Durango v Acadia – Which SUV is the Winner?

According to Car and Driver, the 2016 Dodge Durango is the number one car in it’s class. It offers space, functionality and efficiency. One of the Durango’s close competitors is the GMC Acadia. Both the Durango and Acadia are three-row, seven-passenger SUVs. Check out how they compare and why the Durango is the number one SUV in it’s class.

The Durango is available in four trims and the Acadia is available in six trims and there are two engine options for each vehicle. The base engine on the Durango is a 3.6-liter V6 engine, and there is an optional upgraded 5.7-liter V8 engine available on the Durango R/T trim. The Acadia’s base engine is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, but a 3.6-liter V6 engine is standard or an available option on some Acadia trims. So, if you want fast, the Durango R/T is your best bet!

The towing capacities for both of these vehicles are completely different. Of course towing depends on AWD or FWD as well as the engine and trim that is in use. Regardless, if you are looking for an SUV to tow the Durango is for you. The Durango can tow between 6,200 and 7,000 lbs, while the Acadia only tows between 1,000 and 4,000 lbs.

Although these are both SUVs with very similar seating settings, they are very different when it comes to styling and features. The Durango has a very rugged look for a family car, giving buyers an option if they  looking for something bold for the family. Features displayed on the exterior of the SUV include 11 different color options, a full LED taillight, LED daytime running headlights, a split-crosshair grille with dark accents, and fold down roof racks.

The noticeable exterior features on the GMC Acadia include tinted windows, grille shutters, projector beam daytime running headlights, and 17-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in 17-inch all-season tires, and there is an available full-size spare tire.

Apart from the exterior, interior features of these vehicles are also different. Interior features of the Durango such as mesh and cloth upholstery in nine different color options, a leather wrapped steering wheel with technology control settings, and a 7-inch information display screen are all standard. The 8.4 UConnect system, leather seats, and heated second row seats are just some of the many additional add-ons and options (some of which come standard on higher level trims).

Dodge also has bragging rights because the Durango happens to be the most technologically advanced SUV in its class for under $30,500. The reason it is the most technologically advanced SUV is because of features such as a six-speaker audio system, a 5.0-inch touchscreen, voice command with bluetooth, a media hub with USB and AUX plug-ins, and a standard UConnect 5.0 system.

The interior features in the Acadia include a leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, compass display, cloth seats, and tri-zone climate control. The Acadia comes with technology features like a six-speaker audio system, 7-inch radio screen with IntelliLink, SiriusXM, and an in vehicle 4G LTE hotspot.

The prices of these vehicles are very close, the Durango starts at $29,995 and the Acadia pricing begins at $30,975. They both carry the same two warranties, a three year or 36,000 mile basic warranty and a five year or 60,000 miles powertrain warranty.

If you have been looking for a technologically advanced SUV which is attractive inside and out, and is fast and good looking, the Durango will be a perfect fit for you.  Check out our Dodge Durango inventory at University Dodge here.