Durango vs Acadia
For three-row suv shoppers, the Durango from Dodge and the Acadia from GMC are two of the obvious candidates. The scorecard favors the Durango, which leads in 2 of 3 areas. Its strongest showing is in the engine & performance category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Durango wins
- Space & Practicality Acadia wins
- Off-road & Towing Durango wins
- Price Durango wins
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Space & Practicality2.0
- Off-road & Towing10.0
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Space & Practicality7.1
- Off-road & Towing5.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Acadia has 34% more cargo space
Few buyers will miss this one. The Acadia brings 23 cu ft to the table; the Durango brings 17.2 cu ft. The Acadia’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
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The Durango has 3,700 lb more towing capacity
When it comes to max towing, the Durango wins comfortably with 8,700 lb against 5,000 lb. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
-
The Durango has 64 lb-ft more torque
It’s a lopsided result (390 lb-ft for the Durango, 326 lb-ft for the Acadia) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The Durango has 32 hp more power
The difference is minor (360 hp against 328 hp), but if you’re splitting hairs, the Durango wins it. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The Acadia has 15% more maximum cargo space
The Durango comes close with 85.1 cu ft; the Acadia does slightly better with 97.5 cu ft. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Durango | Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 71.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 119.8 in | 120.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Durango leads
The engine & performance comparison is one-sided. The Durango leads where it counts. Here the Durango offers 64 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. On engine & performance alone, the Durango gets the nod.
Torque
Durango: 390 lb-ft Acadia: 326 lb-ft The Durango’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Total system output
Durango: 360 hp Acadia: 328 hp The Durango’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Space & Practicality
Acadia leads
The Acadia clearly takes the space & practicality round. In its favor, the Acadia has 34% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. Bottom line for space & practicality: the Acadia has the edge.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Durango: 17.2 cu ft Acadia: 23 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Cargo (seats folded)
Durango: 85.1 cu ft Acadia: 97.5 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Off-road & Towing
Durango leads
This section belongs to the Durango. In off-road & towing, it leads the Acadia by a margin that’s hard to ignore. On its side, the Durango has 3,700 lb more towing capacity. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at. If this section decides it for you, choose the Durango.
Max towing
Durango: 8,700 lb Acadia: 5,000 lb If you tow regularly, the Durango’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the safety & tech details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Durango | Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 5.7L V8 (HEMI) | 2.5L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 360 hp (winner) Most powerful in class | 328 hp |
| Torque | 390 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class | 326 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Durango | Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 23 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 27 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Durango | Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 17.2 cu ft | 23 cu ft (winner) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 85.1 cu ft | 97.5 cu ft (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Durango | Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 8,700 lb (winner) Best towing in class | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Durango | Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 15 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | GMC Pro Safety |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Durango | Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 71.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 119.8 in | 120.9 in |
Price
| Spec | Durango | Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $42,495 | $43,000 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Price barely moves the needle here: the Acadia launched $505 higher. If value matters, the Durango makes a strong case: it saves $505 and wins more of the comparison.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of June 2025. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Durango if…
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (8,700 lb vs 5,000 lb)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (390 lb-ft vs 326 lb-ft of torque)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (360 hp vs 328 hp)
- you’re working to a firm budget and $505 matters
Choose the Acadia if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (23 cu ft vs 17.2 cu ft)
- you want more room with the seats folded (97.5 cu ft vs 85.1 cu ft)
- you’re comfortable with how GMC does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Durango or the Acadia?
We’d point most buyers to the Durango. The main exception is if what you want most is 34% more cargo space.
Which costs less, the Durango or the Acadia?
The Acadia launched at $505 more than the Durango, based on prices as of June 2025.
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: Dodge’s Durango against GMC’s Acadia. The Durango wins me over with 3,700 lb more towing capacity. And if that weren’t enough, the Durango has 64 lb-ft more torque. The Acadia isn’t without merit: 34% more cargo space is a real advantage.
The Durango makes sense for anyone who values engine & performance; the Acadia for anyone who values space & practicality.
My pick: the Durango, though the Acadia makes sense if you need 34% more cargo space, which only the Acadia offers.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.