2010 GMC Acadia Quality Review

The interior of the 2010 GMC Acadia is almost unanimously lauded by reviewers, though some find fault with materials quality.

The automotive press has nothing but good things to say 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 also points out 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. At the front, ConsumerGuide notes "plenty of headroom and legroom," while "the seats are generally supportive and comfortable." The rear two rows garner similar praise, with Cars.com pleased to find "easy-to-configure second- and third-row seats," and Consumer Guide observing that "the 3rd row can accommodate six footers—though they'll ride knees up."

Storage and cargo space is also plentiful in the 2010 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." ConsumerGuide agrees, rating the 2010 GMC Acadia a perfect 10 in terms of cargo room due to it being "the largest among midsize SUVs," and that "several bins and cubbies provide good interior storage."

However, while we find generally favorable reviews for the comfort and capacity of the GMC Acadia, some reviewers note that the Acadia is plagued by materials quality problems. The New York Times is probably the most offended in this aspect, 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." ConsumerGuide offers a gentler review, saying that "though there are few padded surfaces, bright accents and richly grained plastics give the interior an inviting look." Edmunds is not as critical as the New York Times either, asserting that the Acadia offers "mostly solid materials and build quality, though a few lower-grade plastic pieces can still be found." In terms of the actual construction of the vehicle, ConsumerGuide remarks that "build quality has been good."

Reviewers also compliment the Acadia for its smooth ride. According to The Orlando Sentinel, the GMC Acadia "rides very nicely even on rough pavement." ConsumerGuide agrees, calling the GMC Acadia "comfortably composed and controlled."

One area where the 2010 GMC Acadia excels unexpectedly is in its lack of cabin noise and pleasant interior ambience. In this aspect, ConsumerGuide says there is "little road rumble, though the [optional] 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."