The GMC Acadia was an important vehicle for GMC. It was their first front-wheel-drive offering and their first vehicle with unibody construction. The GMC Acadia was also introduced at a time when minivans were being ditched for crossovers which were consistently gaining popularity. And the GMC Acadia was exactly that, a large crossover.
Like every other crossover based on the General Motors Lambda platform, the GMC Acadia promised to offer the seating and storage capacity of a full-size SUV while also delivering car-like handling and comfort. While the 2009 GMC Acadia has the qualities of the other models based on the General Motors Lambda platform, it also shares the faults or downsides. In this buyers’ guide, we share the good and the bad to help you make a smarter purchase decision.
Taking a Look At The 2009 GMC Acadia
With the ability to hold 7 or 8 passengers, the seating capacity of the 2009 GMC Acadia is certainly one of its highlights. It was so impressive that it was introduced as a replacement for minivans. And if there is one thing minivans are known for – it’s carrying people. Models like the GMC Safari, GMC Envoy, and Pontiac Montana SV6 were replaced by the Acadia.
The 2009 GMC Acadia was offered in three trim levels – SLE, SLT1, and SLT2. Despite being the base trim level, equipment on the SLE wasn’t sparse by any means. It got equipment like a four-way adjustable driver’s seat, 18-inch wheels, front and rear A/C, stability control, full-row curtain airbags, and GM’s navigation feature. The more expensive trim levels could be optioned with a 10-speaker Bose sound system, three-zone climate control, a power rear liftgate, a head-up display (HUD), and a large sunroof.
In addition to this, you could also get Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and screens for the rear seats. Standard safety features included the aforementioned full-row curtain airbags, ABS, stability control, and side airbags for the front seats.
Interestingly, all three trim levels of the 2009 GMC Acadia could be optioned with the all-wheel-drive layout but came in a front-wheel-drive configuration as standard. There was also only one transmission available with the 2009 GMC Acadia – a six-speed automatic. Another area where you didn’t have an option was the engine. The 2009 GMC Acadia was only available with the GM direct-injected LLT, making 288 HP and 270 lb-ft of torque. Unlike other crossovers based on the Lambda platform, the 2009 GMC Acadia was only available in one state of tune.
2009 GMC Acadia Updates
Since it went on sale as a 2007 model, it remained largely unchanged till 2013 aside from the updated engine that was introduced with the 2009 GMC Acadia.
2013 GMC Acadia
The first big update came in 2013 when the company decided to begin using the body of the discontinued Saturn Outlook. As a result, the GMC Acadia received a styling refresh with a redesigned front and rear. GMC also made changes to the interior where it worked on improving the quality.
2014 GMC Acadia
In 2014, GMC improved safety with the help of new features like a forward collision alert and a lane departure warning system. All trim levels of the GMC Acadia also received USB charging sockets which were accessible by passengers in the second row.
2015 GMC Acadia
The final update the first-generation GMC Acadia got before it was discontinued was in 2015. GMC added features like a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and a 20-inch wheel for the higher trim levels. The American carmaker also introduced multiple new color options.
2009 GMC Acadia – What Made It Special
Like the other vehicles built on the General Motors Lamda platform, the GMC Acadia is quite large. It’s so large that it’s capable of seating more passengers than some full-size SUVs. However, it’s not only passenger ferrying capabilities that make it special. The 2009 GMC Acadia also has an impressive amount of cargo space.
The vehicle was also quite well-equipped when it came to both standard and optional features. The feature list meets or beats those offered on other vehicles in the segment of the time. While styling is subjective, many considered the 2009 GMC Acadia to have the best design when compared to the other crossovers based on the Lambda platform. The interior was also regarded to be among the best. Similar to other vehicles based on the Lambda platform, the GMC Acadia was easy and pleasant to drive.
Is GMC Acadia Reliable?
