The Good
The 2012 GMC Acadia offers a comfortable ride and spacious interior (appealing emotionally). Practically, it boasts decent performance from its V6 engine and available all-wheel drive. While reliability can be a concern (see weaknesses), it provides good value for families needing seating for up to eight.
The Bad
Known weaknesses of the 2012 GMC Acadia include potential issues with the timing chain, transmission, and air conditioning system. Watch for signs of these problems during inspection. High mileage examples might require significant maintenance. Overall reliability isn't the best in its class. The interior plastics can feel cheap.
2012 GMC Acadia: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: 3.6L V6
- Horsepower: 288 hp @ 6300 rpm
- Fuel Economy:
- FWD: 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
- AWD: 16 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
- 0-60 Times: Approximately 8.1 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Up to 5,200 lbs (when properly equipped)
- Trim-Level Features:
- SLE:
- Cloth upholstery
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Cruise control
- CD player with satellite radio
- Bluetooth connectivity
- SLT: (adds to SLE)
- Leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Power liftgate
- Rear parking sensors
- Remote vehicle start
- Denali: (adds to SLT)
- Unique exterior styling
- Upgraded leather upholstery
- Heated and cooled front seats
- Navigation system
- Bose sound system
- Head-Up Display
- SLE:
- Additional features available across trims (often as options):
- Sunroof
- Rear-seat entertainment system
- All-wheel drive
- Navigation system
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
The 2012 GMC Acadia provides ample features that vary based on trim level and optional packages. It is a crossover SUV designed for both comfort and utility, making it a popular choice for families.
2012 GMC Acadia Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2012 |
| Make | GMC |
| Model | Acadia |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Category | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | LANSING - DELTA TOWNSHIP |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 4656 pounds |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 6411 pounds |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | LLT |
| Engine Size | 3.6L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 6-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $35,310 |
| Invoice Price | $33,545 |
| Delivery Charges | $825 |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Listings
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2012 GMC Acadia Have?
How long will the 2012 GMC Acadia last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) gave the 2012 GMC Acadia an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) rated the Acadia as "Good" in most crash tests. Optional features, particularly on higher trims, could significantly enhance the technology and entertainment experience. The Denali trim included features like a head-up display. While not the most advanced compared to newer vehicles, the 2012 Acadia offered a respectable set of features for its time, focused on family comfort and safety.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2012 GMC Acadia Prices and Market Value
2012 GMC Acadia Cost of Ownership
2012 GMC Acadia Fuel Efficiency
2012 GMC Acadia Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
2012 GMC Acadia Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2012 GMC Acadia Compare to Other Sport Utility Vehicle?
Alternatives to consider include the Toyota Highlander, which offers superior reliability, and the Honda Pilot, known for its practicality and resale value. The Ford Explorer provides a more engaging driving experience. While the Acadia offers good space and comfort, its reliability concerns make the Highlander or Pilot potentially better choices for long-term ownership. The Chevrolet Traverse, being mechanically similar, suffers from the same reliability drawbacks but may be found at a slightly lower price.
Ranks #1523 SUV
| 1 | 2023 Toyota 4Runner | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | (5.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus GX | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | (0.0★) |
| 5 | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | (5.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW iX | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | (3.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2024 Chevrolet Trax | (5.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Audi A4 allroad | (0.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Kona N | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan ARIYA | (5.0★) |
| 1523 | 2012 GMC Acadia | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2012 GMC Acadia a Good Sport Utility Vehicle?
Daisy on August 23, 2023
A problematic car from the beginningWas very disappointed in my purchase of my used 2012 gmc Arcadia. I love how much space the inside of the car has while keeping it as a smaller suv which makes it easier to drive. Air conditioner lines in this vehicle need to be rethoughtout so consumers don't experience problems from it. Transmission issues in these vehicles are very common but seem to be ignored or overlooked.
David Myers on June 26, 2023
Good car.Bought 2012 in 2021. I have put 18,000 miles on it. Had to do brakes, CV joint, and the thermostat. Otherwise, it runs very good.
Dk Knygg on June 19, 2023
Would never buy a 2012 Acadia - too many problems.2012 Acadia- Very bad. Father of 5 Litl ones. Bought the Acadia for comfort for our family. It is roomy. Can’t keep it running. Transmission is very bad. Keeps running hot. Very nice exterior an interior. But no good to me if it doesn’t run. I can’t get to work to feed my children. Bought 2nd hand from a car dealer. Can’t just go out an buy another car. No $$$ in the till.
Disillusioned on June 12, 2023
Money PitWe bought the car used, had lot's of issues right out the gate and we had to really push hard on the dealer to fix the safety issues it had (We live in WI and safety inspection and revealing to customer issues is mandatory for dealers here). Every month something new is braking, We have sunk more money into this thing than I ever did on much older cars. Now the transmission is starting to fail and we still owe money on this pig. Also has terrible gas mileage. I have been a loyal GM guy most of my life but this has me rethinking that.
Former GM Guy on February 27, 2023
Nice until it isn'tGood looking, pretty comfortable vehicle.......until it is no longer mobile. As a Denali owner, they have many comforts that are appealing but they all break in short time. This gets expensive very quickly! The engine has plenty of power......for a few miles. This has to be the worst engine platform ever created;. Think YUGO as a quality option.
Mom of 3 Nana of 4 on May 13, 2021
Don't waste your moneyLoved this car until a year after I have had it everything is wrong with it cost more to fix it then it is worth. I have had to replace the alternator 5 times. It don't shift, oil leaks, traction control don't work, camera quit, among many other things. Not reliable especially while driving with kids and babies when the cars alternator just goes out in the cold freezing rain
KL on February 25, 2021
xxx! Waste of Money!I purchased a 2012 GMC Acadia about two years ago. It only had one owner before me, who properly maintained the vehicle, and I have properly maintained it as well since purchasing it. I am now at 120,000 miles and my timing chain needs to be replaced, cheapest quote is $3,000, and who even knows if that will fix all my issues. I bought American made thinking it would perform for a long time, but honestly, after this car (as much as I love it), the mechanical issues are WAY TOO MUCH and WAY TOO EXPENSIVE, I will NEVER buy a GMC product again. My mechanic called GM to talk to them about this timing chain issue since it seems to be an issue a lot of Acadia owners are facing around the same mileage, and they did not give two xxxxs about my issue. Poor company to deal with honestly. Guess from here on out it will be buy foreign, they obviously care about the worth of American's money more than American companies. Sad but true.
BaldyA4 on February 1, 2021
Nice SUV for Moms that need a lot of cargo spaceWe like the Acadia. It has performed well with only a few items that needed repairing. Blower fan behind the glove box. A/C refrigerant leak. Transmission shift to D from R hesitation. Wish we had opted for the AWD but the FWD has been adequate. Good styling and comfortable. Just like a lot of newer car designs, too much plastic in the engine bay. I do all my own maintenance/repairs and this SUV is not too difficult work on.
Famof6 on December 27, 2020
I was glad to get rid of itWe wanted an SUV with AWD and 3rd row seat and we thought this would be a great fit. It was absolutely not. We sank thousands of dollars in repairs to the wheels, transmission, shocks/struts, and air conditioning. Started having problems when we owned it 3 months. The alternator went out when we were on vacation and we were stuck in another city for hours to shell out several hundred dollars in repairs. Not reliable and wouldn't trust my family in this car. We just got rid of it this month and I've never been so happy to let a car go.
Acadia on December 12, 2020
Happy with itI love the size and the room I have. With 3 children space has been an issue. This vehicle fits all my needs and looks nice.
Jovan
Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.