What's the Better Full-Sized SUV? The GMC Acadia vs Dodge Durango
Lisa Steuer McArdle
· 4 min read
Deciding which SUV to purchase can be pretty challenging, given the numerous car models in this classification.
Dodge
, which has produced historic cars down the years
, and GMC exemplify the rivalry in the market through their respective models, the Dodge Durango and GMC Acadia. The two SUVs make for comfortable rides and offer great space, but they also have distinctive features. Below is a detailed comparison of the Acadia vs. Durango.
Acadia vs. Durango: Which costs more?
The Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is the first consideration when determining the price of a car, while the destination charge or cost of transporting it from where it was built is another.
Perhaps it is no surprise that the Dodge brand,
which is ranked high on quality
, would have an SUV with a higher MSRP than the GMC Acadia, and that it also has a higher destination charge.However, Durango has a superior resale value than the GMC Acadia. According to
Asbury Automotive Group
, the former retains 47.45% to 50.91% of its initial price after five years compared to the latter's 39.37% to 43.59% in the same period. The GMC also costs $2,094 to $5,429 more in maintenance than the Durango. Acadia vs. Durango: Safety and technology
The Durango has whiplash protection in the form of standard active head restraints that are equipped with headrests that move forward during rear-end collisions to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Acadia does not have such a provision, leaving the driver and passengers susceptible to whiplash injuries.
However, both models have the customary frontal, front side impact, driver knee, and side-impact head airbags meant to cushion passengers against the impact resulting from accidents.
Four-wheel antilock brakes, seatbelt pretensioners, shoulder belts, and traction control also all feature in both vehicles, as do electronic stability systems that prevent skidding. Both SUVs are also equipped with rear view cameras, daytime running lights, and plastic fuel tanks.
The Dodge Durango also has some ergonomic advantages over the Acadia, such as an oil pressure gauge that indicates the PSI, protecting your engine against damage resulting from too high or low oil pressure.
It also has a temperature gauge that shows the temperature of the coolant, helping you note when the engine is too cold or when it is overheating. The GMC Acadia has neither of these devices.
A locking fuel door is also a useful protective feature in a car as it prevents fuel theft and vandalism. The Durango has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release conveniently accessible to the driver. The Acadia does not come with a locking fuel door.
Acadia vs. Durango: Fuel economy
The GMC Acadia is more fuel-efficient than the Dodge Durango, recording up to a combined 24 mpg according to
Coleman Motors
. The Durango consumes more fuel for a combined 21 mpg, which is not that bad given its powerful engine.The Dodge Durango engine control system economizes on fuel by shutting down some of its engine cylinders, while its V8 engine can utilize regular unleaded gasoline, which costs less than the premium gasoline required for the 2.0 turbo engine in the GMC Acadia.
According to
Pine Belt
, Durango's higher fuel capacity is advantageous, as it makes for fewer refueling stops. When choosing the model that offers the best value, the Durango Dodge comes out on top on many aspects such as safety, and more perks in terms of ergonomics. Although the Durango has a higher price tag, it is cheaper in maintenance and has a higher resale value. On the other hand, the GMC is more pocket friendly when considering the initial price, and is also more fuel-efficient.
Sign up with Jerry and pick the best insurance for your SUV.
