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| 21 / 28 MPG | Fuel Economy | 19 / 26 MPG |
| 79 CU. FT. | Cargo Capacity | 68.3 CU. FT. |
| 7 Passengers | Seating | 5 Passengers |
If you are in the market for a mid-size SUV, you are probably aware of the vast options at your disposal. With so many models to choose from, it can get confusing when you try to narrow down your options. When it comes to the battle of the crossovers, one comparison you need to make is between the 2020 GMC Acadia vs 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While that may sound like a strange match, hear us out!
These two vehicles are comparable due to their size, engine options, and trim levels. Both GMC and Jeep have cultivated reputations for their tough, off-roading style vehicles, but the Acadia and Grand Cherokee have evolved into something more than just adventure SUVs. They handle city driving quite well and offer great comfort features, advanced technology, and even luxury features.
Space is a huge factor when it comes to choosing a family-friendly crossover. The new GMC Acadia offers 12.8 cubic feet of room behind the third row. You can also configure the back for 41.7 or even 79 cubic feet of space. This can be done by folding down the third and/or second rows. With available seating for up to seven passengers, no one gets left behind! It’s the perfect set of wheels to cart the clan to school and extracurricular activities. Smaller than the GMC Acadia, the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee can only seat five people. However, it does have a little more space behind the back seats because it's missing the third row. You can easily fit luggage, groceries, sports gear, and more into the 36.3 cubic feet of space provided. By folding down the back row, you can expand this area to a maximum area of 68.3 cubic feet.
Let’s dive in deeper to learn more about the differences in performance, interior, and exterior features.
As we mentioned before, not everyone needs an off-roading vehicle. Being able to choose the type of performance in your daily driver is something you can do with either of these models.
Under the hood of the new 2020 GMC Acadia is a fuel-efficient 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that produces 193 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque. As the standard powertrain that comes on the base model, it gets about 24 mpg combined (21 city/28 highway). Moving up to the SLE model gives you a few more options. You can choose between the turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that gets up to 230 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, or you can get the robust V6 that pumps out 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0L 4-cylinder is more fuel-efficient, with an estimated fuel economy set at 24 mpg combined (21 city/27 highway). On the other hand, the V6 gets about 22 mpg combined (19 city/27 highway), but it is the best choice if you like to travel or go camping. All of these engines can be paired with either FWD or AWD, and the towing ranges for these models are set between 1,000 to 4,000 pounds.
Now let’s look at the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It is also available with four different powertrains. The base model comes standard with a 3.6L V6 engine that generates 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Next is a 5.7L V8 engine that makes 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, a 6.4L V8 rated at 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, and a supercharged 6.2L V8 that produces 707 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. As you can see, these powertrains are much stronger and larger than the Acadia, so you can expect to get somewhere around 22 mpg combined (19 city/26 highway). You should also note that each engine can be paired with either FWD or AWD except for the Trailhawk trim. This off-roading style vehicle is only available with an AWD system. The towing range for the Grand Cherokee is between 3,500 and 7,200 pounds.
The Acadia is more fuel-efficient and has been optimized for city driving, while the Grand Cherokee is better suited for off-roading and towing. For families, saving money on gas, this is a major selling point.
Varying between trim levels, the features inside the GMC Acadia are quite nice even from the base level. Known as the SL, it features cloth-covered seats that are manually-adjustable to suit your height. The infotainment system is displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth. This means that you can easily make calls hands-free, listen to your favorite singers, and even sync your smartphone apps with the interface.
Keeping you connected everywhere you go, a 4G LTE Wifi hotspot is provided. For accidents and emergencies, OnStar services are also included. With only a few differences, the SLE model comes with selectable driving modes for better traction control while traveling during inclement weather. Satellite radio is also included at this level. Once you get to the mid-level SLT model, you will start to notice more luxury features like power-adjustable seats and leather fabric. You can also turn your vehicle on before you go outside using the advanced remote start technology. This is quite handy during the cold winter months.
The Driver Alert Package I has also been added. This includes advanced safety features such as side blind zone alert, rear park assist, lane change alert, and rear cross-traffic alert.
If you enjoy camping, you may want to take a peek at the AT4 model. Enhanced for better off-roading, this version comes with automatic hill hold and hill descent control.
Lastly, the premium Denali has heated and ventilated leather seats in the front and heated seats in the back. To get you to your destination on the quickest route possible, a navigation system has been added. You can also enjoy the new Bose stereo system and the Driver Alert Package II suite. This adds automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision warning.
As for the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it comes in seven trim levels. The base Laredo includes some surprises like rear parking sensors and dual-zone climate control. It also features a 7-inch touchscreen that displays the infotainment interface. This system works has Bluetooth, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility like the Acadia base model.
Next is the Limited version. It comes with heated leather seats throughout the cabin, a heated steering wheel, and remote start technology. The touchscreen also gets an upgrade with its 8.4-inch monitor. For off-roading, the Trailhawk is the way to go. This version features the Quadra-Drive II, which is a terrain-selectable traction control system meant to make difficult roads easier to manage. Moving up to the Overland doesn’t change much except for a restyled instrument cluster.
After that, we move into luxury models like the Summit. This one features a Harman Kardon speaker system and advanced safety systems like the self-parking system. The SRT is similarly equipped with a sportier flair. Most of its variances can be seen from the outside. Finally, the top-tier Trackhawk includes the biggest V8 engine, larger brakes, and several exterior updates.
The GMC Acadia offers more family-oriented features such as comfort, convenience, and safety.
Interior space is going to be one of the biggest drawbacks of the Grand Cherokee. In terms of cargo capacity, the GMC Acadia can get up to 79 cu.ft. with all of the seats folded down, when they are all up the space goes down to 12.8 cu.ft. but that is because of the third-row. With the third-row of seats folded down, drivers can utilize 41.7 cu.ft. of cargo space. Because the Acadia has a third-row, it can easily seat up to 7 passengers when properly configured. The Jeep Grand Cherokee falls short here. In the Grand Cherokee, drivers have a maximum of 68.3 cu.ft. of space to use, and with the second row of seats up, there is an available 36.3 cu.ft. of space available for cargo. Additionally, the Grand Cherokee can only seat 5 passengers, a major drawback for this vehicle.
The GMC Acadia has far greater interior space for cargo and passengers. The Grand Cherokee simply can't compete in this category.
Here at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth, our team of auto experts is available to help you choose the perfect vehicle. We specialize in new trucks and SUVs, but we also have a vast selection of pre-owned models of all sorts to choose from. For folks on a budget, we offer the most competitive financing options available at the lowest rates. We also have an on-site team of certified technicians who can handle routine maintenance and service repairs. We will have you back on the road in no time! If you’re ready to take one of our vehicles out for a spin, give us a call to schedule an appointment or simply stop by today. You can find us at 3244 Commerce Avenue NW in Duluth, GA.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.