The first-generation GMC Acadia shared the GM Lambda platform with the Saturn Outlook, the Chevrolet Traverse, and the Buick Enclave.

In 2017, the second generation Acadia was repositioned as a mid-size crossover utility vehicle in order to compete in the growing midsize SUV market against the likes of the Ford Explorer, Edge, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

In December 2006, all production and sales of the Acadia (and the Saturn Outlook) were temporarily stopped due to the engine mounts not having holes drilled to release accumulated water, as well as an issue with potentially faulty rivets in the load floor just forward of the vehicle's rear hatch.

The independent front suspension is a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar and aluminum knuckles.

Inside, the Acadia features more contemporary trim than the Outlook, including chrome and satin nickel textures, and a wider variety of two-toned interior colors such as an Ebony and Light Titanium (grey) cloth upholstery, and a choice of either Ebony, Light Titanium (grey) or Brick (brown) leather upholstery.

This upgraded trim is available in FWD and AWD versions in seven- or eight-passenger form and features monotone paint, honeycomb grille, unique front and rear fascias, along with HID headlamps, chrome accents, exhaust tips, and six-spoke 20-inch wheels.

[3] A unibody construction helps lower center of gravity, compared to previous truck-based GM SUVs, reduces the risk of rollover accidents.

GM unveiled an updated 2013 GMC Acadia at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, taking the bodyshell of the discontinued Saturn Outlook.

For the 2014 model year, the Acadia added Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning as a standard on Denali and as an optional feature on SLT1 and SLT2 trims, while two charging-only USB ports on the rear of the center console for second-row use were added as a standard for all trims.

[7] However, production remained in Lansing, Michigan as the second generation Acadia moved to Spring Hill, Tennessee, the site of the original Saturn plant.

[8] The second generation Acadia made its official debut at the North American International Auto Show on January 12, 2016.

The second generation Acadia features seven seats instead of eight, a choice of either a 2.5-liter or 3.6-liter engine, a new advanced twin-clutch AWD system (available only with All-Terrain package) by GKN Driveline designed for off-road environment (joining the FWD and AWD drivetrains available on all other models), an updated fascia and redesigned lighting.

The second generation Acadia is also available with Third Row Seat Delete option on SLE and SLT trim levels as part of the All-Terrain Package.

[20] The Acadia was chosen for Australian exports due to its smaller size compared to its Chevrolet and Buick counterparts, which are the Traverse and Enclave respectively.

The facelift introduced new exterior styling (including a new front grille inspired by the all-new 2019 GMC Sierra 1500), a revised infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, new alloy wheel options, an all-new AT4 trim level (which replaces the All-Terrain Package on select trim levels), a new 2.0L turbocharged EcoTec inline four-cylinder (I4) engine (both the 2.5L EcoTec I4 and 3.6L VVT V6 engine options remain available for 2020), and the Electronic Precision Shift push-button automatic transmission that was first introduced on the 2018 GMC Terrain, this shifter was paired to a new 9-speed automatic,[26] among other changes.

Wireless functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was added, as well as the debut of an Elevation Edition package that adds black exterior styling accents and 20-inch wheels.

Standard on all trims will be a fifteen-inch tablet-style infotainment system and an eleven-inch reconfigurable instrument cluster display.

For the third-generation model, assembly of the 2024 Acadia was moved back to the Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant in Michigan from the previous Saturn Corporation Spring Hill Manufacturing Plant in Tennessee, joining the all-new 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, and the 2025 Buick Enclave.