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2012 GMC Acadia

Overview
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2012 GMC Acadia Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

KBB Expert Rating: 8.4

The 2012 GMC Acadia crossover SUV represents the best in GMC styling, engineering and American know-how. Sharing a common platform with the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave, the 2012 GMC Acadia bridges the gap between the Traverse's family-oriented packaging and the Enclave's highly stylized luxury image. Of the three, the GMC Acadia's design is the most sophisticated, while its Denali top-of-the-line trim level rivals the Enclave for luxury. The 2012 Acadia competes with crossovers and SUVs such as the Toyota Highlander, Ford Flex and Honda Pilot. However, the 2012 GMC Acadia SUV upstages all of these competition by providing true 8-passenger seating, which means two adults can fit comfortably in its third-row seat. Also there's ample cargo space behind the GMC Acadia's third-row seat. In addition, the 2012 Acadia boasts fuel economy near the top of its class. Available all-wheel drive (AWD) allows the 2012 GMC Acadia can do just about anything a full-size SUV can do, short of venturing off-road.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you need the kind of cargo and kid space usually provided by a minivan, the 2012 GMC Acadia SUV will come as a pleasant surprise. The GMC Acadia's styling avoids the dreaded stigma of Minivan Mom (or Dad) without compromising utility.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If your automotive needs occasionally require you to venture off prepared roads and onto muddy logging trails or rock-filled paths, or tow more than 5,200 pounds, a GMC Yukon might make a better choice.

KBB Expert Ratings

  • 8.4
  • 7.8
  • 7.4
  • 8.0
  • 7.2
  • 10.0
How It Ranks

#20

out of 27

MPG

#3

out of 27

Horsepower
View all rankings

Consumer Rating

7.9 out of 10
View all
consumer ratings
 Low/wide front photo What's New for 2012

For 2012, the GMC Acadia gains some new exterior colors, as well as an additional console-mounted power outlet. The top-of-the-line Acadia Denali trim comes standard with hill-hold assist. The mid-grade Acadia SLT and Acadia Denali trim levels gain an integrated side blind spot mirror. All GMC Acadias get fog lamps and body colored side moldings.

Driving the Acadia
 Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Because it's built from a single unit body (as opposed to riding on a frame like most full-size SUVs), the 2012 GMC Acadia delivers car-like ride and handling characteristics and...

an ultra-quiet cabin. We found the 2012 GMC Acadia's steering to be nicely weighted and very responsive. The vehicle exhibits some body lean under hard cornering maneuvers, but the Acadia's ability to retain its grip on the road surprised even our most seasoned test drivers. The available 20-inch wheel and tire package improves the Acadia's steering feel, but also slightly diminishes its ride quality. The 2012 GMC Acadia's 288-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine offers good acceleration, but with a full load on board, it could do with a bit more power. If there was one major gripe regarding our time in the Acadia, it pertained to the high beltline that limits rearward visibility and makes parking maneuvers more difficult.
Favorite Features

Third-Row Seats
The third-row seats in the 2012 GMC Acadia are roomy and bolstering on the seat backs makes extended journeys more comfortable. Access to the rear seats is easy thanks to a clever 1-touch mechanism that slides the second-row seats out of the way.

Dual SkyScape Sunroof
The optional dual sunroofs add a feeling of spaciousness to the interior. The fixed rear sunroof features a large opening, plus a power sunshade for when the sunshine gets too intense.

2012 GMC Acadia Details
 Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo Interior

Beyond its handsome, straight-forward design, quality materials and feature-rich options list, the 2012 GMC Acadia SUV's interior is a lesson in comfort and compatibility. The interior's usefulness is enhanced with numerous cup holders, storage spaces and an additional storage space beneath the rear cargo area. With seating for up to eight people, including a third-row seat that can accommodate two adults, the 2012 GMC Acadia SUV is about as people friendly as a standard-size vehicle can get. A clever sliding second-row seat permits easy access to the third row, as do its long rear door openings. The 2012 GMC Acadia's trump card, however, is the roomy cargo hold that remains functional even with the third-row seat in place. Fold both rows flat and the Acadia offers up a whopping 116.9 cubic feet of cargo-hauling space.

