A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 GMC Acadia

When it comes to finding the right SUV for your family, it seems like there are always a lot of compromises to be made. One vehicle is so performance and off-road oriented that you can’t imagine taking your kids to school in it. Another is so luxury-oriented that you can’t imagine letting your kids sit in it. The 2012 GMC Acadia is the perfect solution. It blends a rugged design with family-oriented features and just enough luxury options to make it attractive to almost any buyer.

Key Features

Nothing adds life and warmth to a space like natural light, right? With the dual sunroof option for the 2012 GMC Acadia, you can shed some light on the subject or let your kids gaze up at the stars as you drive home at night. On long road trips, you’ll especially appreciate the roominess and comfort afforded to everyone, even the often-neglected third-row seats. And to make getting into and out of the third row much easier, the second row seats can be moved out of the way with just a touch, thanks to some clever engineering on GMC’s part.

Changes for 2012

For 2012, the Acadia got a few new colors and another power outlet mounted in the console. The Acadia Denali trim also got standard hill-hold assist to help you start on inclines without rolling backwards.

What We Like

The Acadia has all the room you’d get in a minivan, but it doesn’t feel like driving a minivan at all. You get a sporty, fun vehicle without cramping anyone’s style.

What Concerns Us

If you need to get off road, this is not the SUV for you. It’s far more family- and luxury-oriented than some other models, so don’t try to do any four-wheeling on your family camping trip.

Available Models

All of the 2012 GMC Acadia trim levels have the same engine package, which includes:

  • Engine – 3.6-liter V6
  • Power – 288 HP at 6300 RPM
  • Torque – 270 lb-ft at 3400 RPM
  • Fuel economy (MPG city/highway) – 16/23 (AWD), 17/24 (FWD)

Major Recalls

There have been four recalls involving 2012 GMC Acadia models. These were performed to address failing lift gate struts, potentially failing seatbelts, issues with the wiring connections for the side-impact airbags, and/or potentially faulty windshield wiper nuts.

Common Issues

The most common problem reported by 2012 GMC Acadia owners is intermittent air conditioning when driving. Some also say that the heat may randomly stop working, as well.

gmc acadia 2012 interior


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