What To Know
- The GMC Acadia exudes a muscular and aggressive stance, with a prominent grille, angular headlights, and a bold character line that runs along the side of the vehicle.
- The GMC Acadia and the Hyundai Santa Fe are both excellent midsize SUVs that offer a spacious cabin, ample cargo room, and a host of desirable features.
- The GMC Acadia has a higher towing capacity than the Hyundai Santa Fe, with a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds compared to the Santa Fe’s 3,500 pounds.
The midsize SUV market is fiercely competitive, with two of the most popular options being the GMC Acadia and the Hyundai Santa Fe. Both vehicles offer a spacious cabin, ample cargo room, and a host of desirable features. But which one is the better choice for your needs? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the GMC Acadia and the Hyundai Santa Fe, helping you make an informed decision.
Exterior Design: Bold vs. Refined
The GMC Acadia exudes a muscular and aggressive stance, with a prominent grille, angular headlights, and a bold character line that runs along the side of the vehicle. In contrast, the Hyundai Santa Fe presents a more refined and sophisticated exterior, characterized by its sleek lines, elegant curves, and a less imposing grille.
Interior Space and Comfort: Room for All
Both the Acadia and the Santa Fe offer spacious interiors with ample legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats. However, the Acadia has a slight edge in terms of overall passenger volume, offering 122.9 cubic feet compared to the Santa Fe’s 119.2 cubic feet. Both vehicles feature comfortable seats, but the Santa Fe’s softer leather upholstery and more supportive lumbar support may provide a slightly more luxurious experience.
Cargo Capacity: Versatility at Your Fingertips
When it comes to cargo space, the GMC Acadia offers a generous 126.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. The Hyundai Santa Fe follows closely with 121.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Both vehicles feature power liftgates for easy access to the cargo area, and the Acadia’s hands-free liftgate is a convenient feature.
Powertrain and Fuel Economy: Performance and Efficiency
The GMC Acadia offers a choice of three engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 3.6-liter V6, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The Hyundai Santa Fe also provides a range of engine options, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 3.5-liter V6.
In terms of fuel economy, the Acadia’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine achieves up to 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The Santa Fe‘s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine offers slightly better fuel efficiency, with 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Safety Features: Protecting Your Loved Ones
Both the GMC Acadia and the Hyundai Santa Fe come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, stability control, and anti-lock brakes. The Acadia offers a slight advantage in terms of driver-assist technologies, with features such as lane departure warning, forward collision alert, and automatic emergency braking coming standard on all trims.
Technology and Connectivity: Staying Connected
The GMC Acadia and the Hyundai Santa Fe both feature user-friendly infotainment systems with touchscreens, navigation, and smartphone integration. The Acadia’s 8-inch touchscreen is slightly larger than the Santa Fe’s 7-inch screen, but both systems offer intuitive interfaces and a wide range of features.
Price and Value: Finding the Best Deal
The GMC Acadia starts at a slightly higher price point than the Hyundai Santa Fe, with an MSRP of $33,900 compared to the Santa Fe’s $28,850. However, the Acadia offers a wider range of available features and a more powerful engine lineup. Ultimately, the best value depends on your individual needs and budget.
Which SUV is Right for You?
The GMC Acadia and the Hyundai Santa Fe are both excellent midsize SUVs that offer a spacious cabin, ample cargo room, and a host of desirable features. The Acadia excels in performance, safety, and technology, while the Santa Fe offers a more refined exterior, comfortable interior, and better fuel economy.
Consider the GMC Acadia if:
- You prioritize performance and safety
- You need a vehicle with a spacious third row
- You want a more rugged and aggressive exterior
Consider the Hyundai Santa Fe if:
- You prefer a sophisticated and refined design
- You value fuel efficiency and a comfortable interior
- You’re looking for a more affordable option
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Which SUV has a higher towing capacity?
The GMC Acadia has a higher towing capacity than the Hyundai Santa Fe, with a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds compared to the Santa Fe’s 3,500 pounds.
2. Which SUV offers a more advanced infotainment system?
The GMC Acadia offers a more advanced infotainment system than the Hyundai Santa Fe, with a larger touchscreen, a more intuitive interface, and a wider range of features.
3. Which SUV has a longer warranty?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a longer warranty than the GMC Acadia, with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty compared to the Acadia’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.