2017 GMC Acadia Limited Review
2017 GMC Acadia Limited Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byMark Takahashi
Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Pros
- Ride quality is smooth and compliant over most road surfaces
- Plenty of cargo capacity, even with the third row in place
- Seating for up to eight passengers
- Top crash test scores
Cons
- Can feel slow and cumbersome from behind the wheel
- Infotainment and climate controls are small and sometimes finicky
What’s new
This first-generation Limited model is being sold alongside the redesigned 2017 Acadia. The Limited is only available in a single trim level with almost all available features as standard equipment.
Vehicle overview
There's an all-new 2017 GMC Acadia that's been completely redesigned, but this isn't it. No, this is the 2017 GMC Acadia Limited, which is a carryover of the first-generation model that debuted a decade ago.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 GMC Acadia Limited 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$242/mo for Acadia Limited Base
Acadia Limited Base
vs
$204/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
The new model is aiming for a slightly different customer, so there are a few reasons to consider the older model over its more modern sibling. The most significant reason is space, as the Limited is quite a bit larger inside and out. It can seat up to eight passengers, with enough room in the third row to accommodate two adults, which is a rarity in the class. Cargo capacity is also very generous, approaching the space you'd find in a minivan. The newer Acadia maxes out at seven passengers, with much smaller rear seats and less cargo space.
Of course, you won't benefit from the latest technology and aforementioned traits of the redesigned Acadia, but you'd be hard-pressed to match the interior volume of the Acadia Limited. In addition to the all-new 2017 GMC Acadia, the strongest alternatives include the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, both of which earned A ratings from Edmunds. B-rated competitors such as the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Santa Fe are also worth consideration.
Standard safety features for the 2017 GMC Acadia Limited include antilock brakes, stability/traction control, an airbag between the driver and front passenger, full-length side curtain airbags, a rearview camera, OnStar emergency telematics and rear parking sensors. Advanced warning systems such as frontal collision, lane departure, blind-zone and rear cross-traffic are also included.
In government crash tests, the 2017 Acadia Limited was awarded five out of five stars for overall, frontal and side protection and four stars for rollover protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the mechanically identical 2016 Acadia its highest rating of "Good" for moderate frontal-overlap and side-impact protection, roof strength and head restraints.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
If the smaller size of the recently redesigned 2017 GMC Acadia makes a tight squeeze for your family, consider the Acadia Limited. It's the previous-generation model that's capable of swallowing plenty of people and cargo.
Driving
There's simply no way to get around the fact that the 2017 GMC Acadia Limited is a big SUV. That point is driven home in tight urban settings and when trying to maneuver into small parking spots — the Acadia Limited feels cumbersome. Power from the V6 engine is adequate when getting up to highway speeds, but it does feel labored when attempting to pass slower traffic, especially when loaded with people and cargo. As a people hauler, however, the Acadia Limited remains a strong choice for its smooth ride and quiet cabin.
Interior
As a carryover of the last-generation model, the 2017 GMC Acadia Limited doesn't benefit from the improvement found in the redesigned, albeit smaller, Acadia. Despite this, the Limited's interior remains attractive with decent materials and build quality. Thick roof pillars limit rear visibility, forcing heavy reliance on the standard rearview camera and parking sensors, but this is typical for most three-row SUVs.
Generally, in-car technology is quicker to show age than the rest of the vehicle, and the Acadia Limited makes this readily apparent. Compared to newer systems, the IntelliLink infotainment interface is small and responds slower, but its menus are intuitive. If you want more advanced features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you'll have to go with the new Acadia.
Front and second-row passengers will enjoy an abundance of headroom, and the third row can accommodate two adults in relative comfort, though they're really intended for smaller folks. Accessing the rearmost seats is made easier thanks to second-row seats that slide farther forward than most competitors.
Cargo capacity also gets high marks, which gives the Acadia Limited an edge over its redesigned successor. Up to 24.1 cubic feet of luggage space is available behind the third-row seats, expanding to 70.1 cubic feet when stowed. With the second- and third-row seats folded, up to 116.1 cubic feet is available. If you need more than that, a minivan is the way to go.
2017 GMC Acadia Limited models
The 2017 GMC Acadia Limited is a carryover of the first-generation Acadia that will be sold alongside the redesigned second-generation Acadia. This three-row seven-passenger Acadia Limited will be available in one well-appointed trim level with the choice of front- or all-wheel drive.
Standard features include 20-inch wheels, automatic xenon headlights, LED running lights, foglights, heated and power-folding mirrors, roof rails, a power liftgate, keyless entry with remote ignition, rear parking sensors and cruise control. Frontal collision, lane departure, blind-zone and rear cross-traffic alerts are also included.
