Acadia vs CX-90
Brand preference aside, the Acadia and the CX-90 are close competitors, both pitched at three-row suv buyers. The Acadia wins more of the areas that we compared (3 of 5), and its most convincing lead is in space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Acadia wins
- Fuel Economy & Range CX-90 wins
- Space & Practicality Acadia wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Acadia wins
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Space & Practicality7.1
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance6.0
- Fuel Economy & Range9.6
- Space & Practicality2.9
- 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 45% more cargo space
On cargo (behind rear seats), the Acadia posts 23 cu ft against 15.9 cu ft for the CX-90, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. The Acadia’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
-
The Acadia has 48 hp more power
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 328 hp for the Acadia versus 280 hp for the CX-90. The Acadia’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Acadia has 30% more maximum cargo space
The CX-90 lists 75.2 cu ft; the Acadia comes in at 97.5 cu ft. That’s not a rounding error. The Acadia can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
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The CX-90 has better fuel economy
The CX-90 wins this narrowly, 25 mpg against 23 mpg, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The CX-90 has room for 8 seats
The CX-90 has a modest edge on seats: 8 seats against 7 seats for the Acadia. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Acadia | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 201.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 122.8 in |
Engine & Performance
Acadia leads
The engine & performance numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the Acadia. The Acadia stands out with 48 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Prioritize engine & performance, and the Acadia is where you should land.
Total system output
Acadia: 328 hp CX-90: 280 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Fuel Economy & Range
CX-90 leads
When it comes to fuel economy & range, the CX-90 is comfortably ahead. The CX-90 makes its case with better fuel economy. The CX-90 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. Anyone shopping mainly on fuel economy & range should start with the CX-90.
Fuel economy (combined)
Acadia: 23 mpg CX-90: 25 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
Acadia: 20 mpg CX-90: 24 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the CX-90 has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Acadia leads
No contest in space & practicality: the Acadia is the stronger of the two. The Acadia gives you 45% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. The CX-90 steps ahead thanks to room for 8 seats. If this section decides it for you, choose the Acadia.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Acadia: 23 cu ft CX-90: 15.9 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Cargo (seats folded)
Acadia: 97.5 cu ft CX-90: 75.2 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On off-road & towing, the Acadia and the CX-90 are effectively level. Treat off-road & towing as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Safety & Tech
Acadia leads
The safety & tech numbers lean toward the Acadia, not dramatically but consistently. The Acadia comes with a bigger 15 in touchscreen. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance. Net result: the Acadia leads this part of the comparison.
Largest touchscreen
Acadia: 15 in CX-90: 12.3 in The Acadia’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Acadia | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Mild hybrid |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 3.3L turbo inline-6 (48V mild hybrid) |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 280 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Acadia | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | 25 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | 24 mpg (winner) Best city economy |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 28 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Acadia | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft (winner) | 15.9 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 97.5 cu ft (winner) | 75.2 cu ft Least room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Acadia | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Acadia | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 15 in (winner) | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | GMC Pro Safety | Mazda i-Activsense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Acadia | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 201.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 122.8 in |
Price
| Spec | Acadia | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (23 cu ft vs 15.9 cu ft)
- you want more power (328 hp vs 280 hp)
- you want more room with the seats folded (97.5 cu ft vs 75.2 cu ft)
- you rely on navigation and phone mirroring on a larger display (15 in vs 12.3 in)
Choose the CX-90 if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (25 mpg vs 23 mpg)
- you need more seats (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you want better city fuel economy (24 mpg vs 20 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Acadia or the CX-90?
The Acadia makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you specifically want better fuel economy, where the CX-90 has the edge.
Executive Summary
Whenever GMC and Mazda go head to head, I learn something about what each one cares about, and the Acadia and the CX-90 are no exception. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is 45% more cargo space, and that goes to the Acadia. On top of that, the Acadia adds 48 hp more power. The CX-90’s strongest argument is better fuel economy.
The Acadia is built for people who weigh engine & performance heavily, and the CX-90 for people who weigh fuel economy & range.
My pick: the Acadia is the sensible default. Only one thing changes that: if you care more about better fuel economy than anything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.