The 2009 GMC Acadia sure does have a lot of likable aspects, but it’s known to be quite finicky when it comes to its reliability. Not only do you have to be particular when it comes to maintaining the 2009 GMC Acadia, but also be prepared for sudden known issues to crop up. That being said, if you know the issues going in and stay on top of your game in terms of maintenance, the 2009 GMC Acadia will likely turn out to be fairly reliable.
2009 GMC Acadia – Known Issues
To ensure that you have a pleasant experience with the 2009 GMC Acadia, you must know about its common problems.
Cold Start Misfiring
In 2009, the GMC Acadia got direct injection which did improve fuel economy. While the fuel injectors did their job by providing fuel to the cylinder, the valves would get dirty. There are instances where the carbon buildup would result in misfires during cold starts. The valves can be inspected with the help of a borescope. Fixing this problem requires the upper half of the engine to be cleaned.
Ignition Coil Failure
Another known issue on the 2009 GMC Acadia has to do with its ignition coils. The GM 3.6 V6 engine in this crossover goes through ignition coils earlier than expected. While it won’t have monumental symptoms, the vehicle will have its driveability affected.
This problem will also cause the check engine light to illuminate. That’s why it’s highly recommended to replace the set of six ignition coils upon purchasing the vehicle unless you have a service history that it has been done recently. The Bosch 0221604112 ignition coils are one of the best you can get right now.
Power Steering Leak
There have been reports of the power steering fluid going low. There’s a power steering pressure line that goes from the power steering pump to the rack. This line is known to develop a leak. It’s advised to fix this problem as soon as possible as running on low fluid will end up damaging the power steering system.
Transmission Problem
Like many other GM vehicles from 2009, the GMC Acadia uses the 6T75 GM transmission. This six-speed unit is infamous for developing serious problems. The first thing that happens when this transmission is about to fail is the illumination of the check engine light along with an error code. Shortly after though, the transmission will lose its reverse gear. One will also notice slippage and rough third and fifth gear shifts. All of this is a result of a broken clutch wave plate inside the trans.
Timing Chain Stretch
A known issue that scares away many buyers has to do with the 2009 GMC Acadia’s engine. The High Feature V6 under its hood can suffer from a timing chain stretch. Over time, the timing chain the Acadia comes with begins to fail and ends up stretching. This, as a result, messes with the timing of the engine. And when that happens, the engine can witness irreversible damage.
Sticky Purge Valve
One more problem that’s common to vehicles with the LLT 3.6 V6 is the purge valve. It’s quite common for the purge valve to get stuck open which causes fuel vapor to constantly be drawn into the engine. While drawing in fuel vapor is the purge valve’s intended purpose, it’s only to do so when required. If the 2009 GMC Acadia you are looking at has this problem, expect it to be accompanied by a check engine light and driveability issues.
How Many Miles Can You Get Out of a 2009 GMC Acadia?
Despite having quite a few major issues, there are examples of the 2009 GMC Acadia that have crossed the 200,000-mile mark trouble-free. It all depends on the crossover’s past life. If it was well looked after, you might just be able to enjoy the next 50,000 miles stress-free. That said, it still requires frequent oil changes to avoid the peeving timing chain issue.
What to Look For When Shopping For One?
The front-wheel-drive SLE trim started at less than $33,000, the SLT1 trim jumped to nearly $37,000, and the SLT2 would set you back about $39,000. The all-wheel-drive option, meanwhile, added $2000 to those prices. The higher trim levels did add quite a bit in terms of features and those are the ones you should look for, especially because the price difference between trim levels in the used market isn’t nearly as much.
The 2009 GMC Acadia has held its value quite well when compared to other offerings based on the Lambda platform. A clean example should cost around $6500-8000.
Look Here First!
Before you go looking for your dream vehicle, it’s advisable to get an idea of the prices and the availability of its spares. We at Newparts.com offer Genuine GMC, OEM, and quality aftermarket spares for the 2009 GMC Acadia and most other vehicles that you may also be considering. That’s why head to the Shop section and get shopping!
