Used 2021 GMC Acadia Consumer Reviews
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2021 Acadia Denali AWD... Likes and dislikes
Rudy, 01/13/2021
updated 07/21/2023
2021 GMC Acadia Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
127 of 135 people found this review helpful
Likes: Looks great, Powerful V6, very smooth transmission, solid braking, adjustable heads up display is great, plush comfortable ride on long trips, plenty of room for adults in 2nd row bucket seats, easy to navigate and personalize electronics, many safety features, defeat switch to disable stop/start feature, hidden tow hitch. Outside of the few minor personal dislikes listed below, this is a really nice vehicle, and so far I am very happy with it. Dislikes: No audible warning from blind spot monitor when using turn signal to change lanes. Loud wind noise at highway speed when roof rack cross rails are installed. Additional monthly fees for "MyGMC" internet app. The optional integrated cargo mats don't fold well, and can be frustrating when raising 3rd row seats. The right and left instrument panel clusters are designed differently than the center cluster and the outboard halves of both can be difficult to see clearly when bright sunlight is coming through the driver's window.
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2021 GMC Acadia Denali
Acadia Ohio, 04/27/2021
2021 GMC Acadia Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
51 of 55 people found this review helpful
Having bought two new Acadia Denali's prior to the 2021 model, we felt this purchase was a "no brainer"; however, nothing could be farther from the truth. We purchased the vehicle in January of 2021, and within 2,000 miles, it needed a new transmission. After getting it back from a week at the dealer, the sensor system started acting up and the vehicle started to smoke. We brought it back to the dealer, and it was determined the engine block was porous per a GM service bulletin, and the entire engine needed to be replaced. It has been three (3) weeks and the vehicle remains at the dealer. We are a loyal GM family, but not are very scared of this vehicle and have requested a refund. Waiting to hear from the dealer. On a positive note, the dealership was attentive and emphathetic......
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2021 GMC Acadia for sale near you
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MAJOR Transmission Problems
Heather , 05/24/2021
2021 GMC Acadia SLE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 9A)
73 of 80 people found this review helpful
We bought a brand new 2021 GMC Acadia SLE on May 1st. It was so new that it only had 4 miles on it when we left the car lot. I drove it the first week and all was fine. Fast forward to May 8th, with 519 miles on the car, and all of a sudden, my car starts shaking and had to be towed to a dealer. The dealer said it needed a new transmission and supposedly fixed it, so I got the car back on May 18th with 527 miles on it. Today, May 23rd, I got in my car again and didn’t even get a mile away from my house when my car started shaking again and alerting me the transmission and engine needs services immediately. I called another tow truck and it’s now sitting at the dealer and we will have to see what they say tomorrow morning since it’s a Sunday. Since purchasing the car on May 1st, I’ve had it to drive about 10 days and it has been at a shop basically 11 days including today. We traded in a 2016 Mazda CX-5 to have more room for our growing family and we never had any issues with it. Wishing we kept the Mazda because this has been a headache. This car has major issues for it to happen to us twice in a 3 week span. We also overheard someone at the dealership service department say ours was the 2nd Acadia to have this issue. BUYER BEWARE
1800 miles and transmission needs replaced
Jim C, 03/13/2021
2021 GMC Acadia AT4 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
85 of 95 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 2021 GMC Acadia SLT on December 30th 2020. On March 11th (70 days and 1800 miles into my ownership) the vehicle lurched forward and the check engine light came on. I'm being told by the dealer it is a stuck valve problem that GM is aware of and put out a paper on. The transmission needs replaced. Now nobody can answer whether I'll get a new or remanufactured transmission. I obviously am disgusted this would happen to a brand new vehicle. I would expect GM to put a new transmission in not remanufactured.
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STAY AWAY!!!!!
Last GMC EVER, 06/02/2021
2021 GMC Acadia AT4 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
20 of 22 people found this review helpful
Transmission issues from 100 miles on. They put a new trans in at 895 miles. Now at 1050 miles more transmission problems. Been in shop 3 times since April.
