2016 GMC Acadia
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $29,640–$37,795 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.1/10, the 2016 GMC Acadia earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.0/10, while Technology at 7.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the GMC Acadia's reliability at 9.0/10 — among the strongest in our suv database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 7.3/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
The 8.3/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a suv you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology comes in at 7.0/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $29,640–$37,795, 16 MPG, seating 7, the GMC Acadia sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 8.8/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this suv delivers more than most of the class. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2016 GMC Acadia, but it needs the right buyer. and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2016 GMC Acadia ranks #1814 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 26% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $29,640 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 18%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →
Across the Acadia model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.8/10 | $47,445 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.8/10 | $47,445 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $46,170 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.6/10 | $44,895 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $43,620 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.4/10 | $42,345 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.3/10 | $41,070 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $39,795 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.2/10 | $38,520 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.1/10 | $37,245 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 7.1/10 | $29,640 | |
| 2015 | 6.8/10 | $28,470 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Visibility / Windshield wiper/washer / Motor 29/09/2015 · 15V609000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured August 18, 2015 to September 24, 2015. Due to a manufacturing defect, the windshield wiper motor may overheat when used. |
|---|---|
| Seats 11/12/2015 · 15V833000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured November 6, 2015, to November 12, 2015. The affected vehicles have a the third row left lower seat frame that may have… |
| Air bags / Critical fasteners 08/04/2021 · 21V246000 | General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached. |
| Air bags / Frontal / Driver side / Inflator module 10/05/2023 · 23V334000 | General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2016 GMC Acadia's reliability 9.0/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
4 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.1/10 overall, ranking #1814 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 26% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2016 GMC Acadia starts at $29,640 and ranges up to $37,795 across trims (MSRP when new). At 16 MPG, expect roughly $3,281/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of GMC models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.