The Good
The 2013 GMC Acadia offers a comfortable ride and spacious interior, appealing to practical buyers needing family transportation. Its V6 engine provides adequate performance. The Acadia's Denali trim offered a more luxurious feel, appealing to emotional buyers seeking a touch of sophistication in a practical SUV.
The Bad
The 2013 GMC Acadia has known issues with its timing chain, which can be expensive to repair. Some owners have reported transmission problems and issues with the air conditioning system. Premature water pump failure is also a concern. Regular maintenance is crucial to mitigate these potential problems.
2013 GMC Acadia: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: 3.6L V6
- Horsepower: 288 hp @ 6300 rpm
- Fuel Economy:
- City: 17 mpg (FWD), 16 mpg (AWD)
- Highway: 24 mpg (FWD), 23 mpg (AWD)
- 0-60 Times: Approximately 8.1 seconds
- Towing Capacity: 5,200 lbs (when properly equipped)
- Trim-Level Features:
- SLE: Standard features include cloth upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen display.
- SLT-1: Adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, remote vehicle start, and a power liftgate.
- SLT-2: Includes features like a navigation system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
- Denali: The top-of-the-line trim, featuring premium leather upholstery, wood trim, a dual-panel sunroof, and adaptive suspension for a smoother ride. It also has unique exterior styling cues.
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
All trims come standard with features such as power windows and locks, keyless entry, and a basic audio system. Higher trims offer more advanced safety and technology features. All-wheel drive is available on all trims except for some base SLE models. The Acadia provides ample cargo space, especially with the second and third-row seats folded down.
2013 GMC Acadia Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2013 |
| Make | GMC |
| Model | Acadia |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Category | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | ROANOKE |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 4850 pounds |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 6459 pounds |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | LGH - DURAMAX |
| Engine Size | 3.6L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 6-Speed |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $47,945 |
| Invoice Price | $45,548 |
| Delivery Charges | $895 |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2013 GMC Acadia Have?
Recalls for the 2013 Acadia have included issues related to the side-impact airbags and seat belt pretensioners, which could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Long-term reliability concerns also extend to water pump failure, which can cause overheating and further engine damage. Power steering problems and issues with the electronic stability control system have also been noted.
While some of these issues are common across multiple model years of the Acadia, the 2013 model appears to be particularly affected by the timing chain and air conditioning problems. Routine maintenance, including regular oil changes and inspections, is crucial for mitigating these risks. Potential buyers should thoroughly inspect the vehicle's service history and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic.
How long will the 2013 GMC Acadia last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Driver-assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available on upper trims. Safety features include standard antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, and a suite of airbags, including side curtain airbags for all three rows. Optional safety features include forward collision alert and lane departure warning.
Crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) generally awarded the 2013 Acadia with a 5-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also gave the Acadia good ratings in several crash tests. Available options included a heads-up display and a premium Bose sound system. The Acadia provides a decent array of features for its time, enhancing both safety and convenience.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2013 GMC Acadia Prices and Market Value
2013 GMC Acadia Cost of Ownership
2013 GMC Acadia Fuel Efficiency
2013 GMC Acadia Safety Rating
IIHS
2013 GMC Acadia Warranty
Basic
Drivetrain
Roadside
Rust
2013 GMC Acadia Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2013 GMC Acadia Compare to Other Sport Utility Vehicle?
The Ford Explorer offers a sportier driving experience, while the Chevrolet Traverse, built on the same platform, provides similar space and features but may be slightly more affordable. Considering reliability and overall value, the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot are arguably better alternatives. They generally offer better long-term dependability and lower maintenance costs. The Explorer is a good option for those prioritizing driving dynamics.
While the Acadia offers a compelling package, potential buyers should carefully weigh its reliability concerns against its price and features. If reliability is a top priority, the Highlander or Pilot would be a wiser choice.
Ranks #1496 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 | (5.0★) |
| 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★) |
| 1496 | 2013 GMC Acadia | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2013 GMC Acadia a Good Sport Utility Vehicle?
Regretfull buyer on January 23, 2025
I have a 2013 GMC Acadia Denali and it is the worstI have a 2013 GMC Acadia Denali and it is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. I have had over $10,000.00 of warranty work done and that includes a new transmission. The vehicle looks great and has a ton of options. Other than the motor and transmission it has been great. I have had nothing go wrong with the interior options. My issues have all been with the motor. Thank goodness for the extened warranty that I purchased. If you are looking to purchase this vehicle I would highly recommend and extended warranty, you're going to need it.
Kendra on October 31, 2020
Love my new AcadiaI love my new 2013 GMC Acadia it’s exactly what I was looking for!!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s great for my family. It is the second GMC Acadia i have owned
Brian on October 21, 2020
Thanks for the amazing vehicle and service!This vehicle is great, my wife and I couldn't be happier with keith Eaton and the folks at perkins motor plex in mayfield, ky. Made us feel welcome and right at home and easy to deal with. Anyone needing a vehicle should check them out!
Acadia man on August 26, 2020
Way better than a mini van !My Acadia is absolutely amazing and has been one of the best purchases of my life (in regards to automobiles). It is reliable, dependent, big enough to fit 6 people in the car, and actually gets decent gas mileage - especially for an SUV. It is comfortable enough and I love my moon roof!
Doug on January 20, 2020
Great Value, Roomy and ComfortableThis vehicle performed very well and met my needs. Very comfortable with nice styling and plenty of room. Perfect vehicle for the family vacation or a road trip with friends.
NatashaKS on July 20, 2019
Favorite car so far!This car exceeds my expectations! Smooth ride, plenty of room and wonderful features! I’ve owned a few SUVs, and the Acadia is by far my favorite choice!
Pam on July 1, 2019
Great vehicleFirst GMC Acadia I have ever owned. I love it. I would recommend buying this vehicle to my friends and family. The back up camera is a great feature.
NC_Seller on May 31, 2019
Tons of room!I love all the room and storage in this car. The back up camera and Bose sound system is fabulous. I’m ruined! I’ll never be able to own another car without leather interior or heated seats.
adamsfamilyfour on May 8, 2019
Expensive to fix but tons of room for a family.Excellent family vehicle! It has tons of room for kids and toys! We have taken this car on many long trips and this vehicle is sturdy and comfortable . Captains chairs in the second row make this a great car for a family as the kids can't touch each other and the third row is easy to access.
Gabbycst on May 2, 2019
Runs great just a lot of cosmetic issuesI like the car. No problems except the check air bag light has been on for a couple weeks now. Wish I got better customer service when I bought it.
Eugene S
Eugene is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. As a writer at VINCheck.info, he brings deep industry insight and a passion for cars, helping readers make smart, informed decisions. Eugene has written hundreds of used car reviews and is known for breaking down complex automotive topics into clear, actionable advice. Over the years, he has driven and worked on a wide range of vehicles—starting with tuning street cars in his early days and eventually focusing on performance upgrades and reliability improvements. Today, he specializes in evaluating used vehicles through the lens of real-world ownership and enthusiast needs. A longtime fan of Porsche, Eugene especially appreciates vehicles that blend durability with driving enjoyment.