Top End SUV. The sleeper among the competitors
David S. from Colorado , 12/17/2020
2021 GMC Acadia SLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
55 of 64 people found this review helpful
After researching SUV’s ( yes, we looked at the Telluride which is being priced way too much or MSRP) Nothing beats the Acadia in my opinion. The ride is smooth, the combination of the 3.6 L V6 engine with the 9 speed transmission is flawless, with a 6.1 second 0-60! The AWD , Led interior and exterior lights plus other features in the SLE are items which the Telluride would command a much higher price. Very satisfied with our purchase. But one you won’t regret it. On another note, odd that the SLE trim options for the review doesn’t have the 3.6L listed.... wrong!
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Smooth rider
Edward Zielinski , 12/15/2020
2021 GMC Acadia AT4 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
22 of 25 people found this review helpful
Great car for highway driving with excellent gas mileage.
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Watch out!!
Chad, 04/17/2021
2021 GMC Acadia Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
30 of 36 people found this review helpful
Transmission problems from the start and leaking oil that they can't find. GMC is the worst to backup their products
Excellent SUV
LI Grandpa, 07/11/2021
updated 07/12/2022
2021 GMC Acadia Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought with Ultimate Package which includes adaptive ride control. A quiet, excellent riding vehicle. Great acceleration and loads of safety features. Runs on regular gas. Very comfortable interior with lots of room for a big guy.
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2021 Acadia AT4
Matt, 09/29/2021
2021 GMC Acadia AT4 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
The ride is absolutely fantastic. The engine is wonderful too. I've had two previous vehicles that have had small turbo engines in them and hated them. So glad to have this V6! The interior is very spacious too. I love having all the knobs back too. My last car was one giant tablet screen and it was so frustrating flipping around while driving. I definitely made the right choice in this vehicle.
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It Ain't A Jeep!
Danny Roberts, 02/28/2021
2021 GMC Acadia Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
33 of 42 people found this review helpful
Purchased a 2021 GMC Acadia Denali Model in February. While returning to my home in South Carolina, just north of Gainesville Fl driving on I 75 at 75 MPH, vehicle went from high gear to low. This caused vehicle to swerve radically and came to a sudden stop! The vehicle only driven for 704 miles. Transmission completely destroyed! Vehicle had to be towed to dealership in Gainesville were it remained for two weeks while new transmission was installed. I traded in my Jeep Cherokee which I had purchased new and had 176,000 miles with no major problems! I do not feel safe in this vehicle! I am afraid this could happen again and there could be injuries or even loss of life. Wish I had kept the Jeep!
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Drives better than others but bad reliability
Steven, 10/19/2021
2021 GMC Acadia Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
The V6 transmissions fail. Our 2018 Acadia at 30k miles and then our 2021 at 4k miles. With the adaptive suspension option, it drives better than other SUVs. A little sportier but just more connected to the road. Interior is good but showing some age. Very comfortable and spacious. V6 is more than needed.
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Other better options for 60k
K705, 02/07/2022
2021 GMC Acadia AT4 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
Bought 2021 acadia AT4 in September. Traded in my 2018 Sierra for a more practical family vehicle. I originally was looking for an SLE elevation edition, but ended up with an AT4 as supply was an issue. Was more money than I wanted to spend but I figured buying a top trim level vehicle would be nice for a change. Big mistake. Poor gas mileage....worse then my 5.3l v8 sierra. Rattling doors with music and bumpy roads, makes the upgraded bose stereo system not worth the extra cost. Buggy infotainment system constantly connects and disconnects between wife's phone and my phone.....sometimes volume stops working and everything needs to be restarted to function properly...power down phone, power down vehicle... Worst of all the black chrome trim has all flaked and peeled off every trim piece of the vehicle and has been in the process of warrenty coverage since November. Only to be replaced by more black chrome that will most definitly do the same thing. GM will not replace with black painted pieces instead.... its really bad, and started at 3 months of ownership and 7000km of very easy driving. The vehicle does drive nice, has lots of features but I don't see the value at all. Other gripes are for 55k should have leather...nope that's another 4k option. Also only the most premium option comes with the nice guage cluster. Mine is an AT4 with almost every option available except leather but I still get the basic guages. The push button shifters are.....different... The gear lockout or +/- are placed all the way over near the passenger seat which makes them pretty much useless. The sunroof rattles when open... The at4 is supposed to be more geared towards offroad but I still payed an extra $800 to put a leveling kit in it to lift the front end for some better ground clearance. Very low for an SUV crossover. I requested the factory tow package and have towed a small trailer a few times. The camera features are nice and I do like 👍. The cabin in pretty roomy and suits my needs. All in its okay.... I will probably get rid of it as soon as I am able to. Not horrible. Not great. Not worth 60k.
