Acadia vs EV9
In the three-row suv class, the Acadia and the EV9 are natural rivals. On the overall scorecard, the Acadia is ahead: 3 of 4 areas, with engine & performance doing the heavy lifting.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Acadia wins
- Space & Practicality Acadia wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Acadia wins
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Space & Practicality7.1
- Engine & Performance2.3
- Space & Practicality3.4
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 113 hp more power
If total system output is one of your priorities, this settles it: the Acadia leads clearly with 328 hp to the EV9’s 215 hp. The Acadia’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Acadia has 68 lb-ft more torque
The numbers aren’t close. The Acadia lists 326 lb-ft for torque, while the EV9 lists 258 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Acadia has 19% more maximum cargo space
A clear win for the Acadia: 97.5 cu ft against 81.7 cu ft. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
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The Acadia has 14% more cargo space
The Acadia is slightly stronger on cargo (behind rear seats). The gap, 23 cu ft versus 20.2 cu ft, won’t change your life, but it isn’t nothing. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
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The Acadia has a bigger 15 in touchscreen
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the Acadia: 15 in against 12.3 in. The Acadia’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Acadia | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 197.4 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 69.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 122 in |
Engine & Performance
Acadia leads
The engine & performance numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the Acadia. The Acadia steps ahead thanks to 113 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. For engine & performance, the Acadia is the one to beat.
Total system output
Acadia: 328 hp EV9: 215 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Acadia: 326 lb-ft EV9: 258 lb-ft The Acadia’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
Acadia leads
Here the Acadia opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. On its side, the Acadia has 19% more maximum cargo space. The Acadia can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads. That makes the Acadia the natural choice for buyers focused on space & practicality.
Cargo (seats folded)
Acadia: 97.5 cu ft EV9: 81.7 cu ft Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Acadia: 23 cu ft EV9: 20.2 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. Don’t let off-road & towing decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Safety & Tech
Acadia leads
The Acadia does a little better in the safety & tech section, though nothing here is a deal-breaker for the EV9. The Acadia delivers a bigger 15 in touchscreen. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read. The takeaway: on safety & tech, the Acadia is the stronger car.
Largest touchscreen
Acadia: 15 in EV9: 12.3 in A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Acadia | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | Single motor (rear) |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 215 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft (winner) | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Acadia | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 230 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Acadia | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft (winner) | 20.2 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 97.5 cu ft (winner) | 81.7 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Acadia | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Acadia | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 15 in (winner) | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | GMC Pro Safety | Kia Drive Wise |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Acadia | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 197.4 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 69.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 122 in |
Price
| Spec | Acadia | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 215 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (326 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more room with the seats folded (97.5 cu ft vs 81.7 cu ft)
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (23 cu ft vs 20.2 cu ft)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Acadia or the EV9?
On the specs compared here, the Acadia makes more sense for most buyers; the EV9 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Two companies, two answers to the same question. That’s how I see the Acadia from GMC and the EV9 from Kia. The single spec I’d point a friend to is this: the Acadia has 113 hp more power. Then there’s 19% more maximum cargo space, another point for the Acadia.
I’d match them like this: engine & performance to the Acadia, the things a spec sheet can’t capture to the EV9.
My pick: the Acadia.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.