The 2018 GMC Acadia lasts around 125,000 miles with some serious transmission and electrical issues reported. At $16,999 to $36,580, it’s cheaper than many other SUVs, but not worth the money when some issues can cost thousands to fix.
Is the 2018 GMC Acadia a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 6/10 – 2018 is a bad year for the GMC Acadia since it has a lot of mechanical problems, making it expensive to own. Owner reviews complain about transmission problems, build quality issues, and some electrical failures.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are okay for a midsize SUV, the seats are comfortable on longer trips, and cargo space is worse than the competition.
- Reliability 5/10 – There are a lot of transmission problems reported by owners. Buyers should avoid models from 2017–2018, while 2019–2022 are much more reliable choices.
- Performance 7/10 – The base four-cylinder engine is relatively weak, while the V6 offers decent power for the Acadia’s size.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Acadia is safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera and teen driver mode. Optional upgrades include lane keep assist, along with forward automatic braking.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 23 MPG, giving 460 miles of range from the 20 gallon tank. Gas costs are $5 cheaper than average, at $202 per month.
- Value 6/10 – The 2018 Acadia is cheaper than many other midsize SUVs, but rapid depreciation and high repair costs make it a bad value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the GMC Acadia?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 GMC Acadia is a reasonably practical midsize SUV, but it gets low owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Acadia at 3.6/5, enjoying the smooth ride quality, but doesn’t like the relatively basic interior, even on expensive models.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Acadia a 4.2/5, praising the choice of seating configurations, but owners don’t like the very low towing capacity.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 GMC Acadia Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 GMC Acadia include a shift to park transmission message, the battery dying suddenly, along with the wheel finish peeling off. Overall, these problems are worse than other SUVs on the market, leading to more expensive repairs as the Acadia ages.
A shift to park transmission message is the most widespread complaint from 2018 Acadia owners at around 30,000 miles. The problem is usually caused by a failed transmission control assembly, which costs over $700 to replace. There are also some owners that report the entire transmission failing, which is over $3,500 to swap out.
The battery dying suddenly is another problem mentioned by some 2018 Acadia owners within the first 20,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in the Acadia, and some of them continue to draw power even after the engine is off. Diagnosing the source of the parasitic draw costs around $100, while fixing it can cost $20 to $500.
The wheel finish peeling off has also been reported on the GMC Acadia at around 15,000 miles. The chrome finish is extremely likely to peel. Some small chips to the surface allow water and debris to get under the chrome plating, making it peel and flake off in large pieces. The only way to fix the problem is by refinishing the wheels at a cost of around $200 per wheel.
There are two recalls on the 2018 GMC Acadia, which is similar to other SUVs on the market. The first recall covers the driveshaft which may fracture, increasing the risk of a crash. GM will replace the driveshaft on affected models for free. The second recall covers the fuel pump flange, which may break and leak fuel. GMC will also replace the high pressure fuel pipe for free.
How Long Will the 2018 GMC Acadia Last?
A well-maintained 2018 GMC Acadia can last around 125,000 miles, which is much shorter than other midsize SUVs like the Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than the competition, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $574 per year.
As a used 2018 Acadia reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the window regulator motor for $300, oil pressure sensor costing $450, along with the fuel pump which costs $800.
We have had our Acadia Denali for 14 months and it has 12,000 miles. Our only issue so far was one time the rear camera malfunctioned for an unknown reason for 2 days. Then, just like that it fixed itself. Also beware the Michelin tires take nitrogen and you must go to a specialty shop or dealer to fill them.
The Acadia is very reliable. We have no noticed any problems. Everyone comments on what a great vehicle it is.
Reliable so far. It is the vehicle I transport my kids around in, and I feel safe doing that. I have had it less than a year
The vehicle is very reliable have not had any issue with the drivetrain of the vehicle or had any issues with the suspension
Very reliable no problems only maintenance on it is oil change and tire rotation and ceramic coating
No problems! The only time I have taken it in is for oil changes and tire rotations. The fob has worked extremely well and I like it instead of keys!
