comfortably in the third row, which is unusual for a three-row affordable midsize SUV. Read More

Acadia Safety - 9.4 (Excellent)

The 2012 GMC Acadia gets an overall rating of five stars out of five in crash tests conducted by the federal government and was named a Top Safety Pick for its excellent scores in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests. Read More

Acadia Reliability - 2.5 of 5

The 2012 GMC Acadia reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. The 2012 GMC Acadia comes with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty