Jeep cherokee vs. acadia: safety, reliability, and performance – which suv comes out on top?
What To Know
- The Acadia, on the other hand, has a more refined and sophisticated look, with a sleek and aerodynamic profile.
- However, the Acadia offers a few more upscale features, such as a head-up display, massaging front seats, and a Bose premium audio system.
- The Cherokee’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine is the most fuel-efficient option, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
The compact SUV segment is a fiercely competitive battleground, with automakers vying for market share with their offerings. Two of the most popular contenders in this segment are the Jeep Cherokee and the GMC Acadia. In this blog post, we will compare these two SUVs head-to-head, examining their key features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The Jeep Cherokee and GMC Acadia have distinct exterior designs that reflect their respective brand identities. The Cherokee retains its rugged and adventurous styling, with a boxy silhouette and a prominent seven-slot grille. The Acadia, on the other hand, has a more refined and sophisticated look, with a sleek and aerodynamic profile.
In terms of dimensions, the Cherokee is slightly smaller than the Acadia. The Cherokee has a length of 182.3 inches, a width of 74.8 inches, and a height of 67.1 inches. The Acadia is longer at 193.6 inches, wider at 78.2 inches, and taller at 68.2 inches. The Acadia’s larger dimensions provide it with more interior space and cargo capacity.
Interior Design and Features
The interiors of the Cherokee and Acadia are equally impressive, offering a comfortable and feature-rich experience. The Cherokee’s interior is modern and stylish, with a user-friendly dashboard and high-quality materials. The Acadia’s interior is more spacious and luxurious, with a sophisticated design and premium features.
Both SUVs offer a wide range of standard and optional features, including advanced infotainment systems, navigation, heated and ventilated seats, and panoramic sunroofs. However, the Acadia offers a few more upscale features, such as a head-up display, massaging front seats, and a Bose premium audio system.
Powertrain and Performance
The Jeep Cherokee and GMC Acadia are available with a variety of powertrain options to suit different driving needs. The Cherokee offers a choice of four engines: a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a 3.2-liter naturally aspirated V6, and a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6. The Acadia offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6.
In terms of performance, the Cherokee’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides the best balance of power and fuel efficiency. The Acadia’s V6 engine offers more power but at the expense of fuel economy. Both SUVs are available with all-wheel drive for improved traction and off-road capability.
Safety and Reliability
Safety is a top priority for both Jeep and GMC. The Cherokee and Acadia have earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both SUVs come standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
In terms of reliability, the Cherokee and Acadia have comparable records. Both SUVs have received average reliability ratings from J.D. Power and Associates. However, the Cherokee has a slightly higher predicted reliability rating than the Acadia.
Fuel Economy and Towing Capacity
Fuel economy is an important consideration for compact SUV buyers. The Cherokee and Acadia have similar fuel economy ratings. The Cherokee’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine is the most fuel-efficient option, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The Acadia’s four-cylinder engine is slightly less fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
In terms of towing capacity, the Cherokee and Acadia have comparable capabilities. The Cherokee can tow up to 4,500 pounds, while the Acadia can tow up to 4,000 pounds. However, the Cherokee’s Trailhawk trim level offers a best-in-class towing capacity of 6,200 pounds.
Pricing and Value
The Jeep Cherokee and GMC Acadia are priced competitively within the compact SUV segment. The Cherokee has a starting price of $28,000, while the Acadia has a starting price of $33,000. However, the Cherokee offers more standard features for the price, making it a better value proposition overall.
The Verdict: Which SUV is Right for You?
The Jeep Cherokee and GMC Acadia are both excellent compact SUVs with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Cherokee is a more rugged and adventurous choice, with better off-road capability and a lower starting price. The Acadia is a more spacious and luxurious choice, with a more refined interior and more upscale features.
Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize off-road capability and value, the Jeep Cherokee is the better choice. If you prioritize space, luxury, and features, the GMC Acadia is the better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating?
A: The Jeep Cherokee and GMC Acadia have both earned high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.
Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The GMC Acadia has a more spacious interior than the Jeep Cherokee, with more headroom, legroom, and cargo space.
Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy?
A: The Jeep Cherokee‘s turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides the best fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
