2021 GMC Acadia vs. Its Competition

2021 GMC Acadia AT4
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

The Acadia has its work cut out for it against a host of competitive rivals.

The Acura MDX gets a new look for 2022, with fantastic style and more advanced performance options.

The latest Ford Explorer represents a much-needed reboot of its predecessor; it’s slick, but the related Lincoln Aviator is sleek, with a fabulous interior and a Range Rover-like look.

The best come last: Kia’s Telluride and Hyundai’s Palisade dazzle with spot-on specs, sophisticated style, and top-drawer warranty coverage; we named the Telluride our Best Car To Buy 2020.

2021 GMC Acadia AT42021 GMC Acadia
2022 Acura MDX Type S2022 Acura MDX
#6 in Luxury Large SUVs
Get Your Price		2021 Ford Explorer Timberline2021 Ford Explorer
2021 Hyundai Palisade2021 Hyundai Palisade
2021 Kia Telluride2021 Kia Telluride
2021 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring2021 Lincoln Aviator
Quick Specs
6.2
The 2021 GMC Acadia shines most brightly in turbo-4 spec, but rival three-row crossovers put out more lumens.
7.3
The 2022 Acura MDX wears its new flagship mantle with confidence, from its styling to its eager road manners.
7.0
The 2021 Ford Explorer is recognizable, but new. It should be on every family SUV shopper’s list.
7.3
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade builds a bridge to luxury with three rows of seats, big touchscreens, and quilted leather.
7.5
The 2021 Kia Telluride earns our Best Car To Buy nod with its excellent features, warranty, space, and style.
7.3
The 2021 Lincoln Aviator drops sensational style and space, but the Grand Touring plug-in’s a bit of a misfire.
MSRP From     
$29,800$48,000$32,925$32,675$32,190$51,570
Gas Mileage     
19 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy17 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy19 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy19 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy17 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Gas I4Premium Unleaded V-6Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded V-6Regular Unleaded V-6Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6
EPA Class     
2WD Sport Utility VehicleSmall SUV 2WDStandard SUV 2WDStandard SUV 2WDSmall SUV 2WDStandard SUV 2WD
Style Name     
FWD 4-Door SLFWDBase RWDSE FWDLX FWDStandard RWD
Drivetrain     
Front Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
777887
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
4 DoorSport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilityRWD
Transmission     
AutomaticAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2021 GMC Acadia vs. 2022 Acura MDX2021 GMC Acadia vs. 2021 Ford Explorer2021 GMC Acadia vs. 2021 Hyundai Palisade2021 GMC Acadia vs. 2021 Kia Telluride2021 GMC Acadia vs. 2021 Lincoln Aviator