Acadia vs Ascent
The Acadia and the Ascent sit in the same three-row suv class, but GMC and Subaru don’t always agree on what matters most. On balance, the Acadia is the stronger package: it leads in 1 out of 4 areas, most clearly in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Acadia wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Ascent wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance4.3
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- 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 68 hp more power
When it comes to total system output, the Acadia wins comfortably with 328 hp against 260 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The Acadia has 49 lb-ft more torque
It’s a lopsided result (326 lb-ft for the Acadia, 277 lb-ft for the Ascent) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The Ascent has room for 8 seats
You may not notice this one every day, but the Ascent’s 8 seats is a step ahead of the Acadia’s 7 seats. The Ascent has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
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The Acadia has
For wheelbase, the figures are 120.9 in for the Acadia and 113.8 in for the Ascent. Treat it as a question of preference, not quality. A longer wheelbase often means more cabin space and a smoother ride on the highway.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Acadia | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 196.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 76 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 113.8 in |
Engine & Performance
Acadia leads
In the engine & performance category, the Acadia isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The Acadia pulls ahead with 68 hp more power. The Acadia’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. The engine & performance verdict goes to the Acadia.
Total system output
Acadia: 328 hp Ascent: 260 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Acadia: 326 lb-ft Ascent: 277 lb-ft The Acadia’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
On fuel economy & range, the Acadia and the Ascent are effectively level. Bottom line for fuel economy & range: it’s a wash.
Space & Practicality
Ascent leads
The Ascent has the slight upper hand on space & practicality. The Ascent answers with room for 8 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car. On space & practicality alone, the Ascent gets the nod.
Seats
Acadia: 7 seats Ascent: 8 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. For off-road & towing, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Safety & Tech
In the safety & tech section, the key entries are names rather than numbers, so compare what the Acadia and the Ascent list in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Acadia | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 2.4L turbo flat-4 |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 260 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft (winner) | 277 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Acadia | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 19.3 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Acadia | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| 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 | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 8.70 in |
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Acadia | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 15 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | GMC Pro Safety | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Acadia | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 196.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 76 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 113.8 in |
Price
| Spec | Acadia | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| 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 260 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (326 lb-ft vs 277 lb-ft of torque)
- you already know your way around GMC’s products
Choose the Ascent if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you prefer staying with Subaru
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Acadia or the Ascent?
We’d point most buyers to the Acadia. The main exception is if you’d trade the rest for room for 8 seats.
Executive Summary
Brand loyalty aside, I tried to judge the Acadia and the Ascent purely on what they offer. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is 68 hp more power, and that goes to the Acadia. Fairness check: the Ascent does come with room for 8 seats.
Your priorities do the choosing here: engine & performance points to the Acadia, space & practicality to the Ascent.
My pick: the Acadia. I’d only go for the Ascent if your top priority is room for 8 seats.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.