Battle of the crossovers: gmc acadia vs. acura mdx – the ultimate comparison
What To Know
- In terms of fuel economy, the GMC Acadia with the four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
- The Acadia offers a more affordable entry point, but the MDX provides a higher level of standard equipment and a more luxurious interior.
- It offers a more powerful and efficient engine, a more luxurious and spacious interior, and a more advanced suite of safety and infotainment features.
The GMC Acadia and Acura MDX are two formidable midsize SUVs that have captured the attention of discerning drivers. Each offers a compelling blend of space, comfort, and performance. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of these SUVs to determine which one emerges victorious.
Performance: Power and Efficiency
The GMC Acadia offers a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V6. The four-cylinder produces 193 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 generates 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The Acura MDX, on the other hand, comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of fuel economy, the GMC Acadia with the four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The V6 model gets 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The Acura MDX, meanwhile, returns an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Interior: Space, Comfort, and Features
The GMC Acadia boasts a spacious interior with seating for up to seven passengers. The first two rows offer ample headroom and legroom, while the third row is best suited for children or occasional use. Standard features include cloth upholstery, a 6.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a six-speaker audio system.
The Acura MDX also provides a comfortable and well-appointed interior. It offers seating for up to seven passengers, with the second row featuring captain’s chairs or a three-seat bench. The MDX comes standard with leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 10-speaker audio system.
Technology: Safety and Infotainment
Both the GMC Acadia and Acura MDX offer a suite of advanced safety features. The Acadia comes standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The MDX adds features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition.
In terms of infotainment, the GMC Acadia features a user-friendly 6.2-inch touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Acura MDX’s 12.3-inch touchscreen system is more advanced, offering a wider range of features and a more intuitive interface.
Driving Dynamics: Handling and Ride Quality
The GMC Acadia offers a comfortable and stable ride, with responsive handling for its size. The V6 engine provides ample power for most situations, while the four-cylinder engine feels a bit underpowered. The Acura MDX, on the other hand, delivers a sportier driving experience with sharper handling and more precise steering. Its V6 engine provides strong acceleration and a refined ride quality.
Off-Road Capabilities: Adventure Ready
The GMC Acadia is available with an optional all-wheel drive system that enhances traction in slippery conditions. However, it is not designed for serious off-roading. The Acura MDX is also available with all-wheel drive, but it offers a more rugged suspension and a higher ground clearance, making it better suited for light off-road trails.
Price and Value: Comparing the Costs
The GMC Acadia has a starting price of $34,295, while the Acura MDX starts at $47,950. The Acadia offers a more affordable entry point, but the MDX provides a higher level of standard equipment and a more luxurious interior.
Verdict: The Winner Emerges
After carefully considering all the factors, we have determined that the Acura MDX is the superior SUV in this comparison. It offers a more powerful and efficient engine, a more luxurious and spacious interior, and a more advanced suite of safety and infotainment features. While the GMC Acadia is a capable and affordable option, the Acura MDX ultimately delivers a more refined and satisfying driving experience.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which SUV has the most cargo space?
A: The GMC Acadia offers 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, while the Acura MDX has 15.8 cubic feet of space in the same configuration.
Q: Which SUV gets better gas mileage?
A: The GMC Acadia with the four-cylinder engine achieves better fuel economy than the Acura MDX, with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg on the highway compared to 27 mpg for the MDX.
Q: Which SUV has a better warranty?
A: Both the GMC Acadia and Acura MDX offer a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.
