2009 GMC Acadia Quality Review

Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com unanimously praise the efficient, comfortable interior design of the 2009 GMC Acadia, though some find fault with the materials quality in this stylish crossover.

The automotive press raves about the seating arrangement inside the new GMC Acadia, with Edmunds reporting that, "thanks to its space-efficient design, the GMC Acadia provides large-sedan-like comfort for all passengers." Edmunds adds that "a third-row seat is standard, and one may choose between seven- and eight-passenger configurations" thanks to the available middle-row captain's chairs. Up front, Consumer Guide points out there's "plenty of headroom and legroom," while "the seats are generally supportive and comfortable." That trend continues in the rear two rows, where Cars.com is pleased to find "easy-to-configure second- and third-row seats," and Consumer Guide says that "the 3rd row can accommodate six footers—though they'll ride knees up."

Cargo space is also a plus for the 2009 GMC Acadia, thanks to what Kelley Blue Book terms a "roomy, versatile" interior. Cars.com reports that "with the second- and third-row seats folded, there is 116.9 cubic feet of cargo space," which "eclipses the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9" and is even "more cargo volume with the seats down than [the] Yukon." Consumer Guide agrees, rating the 2009 GMC Acadia a perfect 10 in terms of cargo room and deeming it "is the largest among midsize SUVs," while "several bins and cubbies provide good interior storage."

Although its virtues in terms of comfort and capacity are numerous, some reviewers find that the 2009 GMC Acadia is plagued by materials quality problems. The New York Times is probably the most critical, griping that "the company's secret contract with Cheap Plastic Inc. may not be over yet: the Acadia's interior driver door handle, that critical hands-on interface between man and machine, was unpleasantly sharp and finished in bogus chrome." Consumer Guide offers a more mixed review, saying that "though there are few padded surfaces, bright accents and richly grained plastics give the interior an inviting look." Edmunds supports that opinion, finding that the Acadia offers "mostly solid materials and build quality, though a few lower-grade plastic pieces can still be found." In terms of construction, Consumer Guide remarks that "build quality has been good."

One area where the 2009 GMC Acadia earns a bit of unexpected praise is in terms of cabin noise. In this respect, Consumer Guide says that there is "little road rumble, though the 19-inch tires thump slightly over bumps. Wind noise is low, with only a muted whistle from the outside mirrors at highway speeds" while the "Acadia's quiet, refined engine growls pleasantly under brisk acceleration."

Ride quality for the Acadia is also lauded. According to The Orlando Sentinel, the 2009 GMC Acadia "rides very nicely even on rough pavement." Consumer Guide agrees, calling the GMC Acadia "comfortably composed and controlled."