The following is our ranking of each model for every generation of GMC Acadia so that you can avoid selecting the bad GMC Acadia and pick the best one.
I am aiming to provide an in-depth analysis of all generations of GMC Acadia in this article. I am also going to pinpoint the perfect GMC Acadia years and the worst years to avoid.
Based on information from reputable sources including NHTSA and Consumer Reports, I compiled the following performance and reliability review for the GMC Acadia.
It has been a good and a bad year for the GMC Acadia, technological advancements, common problems, and recalls. However, its resale value is significantly higher than the average.
Generations of the GMC Acadia
First generation GMC Acadia was a spacious midsize crossover SUV that made waves in its first generation. A spacious interior, a powerful V6 engine, and a roomy interior made it a hit among families.
The Acadia Expedition 2007-2023 can be broken down into three phases:
| Generation | Years |
| 1st generation (GMT960) | 2007-2016 |
| 2nd generation (C1XX) | 2017-2023 |
To give you a comprehensive picture, we are listing these generations. Why? Designed enhancements, technological advancements, and new features are all part of each generation of products. When considering an Acadia, you should take these differences into account.
Bests, Neutrals, and Worsts Years for GMC Acadia
The Acadia’s years are ranked based on more than just a random number generator. A number of factors are taken into consideration:
- Owners’ perspectives (surveys)
- Maintenance costs on a yearly basis
- Ratings for safety (because who does not wish to feel secure?)
- A look at consumer satisfaction and reliability from Consumer Reports
- List of investigations, recalls, and complaints investigated by the NHTSA
- Cars.com, VehicleHistory, Edmunds, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book ratings
The graph below illustrates Acadia’s performance from all these sources based on its performance:
Taking it a step further, let’s look at it in more detail. Here are our picks for the best Acadia model years, middle-of-the-road models, and those you might want to consider twice.
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
| 1st generation (GMT960) | 201320152016 | 201020112012 | 2007200820092014 |
| 2nd generation (C1XX) | 2019202120222023 | 20182020 | 2017 |
Remember the neutral years? Those in the middle. There might be some good and some less-than-stellar feedback, but they are not really distinguished.
A year’s rating can be affected by some factors. Recalls and grievances? It’s a surefire way to reduce your reliability score.
Do you want to know what the Acadia has done well and what it has done badly?
Let’s go!
Years where GMC Acadia 1st gen did well and poorly (2007-2016)
It began its first generation in 2007, marking the beginning of GMC Acadia’s journey. Known for its spacious interior and powerful V6 engine, this midsize crossover SUV quickly became a family favorite.
It is 2013, 2015, and 2016 that stand out in this first generation. Conversely, you may want to avoid the models produced between 2007 and 2009.
2013-2016: The Best Years
According to our in-depth analysis, the top three classes of the first-generation Acadia are 2013, 2015, and 2016. A smaller number of complaints and recalls have been reported by the NHTSA in the past few years.
With its powerful 3.6L LLT V6 engine, the 2013 Acadia packs a punch, generating 288 horsepower. AWD is optional for those who like to tackle rougher terrain, and a 6-speed 6T75 automatic transmission is standard.
Denali is an opulent trim that was introduced this year as well. With premium materials and cutting-edge safety features, you can enjoy a smooth ride like no other. Fuel efficiency? The city mileage is 17 mpg, and the highway mileage is 24 mpg.
While the 3.6L V6 engine remained on the 2015 and 2016 models, fuel efficiency increased. Their city and highway fuel economy was 17 mpg. There were also advanced safety features on these models, such as lane departure warning and forward collision warning.
2010-2012: Neutral Years
There are three models of Acadia, each powered by a 3.6L V6 engine, which provides ample power and towing capacities of 5,200 pounds. At 17 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, fuel efficiency was a match for the best years.
It’s true that these models weren’t completely trouble-free, but they weren’t completely bad either. We had a few steering and transmission issues, but they weren’t too frequent. Their comfort and spacious interiors made them good choices for families.
Years with the worst performance: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2014
There were a few issues with the first-generation Acadia. We’re talking about electrical issues, engine problems, engine powertrain issues, and steering problems. In this generation, we’ve labeled 2007 as the year to avoid, followed by 2008 and 2009.
Leaky sunroofs triggered electrical issues, including transmission slipping and lurching, power steering assistance freezing, and power steering assist failing at low speeds.
As a result of the recent recalls, heated windshield washer modules have malfunctioned, windshields have decided to take vacation, and indicators on the transmission shift lever have not worked properly.
Some bumps were also encountered with the 2014 model. It had a number of electrical system problems, transmission problems, and power steering problems. Electrical malfunctions and fuel gauges with reliability issues were addressed by recalls due to contamination in the chassis electronic module.
Do you want the real deal?
Here is a list of recalls and grievances for the GMC Acadia from 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2014.
GMC Acadia 2nd Generation Years Of Good & Bad (2017-2023)
A lot of changes were made to the stage in 2017, Acadia’s second act. Compared to previous generations, this generation is nimbler, offers more engine options, and has a better safety record.
It’s a good idea to think twice about 2017 in this generation. You wanna know who the stars are? I’m talking about 2019 and 2021-2023.
2019-2021-2022-2023 are the best years
Acadia’s second generation is most likely to arrive in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023 according to our research.
For 2019, buyers had two options: the 2.5L LCV four-cylinder engine for fuel-saving or the 3.6L LGX V6 engine for greater power. Both were equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions 6T50 and 6T70. With 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, the V6 provided quick acceleration and powerful towing performance.
A few refined goodies were also on offer this year. The infotainment system received a substantial upgrade, including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
The V6 engine remained a popular choice for power and performance in the 2021, 2022, and 2023 models. A new infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless connectivity made its appearance in these years, with contemporary styling updates and tech improvements.
A high priority was placed on driver safety, with the availability of sophisticated features to aid the driver.
2018 and 2020: Neutral Years
Acadia’s 2018 model maintained a consistent level of engine options and safety features from previous years. It kept its spot as a reliable family sled thanks to its snug, roomy interior.
However, there were a few obstacles to overcome with the 2020 model. As a result, the rearview camera and starting/stop accumulator were recalled due to issues with rearview cameras going on strike and missing bolts.
2017: The Worst Year
During 2017, the first year of the Acadia’s second generation, the vehicle struggled to launch. Electricity and transmission were among the obstacles it faced. Consider the more reliable 2018 and 2019 versions of the Acadia instead of the 2017 model if you’re shopping for one.
Many 2017 Acadia owners had reported intermittent “Shift to Park” messages, preventing them from shutting off their vehicles. In some cases, the transmission jerked and the gears slipped.
It is the 2017 Acadia that should be avoided in this generation even though these kinks will be ironed out in future years.
Want to know more?
You can check out the 2017 recalls and issues with GMC Acadia by NHTSA here.
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Conclusion
You have it – a clear indication of the model years of the GMC Acadia that excel in terms of reliability. Are you looking for a safe bet? You should choose the 2013 models, 2015 models, 2016, 2019 models, 2022 models, and 2023 models. How about those problematic models from 2007 through 2009, 2014, and 2017? Avoid this at all costs.
Do you remember the best or worst year for Acadia?