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good, and comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen along with a more powerful Bose stereo system.
Standard safety technology is decent, offering a rearview camera, teen driver mode to set volume and speed limits, along with rear-seat alert to check the back seats for bags or children.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Forward collision alert
- Front pedestrian braking
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Surround-view parking camera
- Lane keep assist
- Forward automatic braking
- Safety alert driver’s seat
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Blind spot monitoring
- Lane change alert
- IntelliBeam automatic high beam headlights
Is the 2018 GMC Acadia a Good Value?
No, the 2018 GMC Acadia is not a good value since there are still some mechanical problems found on them, making them expensive to own long term. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $16,999 to $36,580, making it less than a Jeep Grand Cherokee or Subaru Outback. When new, the price range was $29,000 to $47,100. Depreciation is worse than other SUVs, losing about 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the GMC Acadia?
There are four main models of the GMC Acadia offered, from the entry-level SL, to the more luxurious Denali. The Acadia comes standard with front-wheel drive while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
SL is the entry-level model with:
- Seven-passenger seating configuration and front-wheel drive.
- Limited exterior paint options (white and silver).
- 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, keyless ignition and entry.
- Tri-zone automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
- GMC’s Teen Driver system, Bluetooth, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone app integration.
- A rearview camera, OnStar (with 4G LTE and a Wi-Fi hotspot).
- A six-speaker audio system with a USB port and auxiliary input.
SLE is a step up, adding:
- Seven-passenger seating configuration and front-wheel drive.
- Limited exterior paint options (white and silver).
- 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, keyless ignition and entry.
- Tri-zone automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
- GMC’s Teen Driver system, Bluetooth, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone app integration.
- A rearview camera, OnStar (with 4G LTE and a Wi-Fi hotspot).
- A six-speaker audio system with a USB port and auxiliary input.
- SLE-1 adds LED running lights and satellite radio.
- SLE-2 adds 18-inch wheels, fog lights, a power liftgate with programmable height stops, and roof rails.
- Remote engine start, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats.
- Standard middle-row captain’s chairs, second-row bench available.
- Optional Driver Alert I package (blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors).
SLT is next in the lineup, and has:
- All SLE features.
- SLT-1 adds auto-dimming driver-side and rearview mirror, an upgraded driver information display, and a household-style power outlet.
- Leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with lumbar adjustment.
- An eight-speaker Bose audio system with a subwoofer.
- SLT-2 adds 20-inch wheels, V6 engine, a trailering package, driver-seat memory functions, and heated outboard middle-row seats.
- Driver Alert II package (lane departure warning and mitigation, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, front parking sensors, safety-alert driver seat).
- Optional 8-inch touchscreen, can be equipped with navigation.
Denali is the flagship model which has:
- All SLT features.
- Polished wheels, xenon headlights, a unique grille, a hands-free liftgate.
- 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, a configurable virtual gauge display, ventilated front seats, and an automatic heated steering wheel.
- Optional Technology package (360-degree parking camera, adaptive cruise control).
Additional Options Across Models
- All-wheel drive on all except the base SL.
- Two-panel sunroof available on SLE and above.
- All Terrain package available on SLE and SLT (V6 engine, hill descent control, more advanced all-wheel-drive system, cargo management system).
- Five-passenger seating option, replaces tri-zone climate control with dual-zone control with rear air vents.
- Special suspension with adaptive dampers optional for AWD SLT and Denali trims.
What Engines Come In the GMC Acadia?
- The base model features a 2.5L four-cylinder engine delivering 193 horsepower and 188 lb.-ft of torque while getting 23 MPG. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It can go from 0-60 mph in around 9 seconds. The towing capacity for this engine is 1,000 pounds.
- For those seeking more power, the Acadia offers an optional 3.6L V6 engine. This robust engine generates 310 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft of torque at up to 20 MPG. Like the base engine, it’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It has a slightly faster 0-60 mph time at around 6.5 seconds, and a towing capacity increased to 4,000 pounds, which is still low for an SUV.
