2016 GMC Acadia — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2016 GMC Acadia

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $29,640–$37,795
Fuel Economy 16 MPG
Seating 7 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $3,281/yr

Key Specifications — 2016 GMC Acadia

Seating Capacity7 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$29,640–$37,795

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2016 GMC Acadia

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 →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

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 →

Which Acadia Year Should You Buy?

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.

YearScoreStarting 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 →

Pros & Cons — 2016 GMC Acadia

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Exceptional value for money — high-quality features at a competitive price point
  • Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 16 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2016 GMC Acadia (4 on record)

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.

Common Questions — 2016 GMC Acadia

Is the 2016 GMC Acadia reliable?

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).

How many recalls does the 2016 GMC Acadia have?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2016 GMC Acadia worth buying?

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.

How much does the 2016 GMC Acadia cost?

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.

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