Exterior
  photo

We like the conservative yet powerful styling exuded by the 2012 GMC Acadia SUV. You won't find any tacked on body cladding or garish add-ons. Even the Acadia Denali, with its big chrome mesh grill and larger-diameter wheels, resists the temptation to go overboard. Riding on standard 18-inch wheels, the 2012 GMC Acadia has a purposeful wide stance. A slight bulge in its fenders denotes a more masculine side, while chrome and LED lighting demonstrate the Acadia can also be quite elegant. A subtle rear spoiler helps reduce aerodynamic drag, while the chrome exhaust tips and roof rail accents simply make the Acadia shine.

Notable Equipment
Standard Equipment

The 2012 GMC Acadia crossover SUV is a well-equipped vehicle that includes as standard GM's OnStar system with one year of complimentary service, AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers and MP3 capability, satellite radio, 7-passenger seating, dual exhaust with chrome tips, rear spoiler, sliding second-row seats, fog lamps and 18-inch wheels. Government-required safety features include StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, anti-lock brakes (ABS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and six airbags. The Denali trim adds mahogany wood inserts, heated and cooled front seats, dual SkyScape sunroof, perforated leather seating surfaces and 20-inch wheels.

Optional Equipment

GMC offers a variety of convenience and luxury features for the 2012 Acadia. Dual sunroofs and a rear entertainment system make the drive more enjoyable and, unlike with some vehicles, can be ordered together. The interior can be outfitted with a touch-screen DVD-based navigation system, rearview camera, tri-zone automatic air conditioning, heated and cooled front seats, premium audio with surround sound, a Head-Up display, cargo-area audio controls, rear park assist and 8-passenger seating. Exterior options include a power liftgate, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and an attractive 20-inch wheel package.

Under the Hood
 Engine photo

The 2012 GMC Acadia SUV's capable 3.6-liter V6 uses variable valve timing and direct fuel injection to enhance responsiveness, deliver good engine power and help provide a maximum tow rating of 5,200 pounds. The 6-speed automatic transmission maximizes engine performance and helps the Acadia achieve excellent fuel economy for a vehicle of its size. However, the transmission can be slow to react to throttle inputs, resulting in delayed downshifts when trying to accelerate to pass other vehicles.

3.6-liter V6
288 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
270 lb-ft of torque @ 3,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 (front-wheel drive), 16/23 (AWD)

Pricing Notes
Reality Check

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the 2012 GMC Acadia SUV starts around $33,500 for the front-wheel drive SL. That's more than the entry prices of the Ford Flex, Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot. A loaded GMC Acadia Denali with AWD can exceed $53,000. While priced at the high end of the segment, the Acadia's generous standard equipment list must be taken into consideration. To compare the actual transaction prices that consumers are paying in your area, be sure to check the kbb.com Fair Purchase price. Though higher priced than its competitors, the Acadia is expected to have excellent resale value, remaining slightly above the Ford Flex but not as high as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.

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2012 GMC Acadia Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating
7.9
Out of 10

Based on 351 Ratings for the 2007 - 2012 GMC Acadia models.

Review this car
  • Value
    8.2/10
    Quality
    8.2/10
  • Reliability
    8.3/10
    Performance
    8.1/10
  • Comfort
    8.7/10
    Styling
    8.8/10

Love it, perfect alternative to a mini van

By Ron (OH) on Tuesday, May 29, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 80,000

10 10.0
overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
10/10
Value
8/10
Reliability
10/10
Quality
10/10
Performance
10/10
Styling
10/10
Comfort
10/10

Pros: "quiet, seats, ride, looks, and layout"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"previously owned a Toyota highlander, nissan pathfinder, and a Honda Oddysey this vehicle is better quality and less problems than those vehicles. I also enjoy the way it drives I have A 2008 SLT, love the comfortable leather seats, back up camera, two sun roofs, touch screen navigation system, all wheel drive, and mini van layout."

2007 GMC ACADIA

By supermoms401 (CA) on Sunday, May 13, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 85,000

10 8.0
overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
8/10
Value
6/10
Reliability
3/10
Quality
3/10
Performance
9/10
Styling
8/10
Comfort
9/10

Pros: "very spacious, sharp turning radius, smooth ride"

Cons: "service from dealerships, mechanical hiccups"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this vehicle brand new in 2007. My first mistake was buying the first generation model. I love this vehicle, however, I've had 4 recalls within the time that I have owned it and have made more visits to various dealerships than I have ever wanted. We are looking into trading this one in for a newer model. We do love our Acadia...our advice would be to just stay away from the older models if you are looking into buying a used Acadia."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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