What Colors Does the GMC Acadia Come In?
How Comfortable Is the GMC Acadia?
The 2018 GMC Acadia is known for providing a smooth and comfortable ride, earning high marks for its comfortable interior and passenger-friendly amenities. The vehicle accommodates up to seven people in its standard configuration, with an optional six-seat layout featuring second-row captain’s chairs for those seeking more space and luxury.
The seats are plush and supportive, offering a high degree of comfort even on long journeys. The front seats provide good visibility and come with standard power adjustments, which allow drivers of different sizes to find their optimal driving position. The second-row seats are spacious enough for adult passengers, while the third row, as in many SUVs, is more suitable for children or shorter trips with adults.
Beyond the seating, the Acadia provides a quiet and serene ride, thanks to its effective sound-deadening measures. Road and wind noise are kept to a minimum, creating a calm and peaceful environment within the cabin. The vehicle’s suspension is also finely tuned to absorb road imperfections, providing a smooth ride.
How Much Storage Space Does the GMC Acadia Have?
The 2018 GMC Acadia offers good space for its passengers and cargo, making it an ideal vehicle for both everyday commutes and long-distance travels. For cargo storage, the Acadia is quite versatile. It provides a total of 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third-row seat. This is enough room for a couple of small suitcases, a few grocery bags, or some school backpacks.
If you need more space, the Acadia can definitely accommodate that. By folding down the third-row seats, you can expand the cargo area to a more spacious 41.7 cubic feet. In this configuration, you’ll have enough space to fit larger items such as a bicycle, multiple large suitcases, or a medium-sized piece of furniture like a coffee table.
For the most substantial hauling tasks, the Acadia offers a maximum cargo capacity of 79 cubic feet when both the second and third rows are folded down. This expansive area can accommodate larger items, for instance, you could move a small couch, a stack of patio chairs, or even a kayak. This high degree of versatility makes the 2018 GMC Acadia a very capable SUV regarding storage and transport.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the GMC Acadia was launched for the 2017 model year.
2015: No major changes.
2016: 4G LTE WiFi hotspot is now standard on all models.
2017: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new exterior styling, interior, engines, and technology features.
2018: The All-terrain package now is available with an optional third row.
2019: No major changes from earlier years.
2020: Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine available, upgraded 9-speed transmission and a new navigation system.
2021: Elevation Edition added with black trim, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered.
How Does the GMC Acadia Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 GMC Acadia is a bad midsize SUV since it has a lot of electrical and transmission issues reported as it ages, making it one that buyers should stay away from.
The Ford Explorer is another SUV available for about $2,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Ford Explorer, while the GMC Acadia has a more upscale interior for the money. We recommend the Ford Explorer since there are fewer problems reported as they age.
The Chevy Traverse is a competitor which can be found in the same price range. There’s more space in the back of the Chevy Traverse, while the GMC Acadia offers more standard technology. We recommend the Chevy Traverse since owners have fewer complaints as they age.
Do Owners Recommend the GMC Acadia?
The 2018 GMC Acadia is an excellent vehicle. It comes with lighter-weight and all the power of the Chevrolet Traverse. The transmission shift smoothly, and with the Denali package the safety and technology is unlimited. The only downside in my opinion is the lack of cup holders in the front seating area.
Yes. It is a great family vehicle. The bucket seats make it easy to transport three kids. Would recommend to those with and without children.
Yes, I have not had any issues with it since leasing it last August. I wish it was a 7 seat instead of 6, but I am learning to adjust.
Yes very nice and drive's well, we have drove it on many vacations and had no problems it is very good on gas also gets average 26 mpg
Great vehicle super compact great navigation great color selection very good in snow has four wheel drive
Yes. I have put 11,000 miles on it in 13 months and have not had to take it in for any repairs. It is also very good on gas mileage.