GMC Acadia vs Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained the classic style of its predecessors while extending its length by over a foot. This model exuded a bold presence, especially with the High Altitude package that featured blacked-out elements and dark gray 21-inch wheels. The interior of the upper trims was impressive, with luxurious touches like black leather with gold stitching and matte-finish light walnut accents. Although not every material was top-tier, the overall feel was justified for its price range. The Grand Cherokee L's design combined quintessential Jeep elements with modern features, ensuring it looked both tough and upscale.

In contrast, the 2024 GMC Acadia grew significantly in size, with a more upright front end and broad grille that echoed GMC's larger SUVs. The styling emphasized its increased dimensions, with big wheel arches and quad exhaust tips inspired by the C8 Corvette. The Acadia offered various trims, each with unique styling features, such as the Denali's intricate grille detailing and the AT4's rugged elements. The interior was redesigned to accommodate larger screens and create a spacious feel, with a panoramic sunroof enhancing the light-filled cabin. However, the Denali's materials didn't quite match its luxe billing, while the AT4's interior felt more appropriate for its rugged persona.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's performance was hindered by its standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, which produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine was considered underwhelming for the SUV's size, and the sport mode did little to enhance its capabilities. An optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, delivering 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for better towing capacity and overall performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, especially with the air suspension, and its 4WD systems offered varying levels of off-road capability.

The 2024 GMC Acadia, on the other hand, was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous V6 and was more powerful, though its engine note was less refined. The Acadia's eight-speed automatic transmission and available AWD system, particularly in the AT4 trim, enhanced its performance. The AT4 also featured off-road-specific elements like a ride height lift and skid plates, though its off-road capabilities were limited compared to more rugged models. The Acadia's suspension tuning varied by wheel size, providing a comfortable ride despite some handling drawbacks.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered ample interior space, with its extended length providing more legroom for second-row passengers. The third row was best suited for children, while cargo space was generous, with up to 85 cubic feet available. The interior featured a range of controls and buttons, though some legibility issues were noted in the infotainment system. Overall, the Grand Cherokee L provided a spacious and functional cabin with plenty of storage options.

The 2024 GMC Acadia boasted a spacious interior with more headroom across all three rows compared to its competitors. It offered 23 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 97.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Acadia's design included an underfloor storage bin and a hands-free power liftgate for added convenience. While small-item storage was reasonable, some controls, like the headlights, were less intuitive.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, with Uconnect 5 providing a user-friendly interface. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the McIntosh sound system offered a premium audio experience. Advanced features like night vision and a passenger screen added to the tech appeal, though some legibility issues were noted.

The 2024 GMC Acadia came equipped with an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch touchscreen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system integrated Google apps for navigation and voice control, providing a familiar and intuitive experience. The Acadia also offered a 12-speaker Bose audio system, with an optional 16-speaker setup, and a logical layout for climate and vehicle controls.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and scored five stars in most NHTSA tests. It came standard with a range of safety features, including forward emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, with additional options like night vision available on higher trims.

The 2024 GMC Acadia's crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication. However, it offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features, such as forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The Acadia also introduced the Super Cruise driver-assist system as an option, allowing for hands-free driving on certain roads.