Inside, standard features include a head-up display, tri-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirror, a heated tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated eight-way, power-adjustable front seats with driver-seat memory functions, sliding and reclining second-row captain's chairs, interior ambient lighting, OnStar telematics, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a universal garage door opener, a rearview camera, a 6.5-inch touchscreen with the IntelliLink infotainment system, a navigation system and a 10-speaker Bose audio system with satellite radio, three USB ports, and rear audio controls with headphone jacks.
Options are few and include a dual-pane sunroof, towing package, a 60/40-split folding second-row bench that increases passenger capacity to eight, a rear entertainment system with a 6.5-inch drop-down screen and a 120-volt household power outlet.
The 2017 GMC Acadia Limited is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 281 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission sends power to either the front wheels or all four wheels. Properly equipped, the Acadia Limited can tow up to 5,200 pounds.
In Edmunds testing, a mechanically similar all-wheel-drive Chevrolet Traverse accelerated to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, which is slightly slower than average for the class. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 18 mpg combined (15 city/22 highway) for the front-drive Acadia Limited and 17 mpg combined for the all-wheel-drive model. These figures are about average for the class.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#12 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the GMC Acadia Limited from 2008-2022.$610/yr
vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.65x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).14.2%
vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 GMC Acadia Limited.
5 star(64%)
4 star(27%)
3 star(9%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
11 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Still love my Acadia
KAREN miller, 07/12/2017
2017 GMC Acadia Limited 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Still love this car only thing is we are having problems keeping the back of the SUV cool enough for our two dogs. We've brought it in several times regarding AC issues - seems to be the one thing about this car that is hard to resolve. Front AC works great except for an occasional musty smell that occurs.
5 out of 5 stars
A Great Vehicle at an astounding price!
Neil Birchler, 06/01/2017
2017 GMC Acadia Limited 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
I owned a 2014 Acadia Denali before, but after purchasing the 2017 Acadia Limited, I find it to be every bit as good, if not better than it's predecessor. The only thing I miss is the power tilt and telescope steering wheel. But the manually adjusted function in the 2017 Limited is easy to adjust and I'm sure it will not be any problem in the near future. The up grades to the 2017 … Limited are really amazing. Wish they would have been available in the 2014 Denali, but that is the difference in 3 years of technology upgrades. I prefer the size of the Limited , as opposed to the new smaller 2017 Acadia. My wife and I just purchased our new Limited in March and drove to St Louis and back to Vero Beach, FL averaging 23 mpg. We are pleased!
After driving the Acadia Limited for 3 years now, my wife and I are both very happy with the Acadia Limited's size, and preformance. It is hands down the best car we have ever owned.
5 out of 5 stars
My second Acadia
Dave J., 10/22/2016
2017 GMC Acadia Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
Loved my '08 Acadia and I felt no need to change horses when it came time for replacement. So far, I have driven this only in good weather, so I can't comment at all on rain/snow driving. This model seems noticeably quieter than my 08, and seems a bit more peppy. Driving is smooth, I can't think of a thing to criticize in a major way but I have some quibbles. The Infotainment system may … have some improvements over my old system, but it doesn't seem as intuitive. For one thing, I can't figure out how to mark the location where I am sitting and if it's in the manual, show me where! The feature was drop-dead easy in my old Acadia. The manual by the way, is poorly thought out and lacking detail. The electronics are great! Blind spot alert feature is very helpful and a must-have. Backup camera as well. Color we chose was Sparkling silver and it's gorgeous!
4 out of 5 stars
Last Year for the Acadia Limited
Gregor, 10/15/2017
2017 GMC Acadia Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
GMC has a great SUV with the Larger Acadia Limited. This is the 4th Acadia we purchased in our family. We had 3, 2014, my wife and two daughters. Love the vehicle. Great for hauling around our 4 grandsons, car seats fit great in the second row and large cargo space for strollers and all the stuff that goes with infants and toddlers. Not sure why GM decided to shrink the size down to … that of a Ford Exployer other than maybe the Acadia had knocked the heck out of the Yukon and Tahoe sales. The older Acadias and the 2017 Acadia limited (same as older ones) had as much cargo space as the Yukon, 5000 pound towing, better fuel economy, easier to park and about $20,000 less. This being the last year they will make the larger Acadia is why we sold the 2014 and purchased the 2017. Hopefully this one will last for 10 plus years. I drive a Yukon XL Denali which is great for towing and hauling, but the Acadia is a great family SUV for trips to the mall, grocery and short trips.
2017 Acadia Limited Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $43,850 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $242/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 24.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Acadia Limited include:
- Back-up camera
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane Departure Warning
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover16.9%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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