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Don’t waste your money
Steph, 05/15/2022
2021 GMC Acadia AT4 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
12 of 15 people found this review helpful
2021, not even a year old and back up camera doesn’t work, check engine light random goes on and dealership keeps giving it back saying they can’t find the issue. Abs goes off, steering warning, even on a calm day the day feels like it’s being blown by wind. Hate this car. Worst 50k I spent.
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Love the Acadia!
Kmaup , 07/22/2021
2021 GMC Acadia SLT 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I didn’t want a huge SUV. The Acadias are the perfect size with 3rd row seating. I love all the new technology and gadgets in them!
Great SUV!!
Bill M, 03/02/2022
2021 GMC Acadia SLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I've had this SUV for 10 months now with about 9000 miles. One of the best riding vehicles I've ever owned (I've owned over 20 vehicles). I have the 2.0 Turbo engine which has plenty of power and great gas mileage. On a trip to Ocean City traveling at about 70mph for about 500 miles I average over 34 mpg. Transmission shifts smoothly. Vehicle is excellent during winter driving (live in the Western New York snow belt area).
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Dangerous Cruise Control/Braking issue
David Garrison, 06/23/2021
2021 GMC Acadia Denali 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
9 of 12 people found this review helpful
When driving in Adaptive Cruise control, if you are on a curve or if a car in the right lane is going slower than you are, the Car will apply Brakes and bring you to the speed of the slow car. I have had it go from 75 to 50 almost immediately. also, when slowing up for a speed zone, you must not hold down the - reduce button on the cruise control. It will drop in 5 mph increments before you can release the button causing the Brakes to apply suddenly. Brakes are also very noisy....My Acadia has 5400 miles and sounds like the brake pads are worn out. Dealer says it is normall.
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The Best Car I ever Bought!
Simon, 07/25/2021
2021 GMC Acadia AT4 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I just acquired a 2021 GM Acadian AT4 and there isn’t a single feature I don’t like in the car. It is peppy, it has multiple mode options, a fantastic interior and entertainment system, great towing capability, smooth ride, comfortable ac system, beautiful double moonroof, etc., this car is amazing! I really thank GM for making me feel good every day!
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So far all is good.
Jay P., 05/07/2021
2021 GMC Acadia SLT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
With 600 plus miles, so far we like this vehicle. After reading about the transmission problems it makes me a little apprehensive. Just this morning wife called and said there was jerk in the trans shifting. I hope it's just her getting use to the front wheel drive. Time will tell.
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Not worth the money
Upset buyer, 05/08/2021
2021 GMC Acadia Denali 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
9 of 14 people found this review helpful
I just leased for the first time my 2021 GMC Acadia Denali and thankfully we leased!! In February os when we got it and have had issues with SD card not functioning properly the sunroof has went off track and that's in the shop currently to be replaced and now I'm having a loud noise coming from the left wheel well of the car brakes for no reason terrible decision to switch to GMC. Frustrating!!!
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So far....perfect
Its Jon with no H, 06/26/2021
2021 GMC Acadia SLT 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I only have 700 miles on.my 2021 acadia SLT but it's a very smooth ride, decent pickup for a 4 cylinder turbo, great gas mileage. I have the elevation package with all the black accents and black 20" wheels, it looks great. Love the truck looking front end. My only gripe is the touch screen area looks dated compared to others. It's "only" 8" even, most competitors are 10" or bigger. And the trim around it is bulky.
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Best I've Owned
JJ , 04/23/2023
2021 GMC Acadia Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
MPG is about the only thing I don't like, but it's 4wd!
