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Used 2013 GMC Acadia Consumer Reviews

3.4 out of 5 stars
70 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2013 Acadia, so we've included reviews for other years of the Acadia since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
3.75 out of 5 stars

2012 Acadia SLT 1, AWD

lltautomobile, 12/20/2012
2012 GMC Acadia SLT-1 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

I've now put 9,000 miles on the car after driving it for 9 months. Its performance is adequate, but can seem sluggish if you really need to accelerate quickly. MPG is below advertised at 19 highway and 15-17 in town. I do have the AWD so perhaps this is why. However my parents have the FWD version and they get 17-18/20-21 mpg which is also below advertised. My SLT 1 has heated front seats, but the passenger seat can only move front and back with manual lumbar support- it is obviously inferior to the driver seat, so if you plan on spending any time in the passenger seat, look to upgrade it.

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5 out of 5 stars

Acadias are the BEST!

jholmes46219, 08/04/2012
2012 GMC Acadia Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

I recently traded my 2009 Acadia SLT2 with over 120,000 miles for a new 2012 Denali. I only traded the '09 because of the number of miles and the attractive trade deal available. I loved the old one and like the new one even better. The mileage has averaged in the 18-19 mpg range overall. I have hauled as much as 1,000 lbs and only felt a small amount of rear sway. My only real complaint is that front headlights can only be accessec through the front wheel wells. This is the best all around vehicle I have owned!

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3 out of 5 stars

Worst "Denali" ever

drakers, 06/28/2013
updated 06/28/2016
2013 GMC Acadia Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
18 of 43 people found this review helpful

I have purchased more than my share of vehicles from GMC, Pontiac, Jaguar, BMW, and Cadillac. I have determined that there are two automobiles that I have purchased new and wish I never did. One was a 2007 Jaguar XK (it was a new model of their high performance car) and the other is this Acadia “Denali. ”The first thing to break on the Acadia was the cheap or improper installation of the rubber pad on the foot actuated emergency brake. Then the Roof leaked due to improper installation...little things either break off or were improperly installed. Terrible QC at factory. Sluggish motor that cuts out frequently. I was asked for an update. We no longer own the vehicle and traded (at a loss) on a GMC Yukon which we love.

Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
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2 out of 5 stars

Nice appearance but ownership cost disaster

TC Bode, 04/04/2017
updated 10/06/2017
2013 GMC Acadia SLT-1 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
5 of 11 people found this review helpful

Expect to have a high cost repair while owning this vehicle. There is a reason other car manufacturers have better warranties, they are confident in their cars performance. GMC is confident in their cars having issues soon after the warranty expires. Update: I recently sold this car as I was disappointed in the rising cost associated with repairs. Purchased a QX60 Infiniti to replace vehicle.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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3.5 out of 5 stars

Not worthy of the Denali name

mustangchief, 02/14/2013
2013 GMC Acadia Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
26 of 64 people found this review helpful

Downsizing from driving Yukon XL Denalis since 2003, I was excited to see the Denali trim in the medium sized Acadia. I tossed between the Benz 350, Nissan Pathfinder, Infiniti XJ and the Acadia. My Yukons never let me down, so I was a little bias'd toward the GMC line. The Acadia is a very nice looking cross-over, but as they say beauty is only skin deep. I have driven it 1000 miles and all I can say is shame on you GMC. It looks Denali worthy coming up very short when you look past the exterior shine. I would give the car high marks if it were not in the Denali line.

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4 out of 5 stars

Car #2 Great Review

Paul Harlin, 02/02/2016
2012 GMC Acadia SL 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful

Make sure you have built in navigation. Denali model gives a better ride if you can afford the up grade.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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3.38 out of 5 stars

Buyers Remorse

jerrim, 02/29/2012
2012 GMC Acadia Denali 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
10 of 25 people found this review helpful

When it was time to trade in our minivan, I began looking at crossovers. It appeared that the Acadia could not be beat for features, styling, and gas mileage. It did not take long for me to have buyers remorse. It has not come close to meeting the advertised mpg. I do the majority of my driving in the city and only get between 12-14 mpg! I have never gotten above 17.5 mpg on a highway roadtrip. This car has much less cargo space than my minivan and no storage room in the front other than the passenger seat for a purse, book, etc. The nav system has been unreliable. It looks pretty but does not meet the needs of our family. It has less than 10,000 miles and I'm ready to trade it in.

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5 out of 5 stars

I WOULDN,T HAVE TO THINK TWICE ABOUT IT !!!!

Ronald Knettel, 06/26/2016
2012 GMC Acadia SL 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful

I wouldn't have to think twice about buying this Acadia again. I would absolutely buy this Acadia again. It has been a pleasure to own and drive - plus it has great up to date design.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

McKnight’s car

Marilyn , 07/28/2022
2012 GMC Acadia Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful

This, for me!, Is the best vehicle I’ve had, EVER. And I’ve had a few. I absolutely love this one. I’d recommend it to anyone that’s looking for a great family car. It’s been fantastic for ours.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

Acadia is a great family vehicle

toxner, 08/24/2011
2012 GMC Acadia SLT-1 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
35 of 104 people found this review helpful

I rate this vehicle very high. It is a joy to drive and it is very comfortable for the family to travel in. To me it is very responsive and drives really nicely. It is a bigger SUV but the room inside is amazing. I love the styling and look of the vehicle.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Glove compartment light

Gerald Roy Longbottom, 03/04/2015
2013 GMC Acadia SLE-2 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
4 of 11 people found this review helpful

Is it even possible that in 2013 a vehicle can come with no light in the glove compartment. Could this be a factory omission or cost-cutting. I need a flashlight at night or I must to exercise my sense of touch!

