2024 GMC Acadia vs Subaru ascent which best SUV depends on your priorities Choose the 2024 GMC Acadia for luxury and performance, or the Subaru Ascent for safety and all-weather capability.
The midsize SUV segment is fiercely competitive, with established players like the GMC Acadia and the newer Subaru Ascent vying for your attention. Both offer spacious interiors, capable performance, and family-friendly features, but cater to slightly different priorities.
The 2024 GMC Acadia boasts a premium feel with upscale materials and a focus on comfort. Its powerful engine options and larger cargo space make it ideal for those who prioritize power and practicality. It’s a popular choice for families who value a luxurious driving experience.
The 2024 Subaru Ascent emphasizes safety and value, with standard all-wheel drive and a long list of tech features for the price. Its smaller size and fuel-efficient engine make it a good option for city dwellers and budget-conscious families who prioritize everyday practicality.
2024 GMC Acadia vs Subaru ascent Price and Value Equation
Starting Prices
- GMC Acadia: $36,800 (SLE trim)
- Subaru Ascent: $34,395 (Premium trim)
Warranty
- GMC Acadia: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 6 years/60,000 miles powertrain
- Subaru Ascent: 5 years/60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain
2024 GMC Acadia vs Subaru ascent Performance
Engine Options
- Acadia: Offers three engines: a base 2.5L 4-cylinder (228 hp, 252 lb-ft), a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder (230 hp, 258 lb-ft), and a 3.6L V6 (310 hp, 271 lb-ft).
- Ascent: Comes with a single 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (260 hp, 277 lb-ft).
2024 GMC Acadia vs Subaru ascent Horsepower
Subaru Ascent, with 260 hp compared to the Acadia’s base 228 hp.
2024 GMC Acadia vs Subaru ascent Torque
GMC Acadia, with a significant torque advantage across all engine options. The base 4-cylinder offers 252 lb-ft, while the 2.0L turbo and 3.6L V6 boast 258 lb-ft and 271 lb-ft, respectively.
2024 GMC Acadia vs Subaru ascent Fuel Efficiency
GMC Acadia, with an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 25 mpg for the base engine and up to 23 mpg for the V6. The Ascent’s 2.4L turbo engine is rated at 22 mpg combined.
Driving
- Acadia: Offers a smooth and comfortable ride with good handling for its size. The V6 provides strong acceleration, but the base engine can feel sluggish.
- Ascent: Delivers a more engaging driving experience with sharper steering and a more composed feel in corners. The turbocharged engine provides strong performance, but some find it noisy.
2024 GMC Acadia vs Subaru ascent Interior Space
- First Row: Both offer ample headroom and legroom for front passengers, with a slight edge to the Ascent.
- Second Row: Acadia wins with more legroom and headroom, especially for taller passengers.
- Third Row (if equipped): Acadia again provides more space, while the Ascent’s third row feels tighter but still usable for children.
2024 GMC Acadia vs Subaru ascent Seating Comfort
- Acadia: Boasts plush, supportive seats with available leather and heated/ventilated options.
- Ascent: Offers comfortable seats with good adjustability, but some find them less luxurious than the Acadia’s.
2024 GMC Acadia vs Subaru ascent Cargo Capacity
- Behind second row: Acadia offers significantly more cargo space, ranging from 12.8 to 39.7 cubic feet depending on configuration. Ascent provides 17.8 cubic feet.
- With all seats folded: Acadia again leads with 79 cubic feet, while the Ascent offers 56.5 cubic feet.
2024 GMC Acadia vs Subaru ascent Infotainment Systems
- Acadia: Features a user-friendly touchscreen system with good responsiveness and available features like navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
- Ascent: Comes with a larger touchscreen, but the interface can be less intuitive and some reviewers find it laggy. Both offer similar standard features and available upgrades.
Safety Showdown: Acadia vs. Ascent
Both the 2024 GMC Acadia and Subaru Ascent prioritize safety, offering a comprehensive suite of features and technologies. Here’s a breakdown of their key safety aspects:
Crash Test Ratings
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- Acadia: Not yet rated (as of February 24, 2024).
- Ascent: 5-star overall rating.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):
- Acadia: Not yet rated (as of February 24, 2024).
- Ascent: Top Safety Pick+ award when equipped with optional front crash prevention system with pedestrian detection.
Standard Safety Features
- Both SUVs come standard with essential features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, and a rearview camera.
- Additional standard features on the Ascent: Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist.
2024 GMC Acadia vs Subaru ascent Available Driver Assistance Technologies
Both offer a wide range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as options, including:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality
- Lane departure warning with lane keep assist
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Head-up display
- Surround view camera system
2024 GMC Acadia vs Subaru ascent Choosing Your Midsize Champion
Both the GMC Acadia and Subaru Ascent are strong contenders, but their strengths cater to different priorities. Here’s a final comparison and my personal recommendation, keeping in mind that the “best” choice ultimately depends on your individual needs:
Power & Luxury
- GMC Acadia: If you crave the thrill of a powerful engine, spacious comfort for the whole family, and a touch of luxury, the Acadia reigns supreme. It conquers long road trips with ease and provides a serene cabin experience. However, be prepared for a higher price tag and thirstier fuel consumption.
Value & Safety
- Subaru Ascent: If affordability, all-weather confidence through standard AWD, and top-notch safety are your priorities, the Ascent shines. It offers excellent value for money, peace of mind with its long warranty and stellar safety ratings, and handles any adventure with ease. However, accept a less powerful engine and slightly less spacious cargo compared to the Acadia.
2024 GMC Acadia vs Subaru ascent our Recommendation
- For families seeking a powerful, luxurious, and spacious SUV for road trips and everyday adventures, the GMC Acadia might be the perfect fit, despite its higher price tag.
- For budget-conscious individuals or families who prioritize safety, value, and all-weather capability, the Subaru Ascent could be an excellent choice.
Remember, the best way to choose your champion is to test drive both SUVs and see which one resonates with your needs and driving style. Consider your budget, priorities, and driving habits to make an informed decision and conquer your journeys with confidence!
FAQs about the 2024 GMC Acadia and Subaru Ascent
Which SUV has more comfortable seats?
Both offer supportive seats, but the Acadia tends to have a softer, more luxurious feel due to its optional premium materials. However, some find the Ascent’s seats more comfortable for long drives due to their adjustability. Ultimately, comfort is subjective, so test driving both is recommended.
How reliable are these SUVs?
Both have generally good reliability ratings, with the Ascent edging out the Acadia according to Consumer Reports. However, reliability can vary depending on individual driving habits and maintenance practices.
Which SUV has a better infotainment system?
The Acadia’s system is user-friendly with a responsive touchscreen, while the Ascent’s can be less intuitive and laggy according to some reviews. Both offer similar standard features and available upgrades, so personal preference plays a big role.
What are the maintenance costs for each SUV?
Maintenance costs can vary depending on driving habits, location, and chosen service provider. While the Ascent has a slightly longer warranty, both SUVs offer competitive maintenance schedules. Researching specific costs in your area is recommended.
How do these SUVs handle off-road?
Both offer decent off-road capabilities, especially with the available all-wheel drive. However, neither is specifically designed for hardcore off-roading. If you frequently venture into challenging terrain, you might consider dedicated off-road SUVs
Which SUV has more technology features?
Both offer a wide range of available driver assistance and technology features. The Acadia might have a slight edge in terms of the number of available options, but the Ascent includes more standard features like blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning.
What are the financing options for these SUVs?
Both manufacturers offer various financing options through dealerships and partner lenders. Researching rates and terms from different lenders is recommended to secure the best deal.
