Is the GMC Acadia expensive to maintain?

The Acadia costs $734/year to maintain — $161 above the three-row segment average of $573. Major repair probability of 19% is the highest in the three-row class. Reliability score of 6 is below the segment average of 7. Repair frequency of 37% is slightly below the class average of 40%. Above-average cost and the highest major-repair risk in the segment.

What is the best year for a GMC Acadia?

The 2023 (38 complaints, 10/10 safety, 4 severe) and 2022 (45 complaints, 10/10 safety, 3 severe) Acadia are the cleanest years on record. Avoid 2017 (689 complaints — the second-generation launch) and 2014 (464 complaints). The 2022-2025 window is significantly better than the model's historical average.

How much does GMC Acadia insurance cost?

Acadia insurance averages around $2,242/year — roughly $187/month. One of the lower insurance rates in the three-row class.

Is the GMC Acadia or Chevrolet Traverse cheaper to maintain?

The Traverse is cheaper to maintain by $78/year — $656 versus $734 for the Acadia. Both carry a reliability score of 6. The Traverse has a slightly lower major repair probability (18% vs. 19%), while the Acadia has a slightly lower repair frequency (37% vs. 43%). Neither is a standout value — the Traverse holds a modest cost advantage.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a GMC Acadia?

Major repair probability of 19% is the highest in the three-row segment. Extended warranty is worth considering for most used Acadia models, particularly those from the pre-2022 era. The 2022-2025 window carries lower risk, but the class-high repair probability still warrants careful consideration.

Ford EcoSport vs GMC Acadia

Two compact SUVs compared on the numbers that matter — maintenance cost, reliability, and insurance.

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Ford EcoSport based on your priorities for this class.

Buy the GMC Acadia based on your priorities for this class.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Ford EcoSport	GMC Acadia
Annual maintenance	—	$734
5-year total cost	—	$3,670
Reliability score	—	6 / 10
Major repair risk (5yr)	—	19%
Cargo space	—	—
Starting price (new)	—	$43,800
Best years to buy	—	—

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Ford EcoSport	GMC Acadia
RepairPal score	—	6 / 10
NHTSA complaints / 100k	—	89.6
Years to avoid	None identified	2014, 2017, 2019
Value retained · 3 yr	—	71.6%
Value retained · 5 yr	—	51.5%
Value retained · 7 yr	—	38.2%

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Ford EcoSport	GMC Acadia
Engine	—winner	12.4%
Electrical	—winner	13.2%
ADAS	—winner	5.8%
Brakes	—winner	3.4%
Steering	—winner	10.5%
Fuel system	—winner	2.3%
Tires/Wheels	—winner	1.5%
Airbags	—winner	19.3%
Lighting	—winner	3.6%
Seatbelt	—winner	1.6%

One major repair on either model can run $1,500–4,000. A warranty caps your exposure, especially on known problem years.

// INSURANCE

Which is cheaper to insure?

	Ford EcoSport	GMC Acadia
Avg annual premium	—	$2,242

// FULL MODEL PAGES

$734/yr maint · 6 reliability

Full model page

// FAQ

Common questions

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →