Rav4 vs. acadia: which 7-seater suv reigns supreme in 2023?

The Toyota RAV4 and GMC Acadia are two popular midsize SUVs that cater to families seeking a blend of practicality, comfort, and performance. In this blog post, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two vehicles to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.

Engine Performance and Fuel Economy

The Toyota RAV4 offers a range of engine options, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 203 horsepower, a 2.5-liter hybrid with 219 horsepower, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 250 horsepower. The GMC Acadia, on the other hand, comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 193 horsepower, a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower, and a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 310 horsepower.

In terms of fuel economy, the RAV4 hybrid shines with an impressive 41 mpg combined, while the base four-cylinder model offers 28 mpg combined. The Acadia’s 2.5-liter engine provides 23 mpg combined, while the V6 and turbocharged four-cylinder options deliver 21 mpg and 23 mpg combined, respectively.

Interior Space and Cargo Capacity

Both the RAV4 and Acadia offer spacious interiors with comfortable seating for up to five passengers in their base configurations. However, the Acadia has the edge in terms of overall interior volume, providing 128.7 cubic feet of passenger space compared to the RAV4’s 105.9 cubic feet.

Cargo capacity is another area where the Acadia excels, with 12.8 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats, 41.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and 79 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down. The RAV4 offers 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Safety Features

Both the Toyota RAV4 and GMC Acadia come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control. The RAV4 also offers Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes features such as lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

The Acadia, on the other hand, boasts the GMC Pro Safety Plus system, which includes similar features as Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ but also adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Technology and Connectivity

The RAV4 and Acadia both offer a user-friendly infotainment system with touchscreen displays. The RAV4’s system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, while the Acadia’s system adds wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In terms of advanced technology, the RAV4 offers features such as a head-up display, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a digital rearview mirror. The Acadia, on the other hand, comes with a Bose premium audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Off-Road Capabilities

While both the RAV4 and Acadia are primarily designed for on-road driving, they both offer some off-road capabilities. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models feature all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, hill descent control, and a multi-terrain select system.

The Acadia AT4 model also comes with all-wheel drive, a heavy-duty suspension, and a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing. However, the RAV4’s more aggressive off-road features give it a slight edge in this category.

Pricing and Trims

The Toyota RAV4 has a starting price of $27,975 for the base LE trim. The GMC Acadia, on the other hand, starts at $35,500 for the SLE trim. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels with varying features and options, allowing you to customize your vehicle to your specific needs and budget.

The Verdict: Which SUV is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between the Toyota RAV4 and GMC Acadia depends on your individual priorities and preferences. If fuel economy, interior space, and advanced technology are your top priorities, the RAV4 is an excellent choice. However, if you need more off-road capabilities, a larger interior, and a more powerful engine, the Acadia may be the better option.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. Which SUV has better fuel economy?

• The Toyota RAV4 hybrid offers the best fuel economy with 41 mpg combined.

2. Which SUV has more interior space?

• The GMC Acadia has more interior space with 128.7 cubic feet of passenger volume.

3. Which SUV has more advanced safety features?

• Both the RAV4 and Acadia offer comprehensive safety features, but the Acadia adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert to its Pro Safety Plus system.