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1 out of 5 stars

VERY DISAPPOINTING VEHICLE!

Brooke, 12/12/2019
2012 GMC Acadia SLT-1 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

With less than 21,000 miles on this car, I had a problem getting the shift in park and was unable to turn the vehicle off. Repairs were approximately $500. One year later, the same problem occurred for another $500. Now (another year later with 21,000 miles), my all wheel drive & stabilitrack went belly up. I really loved the look and style of this vehicle and having the benefit of a third row. I had seriously thought about trading this vehicle in for another Acadia, but after reading all the problems, I may have to think twice about it. I have not yet brought my vehicle in to evaluate cost to repair all wheel drive because of recent extended hospital stays and rehab. Will find out cost to repair next week. I am sick about this! No vehicle with 21,000 miles should be having these problems!

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5 out of 5 stars

Much better than expected

GMC fan, 03/20/2023
2013 GMC Acadia Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I purchased the white diamond new from showroom floor in 2013. I never drive a vehicle over 3 years, 10-years 120,000 miles later I’m very impressed very nice ride and comfortable quality better than expected cross traffic alert 35k and 112k 1 under warranty that’s it anything else all routine maintenance brake pads 75k and oil changes every 5k no complaints very nice job by GM

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2 out of 5 stars

Beware

Kryssy, 11/05/2023
2013 GMC Acadia SLE-2 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I gave it two stars because at first glance this car is the full package , i mean rear backup camera, automatic trunk , the whole shabangz . You’d think it was pretty safe too considering it’s size and specs , that is until it shuts off on you while you’re driving a busy busy Main Street or highway. You gotta know how to stop a powerless car and throw those hazards on FAST because if not, you’re toast . I have a two year old daughter. That drives with me everywhere . No mechanic knows what to do, every forum I’ve read mentions the same issue but absolutely no fix. Unsafe unsafe and just a money pit . Don’t even do it

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

Great SUV with some flaws

Max, 06/02/2024
2013 GMC Acadia SLT-1 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Overall I love our Acadia. It’s nice and roomy while it does feel a bit underpowered, the large benefit is the how it actually accelerates faster than at it feels. The main issue is the that they didn’t beef up the engine/transmission, otherwise it would be a great car. The maintenance costs are very high. If buying a used one and taking it to a repair shop, plan 2k a year for repairs. Mainly minor items, but still annoyances. The largest gripe is the captain seats, having many hinges to keep greased. Overall I won’t sell it, due to the space it brings. I wouldn’t own one as a sole car though.

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3 out of 5 stars

Beautiful truck but consistent problems

Maybeshouldhaveboughtaford, 10/27/2020
2013 GMC Acadia Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful

While I LOVE the look and features of my Acadia Denali it always seems to have a problem. Mostly electrical. It’s been in the shop a few times already for the same issues. Traction control ABS turns off. service stabilitrak and airbag memos. And runs like crap; shaking like it has bad gas. Which it does not. Don’t know if this is a common problem but I’m very disappointed since I again LOVE the look and features of my vehicle.

Safety
2 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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2.25 out of 5 stars

Mileage is a Joke!

jftripp, 07/25/2011
2012 GMC Acadia SLT-2 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
42 of 176 people found this review helpful

This vehicle was sold with EPA estimate of 17 city and 22 highway. We have about 10,000 miles on the vehicle, and are averaging around 14 or 15 city (have never gotten close to 17), and have yet to get over 19 MPG on the highway. Don't believe the EPA estimates on this vehicle! In addition, on the highway, it's under-powered. If you have cruise set at 75, it will slow down to around 70 before it downshifts. This results in a constant "leap frog" with other vehicles on the highway. Looks decent, but other than that, I regret this purchase.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great car

jeroldh, 12/15/2012
2013 GMC Acadia SLE-1 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
23 of 105 people found this review helpful

I've had my 2013 Acadia for about 4 weeks. Great car. Very comfortable and easy to drive. Intell-link easy to use with very short learning curve. Gas milage is slightly better than advertised. Much better looking than the previous Acadia. I would recommend this car to anyone!

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1 out of 5 stars

Not good🫢

Val, 12/29/2023
2013 GMC Acadia Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Got the car brand new and it was good but the next time I used it it wasn’t working well I spent so much money for it to get fixed the stirring wheel was tough to use and always makes weird nosies DONT BUY ONE PLSS

Safety
2 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
2 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great drive

Meg, 08/01/2022
2012 GMC Acadia SL 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

This was much more comfortable to drive than I expected. It handles well and the seat can be raised so it is comfortable even for us short folks

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