2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2017 GMC Acadia
Posted on March 10, 2020
The mid-size SUV crossover segment is getting increasingly crowded, and it recently got even more crowded when the 2017 GMC Acadia joined the fray by dropping down to become a midsize from its previous designation as a full-size model. So let's see how it rates by comparing it to a long-term mid-size major contender in the shape of the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Styling
If there's one thing these two are certainly not lacking a large dose of, it's style. The thinner, more understated grille the Jeep adopted a couple of years ago hasn't met with universal approval, but it's a minor detail compared to the undeniable overall style and handsomeness we have on offer here. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a purposeful, sporty SUV that's thoroughly contemporary and hard to fault in the looks department. The new GMC Acadia is even sleeker and more stylish than it already was, but it's certainly not as instantly likeable or recognizable as the Grand Cherokee, so the Jeep takes the first round.
Engines
Depending on the trim level, you could find yourself presented with as many as three engine options to choose between with the Grand Cherokee. The standard engine for all but the SRT is a 295 horsepower, 3.6-litre V-6, with the optional engine in many cases being a 360 horsepower 5.7-litre V-8. There's also now a 240 horsepower 3.0-litre turbodiesel V-6, which also boasts a healthy 420 lb.-ft. of torque. Last but not least is the 6.4-litre Hemi V-8 monster in the SRT that develops 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. There are only two engine options for the Arcadia, which are a pretty small 193 horsepower, 2.5-litre four-cylinder, and a 3.6-litre V-6 producing a more worthwhile 310 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. The GMC isn't really in the same ballpark as the Jeep in this area.
Trim levels
Jeep usually spoils us for choice with the amount of variants of each model it offers, and the Grand Cherokee is no exception. The entry model is the Laredo, and from there the lineup goes upwards through Limited, Trailhawk, Overland and Summit models before the range concludes with the performance orientated SRT. There are five different versions of the new Acadia, which are the SLE1, SLE2, SLT1, SLT2 and the all-singing, all-dancing Denali. There's more choice in the Grand Cherokee family, and there's no answer to the SRT in the Acadia lineup, so this is another win for the Jeep.
Safety
There are plenty of standard safety features such as plenty of airbags, trailer-sway control, hill-descent control, hill-start assistance, active headrests and a rearview camera in the Grand Cherokee, but crash test results paint a less than stellar picture. The underpinnings of the Jeep are not as modern as the exterior might have you believe, so there are models out there in the market that are rated higher for safety. The Acadia is a brand new model so it scores very well for inherent safety, and as its safety features are at least a match for the Jeep this is a victory for the GMC.
Verdict
The Grand Cherokee isn't the very latest thing on the market, so you can find fault with it here and there if you really try. But it's still very much the benchmark in its class as it can be any type of SUV you want it to be. Whether you want an extremely capable off-roader, a scorching track monster or a standout family wagon, the Jeep has got it covered, and the Acadia can only watch some of that from the sidelines.
The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available now from Caledon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, so get in touch now for more information and to arrange a test drive in the crossover SUV that can do it all.