Acadia vs Santa Fe
Two makers, one class, one decision: the Acadia from GMC or the Santa Fe from Hyundai. Most of what matters is shared here; the differences are real but modest.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Acadia wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Acadia wins
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance5.5
- Off-road & Towing3.3
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
-
The Acadia has 51 hp more power
Not a close call. The Acadia lists 328 hp and the Santa Fe lists 277 hp. That’s a substantial gap. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Acadia has 1,500 lb more towing capacity
Among all the differences on this page, 5,000 lb against 3,500 lb is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the Acadia. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Acadia | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Acadia leads
On engine & performance, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the Acadia. The Acadia wins here with 51 hp more power. The Acadia’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. On engine & performance alone, the Acadia gets the nod.
Total system output
Acadia: 328 hp Santa Fe: 277 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Acadia leads
In this area the Acadia has a lead the Santa Fe can’t close. The Acadia brings 1,500 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the Acadia’s higher rating gives you more margin. Weighing only off-road & towing, the Acadia comes out ahead.
Max towing
Acadia: 5,000 lb Santa Fe: 3,500 lb Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Acadia | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 2.5L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 277 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Acadia | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Acadia | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 97.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Acadia | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb (winner) | 3,500 lb Lowest towing capacity |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Acadia | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 15 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | GMC Pro Safety | Hyundai SmartSense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Acadia | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Acadia | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $43,000 | N/A (not specified) |
“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.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Acadia if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (328 hp vs 277 hp)
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (5,000 lb vs 3,500 lb)
- you already know your way around GMC’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Acadia or the Santa Fe?
On the specs compared here, the Acadia makes more sense for most buyers; the Santa Fe doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the Acadia and the Santa Fe. I think the Acadia makes its strongest case with 51 hp more power. Another thing in the Acadia’s favor is 1,500 lb more towing capacity.
If your days lean on engine & performance, I’d pick the Acadia; if they lean on the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the Santa Fe.
My pick: the Acadia.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.