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rekstp
rekstp, 03/11/2021
updated 09/22/2022
2021 GMC Acadia SLT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
After 3K plus miles, no complaints. Have an SLT w/V-6 plus 9 speed. Mine came w/o heated steering wheel, wish I had thru our recent cold spell.Quiet, nice to drive. Now have 6K. Found that the jack and lug wrench w/vehicle are basically useless if you were to need to install the "donut" .Road assist needed. Rear doors now squeak upon opening. My app of WD-40 has'nt solved. Been told by dealer that I must leave vehicle when I bring in for 1st oil change that the radio needs updating? Not sure what that means. .
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Love my Acadia but…
Alexandra Ford, 07/07/2022
2021 GMC Acadia SLT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
3 of 9 people found this review helpful
I love ALMOST everything about my Acadia. My only real complaint is that I can’t leave it idling for long. You see I do a lot of driving across the country. I like to nap at rest stops but that’s almost impossible to do with this Acadia. The reason… GMC quietly put in Keyless Engine Shut Off. This means that the vehicle shuts down after about 45 minutes of idling with me and the key in it. With the key out of it it’s about 15 minutes. This isn’t an issue in the winter but in the summer it’s a major issue! It gets hot in the vehicle FAST! I didn’t buy a $50k vehicle to be told how long I can let it idle! There should be a way to shut this off for people who travel but I have yet to find a work around! I of course wasn’t made aware of this when I bought it brand new from the dealer. Now I’m going to have to trade it in as soon as possible for something without this feature so I don’t have to keep paying for hotels that I only stay at for a few hours.
Big SUV with great handling
Joe Goad, 05/17/2021
2021 GMC Acadia SLE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 9A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Love the spaciousness and the feel of the drive of this SUV. Great features even on entry level models
Great
Jen , 02/01/2024
2021 GMC Acadia AT4 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wonderful car
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Early Front Camera Failure
Eddie M. Lubbock, Texas, 09/24/2024
updated 03/26/2025
2021 GMC Acadia SLT 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Barely over 18,000 miles, out of warranty, and the front camera failed. Cost was $1,080 to fix. Sometimes when braking or accelerating, the transmission makes the Acadia lurch. Not often, but annoying when it does. Bought an extended warranty in addition to the repair bill since I have totally lost faith in GM and their lack of quality. The warranty will give me another four years bumper to bumper, but what a shame to have to do this. Warranty supervisor had his salesman try to convince me to buy a Honda, telling me it's known for reliability. They sell both brands. They offered me less than half what I paid for the Acadia on a trade, due to how fast this vehicle depreciates. And the Honda is sluggish. The Acadia zooms when you ask it to. So putting that into perspective, I think investing in an extended warranty was a better option. The only way I could post this review was to select the incorrect model, as Edmunds didn't show what I actually own: the Acadia SLT 6 cylinder 3.6L turbo 2-wheel drive.
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Comfy Couch on 4 Wheels
Bryan Meister, 10/15/2024
2021 GMC Acadia Denali 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Like the title says, this vehicle is comfortable for the driver and the 6 passengers on board. As a passenger, you can take a nap or take in the ride!
Love the size and ride of the Acadia.
Ben, 04/13/2025
2021 GMC Acadia SLT 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Acadia works for general and work use—good travel vehicle with ride, room, and handling.
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Absolutely Great suv for the price.
Fred, Winnipeg canada, 05/05/2025
2021 GMC Acadia AT4 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased a 21 Acadia AT4, BRAND NEW in 21. We love it. Very comfortable ride. We've had zero issues with it n have currently 112xxxkms, love all the options. Interior is great. No noise from roof rack or any loud or stupid noises. No idea what people are reviewing these days, cuz it sure sounds like whiny folks who cry about everything. Powerful motor is very quick. Awd and the additional sport, tow. Offload and 2wd options are very nice. Awd works very well in offload situations which we have done often. We had a lift and mudflaps install. And larger tires. We love it. Couldnt be happier for 65,000$ cad. Fully loaded. Got captain seats for the rear. And the last row is exceptionally roomy. My wife and mum often sit back there to accomodate familly, while our kids take the captains chairs in their car seats.
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Happy wife happy life
Cdro Nunez, 03/03/2024
2021 GMC Acadia SL 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 9A)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
Beautiful car for a beautiful woman! Perfect size, this vehicle is good all around I'm very happy with my purchase.
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